@ Nissan Motor Corporation
@ Renault Group Media
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Nissan Qashqai vs Renault Rafale – Which one offers the better deal?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Nissan Qashqai or Renault Rafale?

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

The Battle of the SUVs: Nissan Qashqai Versus Renault Rafale

As automotive innovation accelerates, two models stand out in the ever-popular SUV segment: the Nissan Qashqai and the Renault Rafale. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, performance, and technological advancements, making them popular choices for modern drivers. Let's delve into the intricate details and innovations of these two contenders in the SUV arena.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Design and Dimensions

Both the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Rafale embody modern SUV design, but with different dimensions and styling cues. The Qashqai features a compact design, boasting a length of 4425 mm, a width of 1835 mm, and a height of 1625 mm. It balances practicality and aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for urban adventures and family outings alike.

In contrast, the Rafale serves up a bolder presence with a longer length of 4710 mm and a wider stance at 1886 mm, while maintaining a slightly lower height of 1613 mm. This design offers a spacious interior, emphasizing Renault's commitment to comfort and capaciousness, notably with a substantial trunk capacity of 627 liters.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Performance and Powertrain

The performance spectrum is another area where these SUVs show their distinct personalities. The Qashqai comes with various power options including petrol mild-hybrid (MHEV) and full hybrid configurations, with power outputs ranging from 140 to 190 HP. It offers both manual and automatic transmissions and comes in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, reflecting its versatility for different driving needs and conditions.

Nissan Qashqai provides acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in ranges between 7.9 and 10.2 seconds, with a top speed ranging from 170 to 206 km/h, depending on the powertrain choices. The fuel consumption also varies from a balanced 5.1 to 6.8 L/100km, presenting an efficient option particularly for urban settings.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Technological Edge

Renault’s Rafale excels in blending power with efficiency, especially highlighting the plug-in hybrid variant producing up to 300 HP. The Rafale's hybrid system is a display of efficiency with a combined consumption as low as 0.6 L/100km, and an impressive electric range of 97 km, making it ideal for environmentally conscious consumers. Its acceleration peaks at 6.4 seconds for 0 to 100 km/h and maintains a solid maximum speed of 180 km/h.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Environmental Considerations

Both vehicles demonstrate a commitment to reduced emissions, with the Qashqai achieving CO2 emissions between 116 to 154 g/km, placing it within the D to E efficiency classes. Meanwhile, the Rafale shines brighter in eco-friendliness, reaching between 14 to 106 g/km of CO2 emissions, and securing a higher rating of B to C in CO2 efficiency classes.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Practicality and Capacity

Moreover, practicality remains a strong suit for these SUVs with both accommodating five passengers comfortably. The Nissan Qashqai offers a trunk capacity ranging from 479 to 504 liters, whereas the Rafale’s spacious 627 liters highlight its advantage in luggage capacity, offering more room for family adventures and long-haul travels.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Conclusion

Both the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Rafale encapsulate the evolution of the SUV domain, mixing pioneering designs, commendable power options, and desirable eco-friendly features. While the Qashqai entertains a more versatile driving appeal, the Rafale stands out with its advanced hybrid technology and larger dimensions, catering to the drivers looking for efficiency and luxury. As the choice narrows down to individual preferences, both vehicles affirm their positions as significant contenders in the competitive SUV market.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Nissan Qashqai has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29600 £, while the Renault Rafale costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 7937 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Rafale manages with 0.60 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Nissan Qashqai with 4.50 L. The difference is about 3.90 L per 100 km.

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 Renault Rafale has a noticeable edge – offering 300 HP compared to 205 HP. That’s roughly 95 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 6.40 s, while the Nissan Qashqai takes 7.60 s. That’s about 1.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Nissan Qashqai performs somewhat better – reaching 206 km/h, while the Renault Rafale tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 26 km/h.

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Nissan Qashqai is distinct lighter – 1420 kg compared to 1734 kg. The difference is around 314 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Rafale offers a bit more room – 627 L compared to 504 L. That’s a difference of about 123 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Rafale performs evident better – up to 1910 L, which is about 463 L more than the Nissan Qashqai.

When it comes to payload, Nissan Qashqai to a small extent takes the win – 520 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 76 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Renault Rafale shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £37,500
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.6 - 5 L
  • Electric Range : 97 km
details

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

Renault Rafale

5 (3)
rate

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

details
3889762baac06bae2df96037b1f6e225-l @ Renault Group Media
cfebb339f4dc89e3dc217122d50fd1c5-l @ Renault Group Media
b2cc54a3ff665644e95268836bc0f658-l @ Renault Group Media

Reviews Renault Rafale

Martin 4 Dec 2025, 08:40:43

As a Rafale owner, I'm happy with my choice. The car is spacious, feels luxurious, quiet, robust and very efficient at the same time. I also feel more “up to date” compared to the RAV4.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
29600 - 39900 £
Price
37500 - 49500 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 154 g/km
co2
14 - 109 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 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
1420 - 1665 kg
Curb weight
1734 - 2025 kg
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
4425 mm
Length
4710 mm
Width
1835 mm
Width
1886 mm
Height
1625 mm
Height
1613 mm
Max trunk capacity
1422 - 1447 L
Max trunk capacity
1826 - 1910 L
Payload
466 - 520 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 205 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
170 - 206 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
240 - 330 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
103 - 151 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1498 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
Brand
Nissan
Brand
Renault

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Is the Nissan Qashqai offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include 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.