Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai has proved to be one of the most popular family SUVs among UK car buyers, thanks to a combination of efficient engines, a comfortable ride and a well-built interior. The Renault Kadjar shares many components with the Nissan, so how do these SUVs differ? Read our side-by-side comparison to find out which one you should buy.

If you’ve decided one of these SUVs will make your perfect new car, make sure you visit our Nissan Qashqai deals page and Renault Kadjar deals page for all the latest offers.

Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai styling

The Renault Kadjar features a softly curvaceous exterior, more akin to a small hatchback than a larger SUV. Black trim pieces in the doors and exaggerated wheel arch details reduce the visual height of the Renault, making it appear less blocky than the similarly-sized Nissan.

The Nissan Qashqai sports a sharply styled body that manages to cloak a spacious interior without looking bulky or top-heavy. A lack of fiddly details or oversized features lends the Nissan an air of smart sophistication.

If you’re after a simpler, more understated vehicle then the Nissan may be your best bet, but if you prefer your car to stand out in a crowd, the Renault could suit you better.

Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai interior

The Renault Kadjar’s interior is pretty similar to the Qashqai’s, and it’s equally well built. Expensive-feeling soft-touch plastics adorn a dashboard fitted with an infotainment system and seven-inch display. A panoramic sunroof can be fitted to let more light into the cabin, but it reduces headroom for anyone sitting in the back.

The Nissan Qashqai has been praised for its very well-built and fairly spacious interior that includes the same touchscreen system as the Kadjar. All the main car controls are easy to find and use, although outward visibility is limited by thick rear pillars that can make parking more difficult.

The Renault features a boot 32 litres larger than the Nissan, but fold the rear seats down and the Qashqai’s 1,585 litre load-bay overshadows the 1,478 litres available in the Kadjar. Although the Nissan offers the greatest maximum interior space, if you regularly travel with passengers and luggage, the Renault could be the better choice.

Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai driving

The Kadjar is as capable as the Nissan when it comes to dealing with rough roads, providing you avoid the larger 19-inch alloy wheels (they firm the ride up a bit too much for comfort), and it feels equally at home in the city as on muddy country lanes.

Many reviewers agree that the best aspect of driving the Qashqai is the brilliant ride quality. Thanks to an electronic chassis control system, the Nissan is more comfortable than many rivals and is able to deal with bumps and ruts with composure, even at speed.

When it comes to driving there is little to choose between these two capable cars, but you can expect both to feel less responsive than a traditional family hatchback thanks to a higher driving position and weightier body – but in day-to-day driving this is unlikely to be a problem.

Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai engines and running costs

The Renault is available with a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. An efficient 109hp 1.5-litre diesel with a claimed fuel economy of 74.3mpg is offered in both the Kadjar and the Qashqai and comes with the bonus of free road tax thanks to low CO2 emissions. The 1.2-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engine options are also shared with the Nissan, the latter being best for drivers who regularly tow trailers thanks to its extra torque over the 1.5.

Many reviewers have praised the 1.2-litre petrol engine for the best mix of fuel economy and performance but if you’re after an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, the 1.6-litre diesel option is the engine for you in both the Nissan and the Renault.

Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai value for money

Considering how many components these SUVs share, it should come as no surprise that they come with very similar price-tags. The Renault, however, manages to slightly undercut the Nissan – entry levels models cost £17,995 compared to £18,545 for a basic Qashqai.

Range-topping models for the Renault and Nissan cost £26,295 and £29,310 respectively and equipment levels are mostly comparable across the range. If you’re after a capable family SUV at the lowest possible price, the Renault would be our pick of the pair.

Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai verdict

Choosing between the Renault Kadjar and the Nissan Qashqai will be very difficult – the range of engines available is almost identical, prices are very similar and there is little to choose between them in terms of practicality or looks.

If you’re after a family-sized SUV with handsome good looks and a large load-bay (with the rear seats folded down) then the Qashqai is for you. If you’d prefer an extremely capable car with all the benefits of the Nissan but at the lowest possible price, then the Renault Kadjar makes for a very compelling choice.

Save money on your new SUV

Once you’ve decided which of these two SUVs you prefer, use our Renault Kadjar deals page or Nissan Qashqai deals page to spec your perfect new car and get it for a great price. If you’re not sure which car you should buy next, our car chooser tool is here to help.