@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Nissan Motor Corporation
VS

Ford Kuga vs Nissan Qashqai – Which one offers the better deal?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai fits your lifestyle better.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Comparing the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

In the ever-evolving landscape of compact SUVs, the Ford Kuga and the Nissan Qashqai stand out as two prominent contenders. Both vehicles have undergone significant updates in the 2024 model year, featuring advanced technologies, various powertrains, and sleek designs. Let's dive into the technical specifications and innovative features of these two SUVs to determine which one best matches your needs.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Powertrain and Performance

The Ford Kuga offers a diverse array of engine types, including petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. With power outputs ranging from 150 to 243 HP and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time as brisk as 7.3 seconds, the Kuga promises robust performance for its class. Notably, the plug-in hybrid variant delivers an impressive electric range of 69 km, courtesy of a 14.4 kWh battery.

On the other hand, the Nissan Qashqai provides petrol mild hybrid and full hybrid options. With power outputs ranging from 140 to 190 HP, the Qashqai achieves a decent acceleration, with the best 0-100 km/h timing at 7.9 seconds. Its peak torque of 330 Nm, however, lends the Qashqai a responsive and energetic driving experience, ideal for every urban setting.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Efficiency and Environment

In terms of efficiency, the Ford Kuga's plug-in hybrid version stands out with a consumption rate as low as 0.9 L/100km and a mere 20 g/km of CO2 emissions. This makes it an attractive choice for eco-conscious drivers. Other Kuga variants maintain competitive efficiency levels, with consumption ranging between 5.3 and 6.4 L/100km, depending on the powertrain.

The Nissan Qashqai exhibits commendable efficiency with a consumption rate between 5.1 and 6.8 L/100km, and CO2 emissions from 116 to 154 g/km. Despite this, the Qashqai's CO2 efficiency classes mainly stay in the 'E' and 'D' categories, slightly lagging behind the Kuga's best-in-class figures.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Interior and Cargo Space

Both vehicles offer ample space for five passengers, but when it comes to cargo, the Nissan Qashqai takes the lead with a trunk capacity of up to 504 liters, compared to the Ford Kuga's 412 liters. This makes the Qashqai particularly appealing for those who frequently need to transport larger items or luggage.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Dimensions and Design

Ford's Kuga exhibits a more substantial presence with its length extending up to 4,645 mm. It stands slightly taller with a height reaching up to 1,681 mm and offers wider spacing at 1,882 mm. In contrast, the Nissan Qashqai measures a little more compact with a length of 4,425 mm, a more modest height of 1,625 mm, and a width of 1,835 mm. These dimensions indicate that the Kuga might provide more comfort for larger passengers, while the Qashqai's more compact design enhances its maneuverability in tight spaces.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai hinges on your personal preferences and priorities. For those prioritizing environmental considerations and electric range, the Kuga's plug-in hybrid version is an excellent choice. However, if practicality, cargo space, and torque are at the top of your wishlist, then the Nissan Qashqai emerges as a strong contender.

The decision ultimately comes down to balancing your need for performance, efficiency, and utility. Both SUVs encapsulate what modern drivers seek, making either a worthy addition to the family driveway.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Nissan Qashqai has a slightly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29400 £, while the Ford Kuga costs 34200 £. That’s a price difference of around 4851 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Ford Kuga manages with 2.80 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Nissan Qashqai with 5.10 L. The difference is about 2.30 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Kuga has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 243 HP compared to 190 HP. That’s roughly 53 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is slight quicker – completing the sprint in 7.30 s, while the Nissan Qashqai takes 7.90 s. That’s about 0.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Nissan Qashqai performs slight better – reaching 206 km/h, while the Ford Kuga tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 6 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Nissan Qashqai pulls evident stronger with 330 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 90 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Nissan Qashqai is slight lighter – 1420 kg compared to 1526 kg. The difference is around 106 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Nissan Qashqai offers a bit more room – 504 L compared to 412 L. That’s a difference of about 92 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Kuga performs minimal better – up to 1534 L, which is about 87 L more than the Nissan Qashqai.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga hardly perceptible takes the win – 550 kg compared to 520 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Ford Kuga proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Ford Kuga is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,200
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Kuga

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 243 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 6.8 L
  • Electric Range : 68 km
details

Ford Kuga

3.5 (2)
rate

The Kuga is Ford’s adaptable family SUV that blends usable space with a surprisingly lively driving character, making daily commutes and weekend escapes equally enjoyable. With smart interior packaging, an easy-to-use infotainment setup and composed road manners, it’s a sensible choice for buyers who want a bit of fun without the fuss.

details
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0085-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0238-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
FORD_KUGA_ST-LINE_PHEV_024-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai blends practical, family-friendly packaging with SUV styling that refuses to shout, making it a sensible and dependable choice for everyday life. It’s comfortable to live with, economical on the road, and neatly equipped enough to feel modern without ever feeling precious — perfect if you want crossover versatility without the drama.

details
Nissan_Qashqai_4X4_005 @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan_Qashqai_4X4_001 @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan_Qashqai_4X4_011 @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan_Qashqai_4X4_032 @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan_Qashqai_4X4_022 @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Top Car Comparisons

@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Kuga
@ Volvo Cars
Volvo XC40
VS
The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
@ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan Qashqai
@ Volvo Cars
Volvo XC40
VS
The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
Ford Kuga
Nissan Qashqai
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Costs and Consumption
Price
34200 - 46300 £
Price
29400 - 42500 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
116 - 154 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1526 - 1859 kg
Curb weight
1420 - 1665 kg
Trunk capacity
412 L
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1882 mm
Width
1835 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Height
1625 mm
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Max trunk capacity
1422 - 1447 L
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
466 - 520 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
140 - 190 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.9 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
170 - 206 km/h
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
240 - 330 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
103 - 140 kW
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1497 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D
Brand
Ford
Brand
Nissan

Similar Comparisons

@ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan Qashqai
@ Opel / Stellantis Media
Opel Frontera
VS
The Nissan Qashqai is the smart, urban-friendly crossover that blends a polished ride, modern safety kit and frugal engines, while the Opel Frontera answers with old-school toughness and off-road chops rather than plush refinement. Buy the Qashqai for daily comfort, low running costs and gadgetry; …
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Focus
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Kuga
VS
In this head-to-head comparison, the Ford Focus impresses with its agile handling and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for urban commuters. Meanwhile, the Ford Kuga offers a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, appealing to families and adventure seekers alike. Both models …
@ MG Motor / SAIC Motor Corporation
MG ZS
@ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan Qashqai
VS
In the competitive compact SUV market, the MG ZS and Nissan Qashqai stand out with their unique offerings and charm. The MG ZS delivers remarkable value with its robust features and spacious interior, appealing to budget-conscious buyers, while the Nissan Qashqai impresses with its refined driving …
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Kuga
@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Dacia Bigster
VS
In the competitive realm of crossover SUVs, the Ford Kuga stands out with its dynamic driving experience and advanced technology features, appealing to drivers seeking both comfort and style. Meanwhile, the Dacia Bigster offers an impressive blend of practicality and affordability, making it an …
@ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan Qashqai
@ Opel / Stellantis Media
Opel Grandland
VS
Nissan Qashqai and Opel Grandland go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
@ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan Qashqai
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW T-Roc
VS
In the competitive segment of compact SUVs, the Nissan Qashqai and VW T-Roc stand out for their unique styling and diverse feature sets. While the Qashqai is celebrated for its spacious interior and user-friendly technology, the T-Roc appeals to those seeking a sportier performance and premium …
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Kuga
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Explorer EV
VS
In a head-to-head comparison, the Ford Kuga offers a compact and agile experience perfect for urban driving, while the Ford Explorer EV stands out with its spacious interior and robust performance features. The Kuga impresses with its efficiency and advanced technology, making it a practical choice …
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Kuga
@ Volvo Cars
Volvo XC60
VS
In the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, the Ford Kuga and Volvo XC60 stand out for their distinctive approaches to style and performance. While the Kuga excels with its spacious interior and advanced tech features, the XC60 offers a luxurious cabin and a refined driving experience. …
What drivetrain options does the Ford Kuga have?

The Ford Kuga is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.