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Kia Niro vs Nissan Qashqai comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 205 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 29,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Nissan Qashqai?

Kia Niro vs Nissan Qashqai: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
details

Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • only slightly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Niro

Quick take: Kia Niro VS Nissan Qashqai

Kia Niro VS Nissan Qashqai pits an efficiency‑first, electrified compact SUV against a comfort‑focused, tech‑heavy rival that aims to feel like an EV without a cable. The Kia Niro makes its case with several electrified drivetrains and a packaging that prioritises low running costs and simple day‑to‑day usability. The Nissan Qashqai answers with a quieter, more composed cabin feel, stronger acceleration when you ask for it, and a modern infotainment setup designed to reduce fiddling. This comparison focuses on how those different choices affect real buyers rather than spec lists or marketing lines.

Qashqai

Character and driving manners

The Kia Niro drives like a sensible, low‑stress companion: soft in its responses, efficient in city traffic and relaxed on cruise, which rewards steady commuters who hate fuel bills and fuss. The Nissan Qashqai, especially in its e‑POWER guise, gives an EV‑like surge and more immediate shove when you accelerate, so it feels more alert during overtakes and motorway on‑ramps. Where the Niro hides its engineering to prioritise economy, the Qashqai foregrounds a quieter, more assured shove that can make daily driving feel brisker. The trade‑off is obvious — choose the Niro for serene efficiency, the Qashqai if you want livelier pace without switching to a full EV.

Niro

Comfort and long‑distance behaviour

On long stretches the Nissan Qashqai tends to feel more grown‑up: lower interior noise at cruising speeds and seats tuned for big miles make it the easier companion on motorways. The Kia Niro is comfortable in town and steady on country roads, but road‑ and tyre noise can become more noticeable at speed and some powertrains show audible strain under load. If you regularly run long highway days the Qashqai’s calmer ambience and composure reward you; if your miles are a mix of urban commuting and short A‑road hops, the Niro’s relaxed ride and efficiency will be kinder to your wallet. Both are competent cruisers, but the Qashqai leans toward refinement whereas the Niro prioritises economy and ease.

Qashqai

Practicality and everyday usability

Both cars are family‑friendly in footprint, yet they solve practicality differently: the Nissan Qashqai generally offers a more usable rear boot and a double‑floor option that helps stow smaller items neatly. The Kia Niro gives clever packaging for passengers and, in electric versions, an extra small front storage area, but some electrified variants (notably plug‑in versions) reduce usable boot height and raise the loading sill. Both have wide rear doors and easy ISOFIX access, but heavy or frequent loading will feel easier in the Qashqai and family luggage often fits more readily. In short, the Niro is clever with space for people and efficiency, the Qashqai is a touch more straightforward when it comes to hauling real‑world stuff.

Niro

Cabin feel, tech and perceived quality

The Nissan Qashqai leans on a modern, calming cabin with Google Built‑in, physical climate controls and a 360° camera that reduces parking stress — it feels polished in daily use. The Kia Niro presents a clean, bright cockpit with clear menus, generous standard equipment and the reassurance of a long warranty, but some touch controls and trim choices feel less premium than the Qashqai. Infotainment behaviour is a real dividing line: the Qashqai’s Google integration is slick and familiar, while the Niro’s systems are simple and functional but miss a few convenience niceties like wireless projection. Buyers who want intuitive tech and a quieter interior will favour the Qashqai; those who prioritise warranty, straightforward ergonomics and cost‑of‑ownership will prefer the Niro’s package.

Qashqai

Buyer fit: who should pick which one?

Pick the Kia Niro if your priority is lowest running costs, a calm everyday driving experience and flexible electrified options for a city‑plus‑commute life — it’s aimed at efficiency‑minded families and commuters who value economy over sparkle. Choose the Nissan Qashqai if you want a quieter cabin, sharper mid‑range acceleration, and an infotainment/assistance suite that makes urban parking and long runs less stressful; it suits buyers who prize comfort, tech polish and a more immediate driving feel. Both appeal to family buyers, but the Niro trades a bit of dynamism and boot convenience for efficiency while the Qashqai trades some economy for refinement and tech. Read on to the technical comparison to see how those practical differences translate into powertrains, boot dimensions and consumption figures so you can match them to your exact daily needs.

Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
VW T-Roc
VS
The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, family-friendly compact SUV — roomy, quietly comfortable and packed with practical tech for long motorway miles. The VW T-Roc swaps a little rear-seat space for cheeky styling and sharper handling, so if you want personality and a bit more driver engagement it’s …
Nissan Qashqai
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 …

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

Niro

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Niro is only slightly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Nissan Qashqai costs 29,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 471 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Nissan Qashqai uses 4.3 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the Kia Niro with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

Qashqai

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 Nissan Qashqai offers visibly more power – delivering 205 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 67 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Nissan Qashqai is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 3.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Qashqai delivers moderately more torque with 330 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 65 Nm more.

Niro

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 terms of curb weight, Nissan Qashqai is only slightly lighter – 1,420 kg compared to 1,474 kg. The difference is around 54 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Nissan Qashqai offers somewhat more boot space – 504 L compared to 451 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

When it comes to payload, the Nissan Qashqai carries marginally more – 516 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Qashqai holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,600
Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 158 - 205 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
details
Kia Niro
Nissan Qashqai

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is a practical crossover that blends economy and everyday versatility without sacrificing comfort. With a roomy, well-laid-out cabin and calm, composed handling, it’s an easy-to-live-with choice for commuters and families.

details
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Kia_Niro_HEV_24
Kia_Niro_HEV_22
Kia_Niro_HEV_05
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Reviews Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Archi
25 Mar 2026, 13:11:41

Efficient, functional, understated, spacious and comfortable. No surprises: it delivers what it promises and does its job without fanfare. Good buy.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Wolfgang Schäfer
21 Oct 2025, 14:01:32

I've been driving the Kia Niro since 2019 and am still very happy with this car.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover that blends everyday practicality with a comfortable, composed driving experience and a smart, well finished interior. It feels sensible and versatile for city life and longer trips, appealing to buyers who want a reliable, low fuss family car.

details
13. New refreshed Qashqai 2024 in fuji sunset color driving on the road in Faro, Portugal
3. New refreshed Qashqai 2024 in fuji sunset color driving on the road in Faro, Portugal
9-High
All-New Nissan Qashqai - Interior 32

Reviews Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
karol
3 Jun 2026, 20:17:58

Great car — it has everything you need. Others are still learning, e.g. folding mirrors, a double trunk, and it's well soundproofed.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
Renault Captur
VS
The Nissan Qashqai stays the sensible family favourite — roomier, better built and more composed on the motorway, so it’s the pick if you value comfort and practicality without drama. The Renault Captur, meanwhile, charms with bolder styling, clever packaging and nippier city manners (usually for …
Nissan Qashqai
Opel Grandland
VS
The Nissan Qashqai feels sharper on the road with refined handling and clever packaging, while the Opel Grandland answers with a roomier cabin and bolder looks that’ll please practical families. Pick the Qashqai for polished tech and a composed daily drive, choose the Grandland if you want more …
Kia EV3
Kia Niro
VS
The Kia EV3 arrives like a tech-savvy upstart — all-electric, sharp to drive and crammed with the latest infotainment and safety kit, ideal if you want a compact crossover that feels like the future. The Niro, meanwhile, stays the sensible all‑rounder: proven, roomy and available as a hybrid, …
Kia Niro
Kia XCeed
VS
It's the compact-crossover face-off that asks whether you crave wallet-friendly efficiency or a bit more personality: the Kia Niro goes toe-to-toe with the Kia XCeed. One is all about hybrid thrift and everyday practicality; the other flirts with sharper styling and a livelier drive — both sensible …
Kia Niro
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Kia Niro feels like the sensible crossover hero — roomy, composed and blessed with a polished hybrid system that trims fuel bills without stripping comfort. The Toyota Yaris Cross is smaller and cheekier, nailing city agility and frugal running costs, so pick the Niro for family practicality …
Nissan Qashqai
Renault Austral
VS
Pick the Nissan Qashqai if you want a composed, easy-to-live-with compact SUV that feels refined and sensible on running costs; choose the Renault Austral if you crave a roomier, more stylish cabin with sharper tech and hybrid efficiency. Both have their charms — Qashqai is the safe, comfortable …
Nissan Qashqai
Skoda Kamiq
VS
Comparing the Nissan Qashqai and the Skoda Kamiq puts two popular compact crossovers head-to-head: the Qashqai focuses on a comfortable, tech-rich family package while the Kamiq emphasizes clever practicality and value. If you're deciding between ride comfort and equipment versus straightforward …
Nissan Qashqai
Toyota C-HR
VS
Choose the Nissan Qashqai if you want a sensible, roomy compact SUV that puts comfort, practicality and a grown-up cockpit ahead of flash; pick the Toyota C‑HR if you crave jaw‑dropping design, a taut chassis and the option of frugal hybrid running—at the cost of rear-seat space and a firmer ride. …
Kia Niro
Nissan Qashqai

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
29,600 - 39,900 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 g/km
co2
98 - 152 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,624 kg
Trunk capacity
451 L
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,835 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
446 - 516 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 HP
Power HP
158 - 205 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 9.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
260 - 330 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
102 kW
Power kW
116 - 151 kW
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,498 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
Brand
Kia
Brand
Nissan
What drive types are available for the Kia Niro?

The Kia Niro is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.