Kia Sportage vs. Nissan Qashqai: Know the Difference Between Them Before Choosing

It’s time for a battle of the best-midsized SUVs – the Kia Sportage vs. Nissan Qashqai, two true pioneers in the SUV game. These two are like the savvy, budget-friendly picks that pack a punch without the hefty price tag of luxury brands like Range Rover.

Read our in-depth comparison, where we’ll break down the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai to help you find out which one takes the crown.

History and Evolution

The Kia Sportage debuted in 1993 as a compact SUV with a basic design and off-road focus, targeted at budget-conscious buyers. As it moved through its generations, the Sportage evolved into a more refined, stylish, and tech-packed SUV, now offering options like hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It’s now in its 5th generation.

The Nissan Qashqai arrived in 2007 and marked the brand’s entry into the compact crossover market. Initially, it was offered as a blend of hatchback comfort with SUV-like versatility. Now in its third generation, the Qashqai quickly became popular for its practicality and modern design.

Exterior Design and Styling

Sportage

When comparing the Kia Sportage vs. Nissan Qashqai in terms of exterior, the Sportage appears bolder. The front features unique “boomerang” headlights and a wide grille, which make it hard to miss. Towards the back, things smooth out with a clean, full-width light bar.

Qashqai

The Qashqai takes a more subtle approach. Its slim LED headlights and smaller grille create a sleek, polished look. Bold creases along the sides add some character, and the narrow rear lights and silver trim on higher-spec models bring in a bit of flair.

Pricing

The cars are not too differently priced, but one is a bit steeper. The 2016 Nissan Qashqai is priced from £7,995, and the 2016 Kia Sportage starts at £10,480. Of course, specific examples on the used market will vary in price, so make sure to check Carplus.

Both vehicles are available for purchase on finance through our platform, with attractive APR rates, fast quotes, and affordable pricing options to suit a range of budgets.

Interior and Technology

Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai has a solid, easy-to-use interior. The entry-level model, Visia, doesn’t have a central touchscreen, so it’s better to go for a mid-spec or higher trims. These come with an 8-inch screen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the top models offer a 12.3-inch display. The graphics aren’t the sharpest, and some menus can be a bit tricky to navigate, but overall, it’s a reliable system.

Sportage

The Kia Sportage features a more premium feel inside, with high-quality materials and a well-finished design. From mid-range models up, it has two 12.3-inch screens — one for the infotainment system and one for the driver’s display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the touch-sensitive climate controls can be harder to use than the Qashqai’s physical buttons.

Driving Experience and Performance

Let’s be real; you’re not buying a Qashqai or Sportage for a thrilling driving experience. They’re both great to drive for an SUV but don’t expect to be racing through country roads anytime soon.

The Qashqai absorbs rough roads with minimal disruption and offers a well-balanced experience without being too soft. The Sportage is just as easy to drive; for some, it feels slightly better overall. You sit high up, and the car feels solid and stable on the road.

Engine Options

The original Sportage engine options included a 114hp 1.7-litre diesel, a 2.0-litre diesel, and petrol engines with 128hp and 174hp. After the 2018 facelift, the 1.7-litre diesel (all-wheel-drive) was replaced with a 1.6-litre, and mild-hybrid tech was added in 2019.

The original Qashqai engine range included 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre diesels, plus 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrols. The 2017 facelift introduced a new engine line-up — a 138hp 1.3-litre petrol (with a 158hp front-wheel-drive version) and a 113hp 1.5-litre diesel. In 2019, Nissan added a 140hp 1.7-litre diesel.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Kia Sportage offers great fuel economy — the hybrid model gets 40-45mpg, the petrol model gets around 35-40mpg, and the diesel reaches 53-54mpg. The PHEV variant also gives an electric-only range of up to 43 miles.

The Nissan Qashqai achieves about 44mpg in official tests, with real-world driving giving around 35mpg. The E-Power model is a bit more efficient but still falls short of its official 53.3mpg rating.

Emissions for both cars are in a similar range, between 129g/km and 177g/km, depending on the year and engine choice.

Boot Space and Practicality

The space in the Sportage is impressive. Its 591-litre boot is one of the largest in its class, just behind the Hyundai Tucson. Inside, there’s plenty of room for passengers, and the clever storage options make it even more practical. Plus, the driver’s seat can be adjusted in many ways.

The Nissan Qashqai’s boot is smaller at 503 litres, but that still provides lots of room for luggage. The back seats offer plenty of space, too.

Safety and Reliability

Both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai earned five stars in their Euro NCAP safety tests, so you can trust them to keep you safe in case of an accident.

In terms of reliability, both cars are still fairly new, so there haven’t been any major issues. For extra peace of mind, the Sportage comes with Kia’s seven-year warranty, and the Qashqai offers a three-year one.

Dimensions

The cars are of similar dimensions, with the Sportage being longer and the Qashqai having a marginally wider stance. Here are the details:

Nissan Qashqai:

• Length: 4,425 mm
• Width: 1,835 mm
• Height: 1,625 mm

Kia Sportage:

• Length: 4,515 mm
• Width: 1,865 mm
• Height: 1,645 mm

Who Is the Kia Sportage for?

The Kia Sportage is for buyers who want a spacious, well-rounded SUV and are willing to spend a bit more. Think of it as a practical vehicle for daily life with a touch of premium appeal.

Who Is the Nissan Qashqai for?

The Nissan Qashqai is ideal for buyers looking for a more compact, affordable SUV that delivers reliable performance.

Nissan Qashqai vs. Kia Sportage Verdict: Which SUV Should You Choose?

By now, you’ve likely decided which SUV is the best fit for you, but if you’re still on the fence, here’s a quick summary to help you out. Both the Sportage and the Qashqai are fantastic choices, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. They’re both excellent family cars that get the job done.

That said, the Kia Sportage pulls ahead with its spacious interior and top-notch cabin. It’s also the only one here that offers a plug-in hybrid option, which is a huge plus if you’re looking for something company car friendly.

The Nissan Qashqai, however, brings comfort and a more budget-friendly price tag to the table. But when it comes to the overall package, the Kia Sportage edges it today.