Nissan Qashqai vs Kia Sportage: used car comparison

The Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage are among the most popular family SUVs in the UK. But how do they relate to each other? Here's our guide to the Qashqai and Sportage, which will take a look at how they stack up in key areas.

Interior and technology

The version of the Nissan Qashqai we're reviewing went on sale in 2014 and was updated with new tech and styling in 2017 (an all-new version went on sale in spring 2021). The Kia Sportage is a more recent car - it went on sale in 2016 and was updated in 2019. 

Both cars have comfortable interiors, although Nissan's black and gray color scheme may seem a bit bleak and its dashboard isn't as intuitive as the Kia's. The Sportage has a simpler layout with fewer buttons and a more responsive touchscreen. 

Everything you touch and use regularly in both machines feels solid and well-made, although neither has the premium look and feel of rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan. Both the Qashqai and the Sportage have soft, supportive, and comfortable seats front and rear, and both are a pleasure to travel in, with little to no outside or engine noise penetrating the cabin.

Nissan and Kia, again, are very similar in terms of standard equipment. Both are available in many trim levels with different equipment packages, but even the most economical version of each comes with air conditioning, cruise control, DAB radio and smartphone connectivity. High-spec versions have sat-nav, heated leather seats and a panoramic sunroof.

Luggage compartment and practicality

Both cars give you more trunk space than most family hatchbacks and easily fit three large suitcases. The Sportage's 491-liter displacement is 61 liters more than the Qashqai, though the latest mild-hybrid Sportage models only have a 9-liter space advantage. 

The differences between Qashqai and Sportage become more apparent inside. Both have enough room for five adults, but the Sportage's extra length, width and height over the Qashqai means there's significantly more passenger space, especially in the rear seats. The Qashqai has more than enough room for kids, even in bulky child seats, but behind the Sportage, they'll feel less enclosed.

Keep in mind that sunroof models may have a nice light interior, but they actually have less headroom in the back seat, which can be a problem if you regularly carry taller passengers.

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What is the best way to ride?

Both the Qashqai and Sportage are very easy to drive, but the Nissan feels lighter and more responsive from behind the wheel. This makes it easier to get around town, and its slightly smaller size also makes it easier to park. Front and rear parking sensors are available for both vehicles, and high-performance models are equipped with cameras to make maneuvering even easier.

Both cars feel solid and confident on the road, though not as much fun as some rivals. These are great family cars that encourage a more relaxed pace, and each rides smoothly, even on bumpy roads, so they're always very comfortable. 

You can choose from a range of petrol and diesel engines for both vehicles, and in all cases they provide good acceleration. More powerful diesel engines are a better option if you regularly do long trips, but the 1.3 DiG-T petrol engine available for the Qashqai strikes a really good balance of performance and economy as well. In general, Nissan engines run smoother and quieter than Kia's.

Automatic transmissions are available with select Qashqai and Sportage engines and are standard on top models. All-wheel drive is also available with the most powerful Qashqai and Sportage engines. No vehicle has the same off-road capabilities as a Land Rover, but all-wheel-drive models feel more confident when driving in bad weather or on muddy back roads. Diesel all-wheel drive versions of each car are great for towing, with a maximum towing weight of 2000kg for Qashqai models and 2200kg for Sportage models.

What is cheaper to own?

Qashqai is more economical than Sportage. Gasoline Qashqai models get 40 to 50 mpg and diesel models 40 to over 70 mpg, according to official figures. In contrast, Sportage petrol models get 31 to 44 mpg, while diesel models get 39 to 57 mpg.

In 2017, the way fuel economy is checked has changed, with procedures now much more stringent. This means that official figures for vehicles with the same engine can vary greatly depending on their age and when they were tested.

Safety and reliability

The Euro NCAP safety organization has given the Qashqai and Sportage a full five-star safety rating. Both have a lot of driver safety equipment, though the Qashqai has the edge.

Nissan and Kia have an excellent reputation for reliability and both scored highly in the latest JD Power UK vehicle reliability survey, where Nissan ranked 4th and Kia 7th out of 24 brands. The Qashqai comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile new car warranty, while the Sportage is covered by Kia's unrivaled seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

dimensions

Nissan Qashqai

Length: 4394mm

Width: 1806mm (without rear view mirrors)

Height: 1590mm

Luggage compartment: 430 liters

Kia Sportage

Length: 4485mm

Width: 1855mm (without rear view mirrors)

Height: 1635mm

Luggage compartment: 491 liters

Verdict

The Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are great family cars and it's easy to see why they're so popular. Each one is comfortable, practical, good value for money and packed with useful features. But we need to pick a winner - and that's the Kia Sportage. While the Qashqai is better to drive and cheaper to run, the Sportage is more practical and comfortable to use. It's easier to live with every day, and it's really important in a family car.

You will find a wide selection of high quality used Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage vehicles for sale on Cazoo. Find the right one for you, then buy online and have it delivered to your door, or choose to pick it up from your nearest Cazoo customer service center.

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