The arrival of the third-generation Kia Sportage in 2005 truly propelled the Korean brand to prominence. Fast forward to today, and the Sportage has gone from strength to strength, to the point that the current fifth-generation model is one of the UK's bestselling cars. It shares its platform with the Hyundai Tucson, but boasts a distinctive design that's anything but subtle.
In this comparison it goes up against another of the UK's bestselling cars: the Nissan Qashqai. This mid-sized family SUV has been a dominant force in the family car market since its inception in 2006. Often credited with pioneering the 'crossover' genre, the Qashqai blends the convenience and affordability of a family hatchback with the rugged appeal of an SUV. Over the years, it has evolved, becoming larger and more SUV-like.
In this review, we'll explore how CarGurus experts rate both of these cars for practicality, driving dynamics, technology, running costs, and more.
Kia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai
Practicality
CarGurus experts rate the latest Kia Sportage with an impressive 4 out of 5 stars for practicality. This fifth-generation model offers more luggage space and room for passengers than any of its predecessors. Boot capacity varies depending on the powertrain, ranging from 591 litres in the front-wheel-drive petrol manual version to 526 litres in diesel all-wheel-drive models. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom, and the rear seats feature a 40:20:40 split-fold configuration for added versatility. Top-spec models come equipped with a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall comfort.
The Nissan Qashqai also scores 4 out of 5 stars for practicality. It offers plenty of legroom and headroom for rear passengers, although like the Sportage it lacks sliding seats for extra versatility. The seats fold flat in a 60/40 split, and with the variable-height boot floor in its highest position you get a completely flat floor when the rear seats are down. With the seats in place the Qashqai offers a 504-litre boot, which although generous by most standards can't match the Sportage.
Driving Impressions
CarGurus experts give the Kia Sportage 4 out of 5 stars for its driving dynamics. The full hybrid model is the most popular with UK buyers. It delivers a seamless switch between EV and petrol running, along with good performance, with a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds. Kia also offers a 1.6-litre petrol engine with or without mild hybrid assistance, and a full plug-in hybrid model. The Sportage offers a balanced blend of comfort and engagement on the road. On 18-inch alloy wheels, the ride might feel slightly unsettled on rough roads at low speeds but smooths out as you reach higher speeds. The steering boasts a meaty weight, adding to the substantial feel of driving this generation of Kia's SUV. The Sportage handles corners adeptly with minimal fuss and offers high levels of refinement, making it an excellent family SUV and a comfortable choice for motorway driving.
CarGurus experts rate the Nissan Qashqai with 3 out of 5 stars for its driving experience. The third-generation Qashqai lineup does not include diesel engines. Instead, it offers a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine with 138bhp or 156bhp, and in 2022, Nissan introduced the Qashqai E-Power model, a full-hybrid version. The mild-hybrid petrol engine delivers adequate performance, although it requires higher revs for optimal response. In contrast, the E-Power model offers a smoother and more effortless drive, with the immediate thrust of the electric motor. The steering is light but direct, offering confidence on faster roads, and the ride is comfortable for both drivers and passengers.
Technology and Equipment
Kia doesn't hold back when it comes to technology and equipment. The new Sportage features twin 12.3-inch curved screens for infotainment and digital dials, standard in all but the '2' and 'GT-Line' trims. The larger screens impress with ultra-sharp graphics and configurable displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included across all models. Other tech highlights include automatic LED lights and wipers, electrically folding door mirrors, and a range of active safety systems like lane-keeping assist and forward collision avoidance. The Sportage is among the best in its class for standard equipment and technology, which is reflected in a five out of five star rating from our experts.
The Nissan Qashqai's technology and equipment are competitive but not as advanced as the Kia Sportage. It offers a colour touchscreen, with lower trims featuring an 8.0-inch screen, while higher trims get a 9.0-inch version. The graphics, while slightly grainy compared to rivals, are easy to use and provide essential features. Unfortunately, entry-level Visia trim does not include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the E-Power model boasts a brand-new infotainment system with sharper graphics and less lag, resembling the latest BMW iDrive system. While the Qashqai's tech is good, it doesn't quite match the Sportage's level of sophistication, and earns a four out of five star rating.
Running Costs
CarGurus experts rate the Kia Sportage with 4 out of 5 stars for running costs. The self-charging hybrid variant with front-wheel drive achieves between 40-45mpg in typical driving conditions, making it a fuel-efficient choice. The standard 1.6-litre petrol model with a manual gearbox delivers a similar fuel economy range. If you opt for the 1.6-litre petrol engine with automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, the average fuel economy hovers between 35 and 40mpg. Kia also offers a diesel engine option, which is estimated to return around 53-54mpg. The plug-in hybrid version offers an electric only range of up to 43 miles, making it attractive for company car drivers.
CarGurus experts give the Nissan Qashqai an identical 4 out of 5 stars for running costs. The Qashqai offers competitive pricing, and it's expected to hold its value well over time. Monthly finance costs generally align with rivals. Fuel economy on the Qashqai is acceptable, with most models achieving around 44mpg officially. During our test drive, we achieved around 35mpg despite some relaxed motorway driving. The E-Power model performs slightly better, although it still falls short of the official 53.3mpg rating.
Reliability
Kia has a strong track record for producing robust vehicles. The outgoing Sportage ranked 10th in its class in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey. Additionally, Kia offers a reassuring seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, providing peace of mind for Sportage owners.
Nissan's reliability is a bit mixed. In the 2022 What Car? Used Car Reliability Survey, Nissan ranked 25th out of 32 manufacturers, and the Qashqai finished 28th and 30th (for petrol and diesel models respectively) out of the 39 cars in its class. It's important to note, however, that these models were the previous generation of Qashqai, and that data for this latest version is limited. The Qashqai's warranty is no match for Kia's, with a standard three-year and 60,000-mile offering.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai earn overall ratings of four out of five stars, and both are highly recommendable family SUVs.
The fifth-generation Kia Sportage stands out with its bold design, tech-first interior, practicality, and an extensive range of powertrains. It strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling, making it a well-rounded family SUV. With Kia's seven-year warranty, it's a leading contender in the family SUV segment.
The 2021-2023 Nissan Qashqai impresses with its style and tech features. While it offers practicality and a comfortable ride, it lags slightly in terms of technology compared to the Sportage, and doesn't offer the same warranty coverage either. For that reason, while these are both very good cars, the Sportage is the winner of this comparison.
Choose Kia Sportage if:
- You value a striking design with a tech-first interior.
- Practicality and an extensive range of powertrains are essential to you.
- You prioritise a well-rounded family SUV with an good balance of ride comfort and handling.
Search for a 2022-2023 Kia Sportage on CarGurus
Choose a Nissan Qashqai if:
- You're looking for a stylish family SUV with competitive pricing.
- Comfort and a spacious interior are priorities.
- You like the sound of Nissan's unconventional E-Power hybrid powertrain.
Search for a 2021-2023 Nissan Qashqai on CarGurus