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Nissan Qashqai vs Vauxhall Frontera comparison

Compare performance (205 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (29,600 £ vs 20,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Qashqai or Vauxhall Frontera?

Nissan Qashqai vs Vauxhall Frontera: Key differences

Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • noticeably more efficient
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly more trunk space
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Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
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  • clearly cheaper
  • marginally lighter
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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

Qashqai

City slicker or country capable?

Pick your personality and the choice becomes clearer: the Nissan Qashqai arrives dressed like the urban sophisticate, with tidy lines and a demeanor that suits round trips to the office and evenings out. The Opel Frontera leans into a more rugged, take-it-anywhere character, promising utility over polish and a comfort zone that includes rougher roads. Both feel purposeful, but they send very different signals about what you value most — style and refinement, or straightforward capability and space.

Frontera

Cocoon or cargo bay?

Step inside and the contrast continues: the Nissan Qashqai offers a cabin that aims to soothe, with thoughtful ergonomics and materials that feel a touch more grown-up, while the Opel Frontera prioritizes practicality and usable surfaces you won’t worry about on a muddy weekend. If you crave a refined cockpit where the daily commute is comfortable and uncluttered, the Qashqai leans into that luxury-lite vibe. If you need flexible room, easy-to-configure seating and a no-nonsense approach to hauling people or kit, the Frontera makes life simpler.

Qashqai

Behind the wheel

Driving either is a clear statement: the Nissan Qashqai feels composed and confidence-inspiring, with a balance that suits longer stints and quicker direction changes without fuss. The Opel Frontera is more forthright in its behavior — less about finesse and more about getting where you want with minimal drama, which some buyers will prefer. Both are practical companions; your tolerance for refinement versus ruggedness will decide which one puts a smile on your face.

Frontera

Family rhythm and weekend plans

For families, the decision comes down to layout and lifestyle: the Opel Frontera makes a strong case for those who regularly carry more people or gear and need an adaptable interior that copes with everyday chaos. The Nissan Qashqai will appeal to households that prize convenience, better day-to-day comfort and a more polished driver assistance package for school runs and motorway miles. Think about what your week looks like — nursery drop-offs, football practice or long touring weekends — and pick the one whose strengths match your routine.

Qashqai

Wallet sense and long-term peace of mind

Ownership isn’t just about the first handshake; it’s how the car behaves after the keys change hands. The Opel Frontera presents a sensible, value-focused proposition with straightforward servicing and a durability-first attitude, while the Nissan Qashqai sells a little more in comfort and convenience that can make ownership feel more premium over time. Buyers weighing total cost versus creature comforts should decide whether immediate value or ongoing refinement matters more to their day-to-day.

Frontera

Ready for the final verdict?

Both cars have clear personalities: one leans into urban refinement and daily comfort, the other doubles down on space, utility and honest value. Keep reading — the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed afterwards.

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
Opel Frontera
Opel Mokka
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Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Opel Mokka highlights two very different takes on the SUV idea: the Frontera is a rugged, older off‑road capable SUV, while the Mokka is a modern compact crossover built for city life and efficiency. This short guide will walk through their real‑world strengths …

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

Qashqai

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Vauxhall Frontera is clearly cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the Nissan Qashqai costs 29,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,871 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Nissan Qashqai uses 4.3 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Vauxhall Frontera with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.9 L/100km.

Frontera

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Qashqai offers noticeably more power – delivering 205 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 60 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Nissan Qashqai is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Qashqai delivers visibly more torque with 330 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

Qashqai

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is marginally lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,420 kg. The difference is around 26 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Nissan Qashqai offers very slightly more boot space – 504 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 44 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries only slightly more – 570 kg compared to 516 kg. That’s a difference of about 54 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Qashqai holds a slight edge 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
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Nissan Qashqai
Vauxhall Frontera

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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Reviews Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

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Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

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
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

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

Frequently compared as well

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The Frontera feels like a bruiser from the analogue era — raw, rugged and surprisingly capable off-road, ideal if you crave adventure and don't mind a bit of mechanical charm. The Grandland, by contrast, is a slick, family-friendly crossover loaded with modern tech, efficient engines and a …
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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 …
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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 …
Opel Frontera
Peugeot 2008
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If you want unashamedly rugged, the Opel Frontera still wears its rough‑and‑ready off‑road badge with chunky looks and simple, go‑anywhere mechanics, whereas the Peugeot 2008 plays the smarter, city‑first crossover with sleek styling and the tech you actually use every day. Pick the Frontera for …
Nissan Qashqai
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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 …
Opel Frontera
Renault R4
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Choosing between the Opel Frontera and the Renault 4 is a clash of eras and purpose: the Frontera brings 1990s SUV practicality and off‑road capability, while the Renault 4 (commonly called the R4) offers lightweight simplicity and economical charm. This comparison will focus on how their design, …
Nissan Qashqai
Opel Grandland
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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 …
Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz
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Comparing the Nissan Qashqai with the Renault Symbioz highlights a clash between a proven compact crossover and Renault's forward-looking Symbioz concept that showcases the brand's electric and connected ambitions. This comparison will focus on how they differ in design, practicality and technology …
Nissan Qashqai
Vauxhall Frontera

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,600 - 39,900 £
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
308 - 408 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
98 - 152 g/km
co2
0 - 119 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,624 kg
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Trunk capacity
460 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,835 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 516 kg
Payload
436 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
158 - 205 HP
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
260 - 330 Nm
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
116 - 151 kW
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

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

The Nissan Qashqai is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.