The Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai are two of the brand's most popular SUV offerings in the UK. The X-Trail is the larger seven-seat option, while the Qashqai is a more compact five-seat crossover. Both provide a raised driving position and versatile load space, but there are some key differences that may sway buyers one way or the other.
The X-Trail arrived in its latest generation in 2022, majoring on interior versatility with the option of five or seven seats. Like the Qasqhai, it is available with Nissan's innovative e-Power hybrid system, with a petrol engine acting as a generator for the electric motors that drive the wheels. Speaking of the Qashqai, it has been a sales success for Nissan over many years, blending crossover styling with family hatchback dimensions and efficient engines. The current version was launched in 2021 and received a facelift in 2024, bringing updated styling and new tech.
Nissan X-Trail vs Nissan Qashqai
Practicality
The Nissan X-Trail has a clear advantage when it comes to outright practicality and versatility. As a seven-seater, it offers the option of a third row of seats for occasional use - handy for growing families. Even with five seats in place, the X-Trail provides a capacious 575-litre boot which is considerably larger than the Qashqai's 504 litres.
That said, the Qashqai is still a very practical family car in its own right. There's ample space for rear passengers, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats enhance load-lugging ability. A variable-height boot floor allows you to divide up the space too. It just can't match the X-Trail's outright roominess and flexibility.
If you need maximum passenger space and cargo capacity, the X-Trail is the more practical pick. But if it's just a couple of adults and kids, the Qashqai may have all the room you need. It has a slight edge in terms of driving ergonomics and visibility too.
Driving Impressions
Both the X-Trail and Qashqai are set up primarily for comfort over outright driving thrills, which is exactly what you want from a family SUV. The e-Power hybrid system takes some getting used to, with its electric motors providing instant torque for smooth acceleration. There's little noise from the petrol engine generator, making for a relaxed driving experience, and its softly-sprung ride is particularly impressive on rough roads.
The Qashqai is offered with a more conventional powertrain - a mild hybrid 1.3-litre turbo petrol - as well as the e-Power full hybrid system. Performance in both is adequate rather than sparkling, but it has a nice blend of comfort and body control that makes it easy to drive. Wind and road noise are well suppressed too.
The X-Trail's petrol engine offering is a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit with mild hybrid assistance, and it does a similarly competentant job as the 1.3 petrol in the Qashqai. Not outright fast, then, but perfectly respectable on the performance front. We'd say it's worth opting for the e-Power model instead.
While the Qashqai is the slightly sharper drive, the X-Trail just about has the edge for overall refinement. Go for the e-Power version of either model and you'll get a distinct electric-like driving feel, with decent acceleration and very little engine noise.
Technology and Equipment
Nissan has equipped both the X-Trail and Qashqai very generously with technology and equipment, even on lower trim levels. All X-Trails get LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring as standard. Higher grades add luxuries like a head-up display, wireless charging and premium audio.
The Qashqai's infotainment system received an upgrade for 2024, with a sharper 12.3-inch touchscreen across the range. It's user-friendly, if not quite as slick as rival set-ups. Standard kit is good too, with even entry-level Acenta Premium models getting dual-zone climate control and a surround-view camera.
While the X-Trail pips the Qashqai for outright equipment levels, it's really a case of six of one and half a dozen of the other. Both are very well equipped family cars that keep up with the latest in-car tech and convenience features.
Running Costs
On list pricing, as the smaller of the two vehicles, the Qashqai unsurprisingly has an advantage. That said, the X-Trail is expected to hold its value better, which will offset some of the initial cost premium over the longer term.
Official fuel economy is similar for both at around 45mpg, though real-world returns may be slightly lower. Services are needed annually, or every 9,000 miles in the case of e-Power models.
It's worth considering the benefit-in-kind tax costs if you're a company car driver. The e-Power hybrid system will be cheaper than the conventional petrol model - though a plug-in hybrid from one of Nissan's rivals may be better still.
Overall, there's not a huge amount in it for private buyers. But fleet drivers may want to factor in the potential tax benefits of the electrified e-Power powertrain in either model.
Reliability
Nissan's reliability record is a bit mixed. It ranked 28th out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, and we'd prefer to see Nissan extend its standard warranty from the bog-standard three years and 60,000 miles to something that is more of a match for Hyundai or Kia.
Reliability data for the current generation of Qashqai placed it 14th out of the 33 models in the family SUV class of the same What Car? survey. This is an improvement over the previous model which was down in 21st. At the time of writing, there is very little data available for the latest X-Trail.
Verdict
Choosing between the Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai really comes down to your needs in terms of practicality and space. If you need the flexibility of seven seats and a huge boot, the X-Trail is the obvious pick here.
However, if you don't need that third row of seats, the Qashqai is the more affordable option that still provides ample family space. It's slightly more agile to drive too. The latest infotainment tech and generous equipment make it a well-rounded package.
In either model, Nissan's clever e-Power hybrid system is well worth considering for its smoothness and refinement.
