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Nissan Qashqai vs Renault Rafale comparison

Compare performance (205 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (29,600 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Qashqai or Renault Rafale?

Nissan Qashqai vs Renault Rafale: Key differences

Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
details

Renault Rafale

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit 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

Qashqai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Nissan Qashqai is noticeably cheaper – starting at 29,600 £ , while the Renault Rafale costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,109 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Nissan Qashqai with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.5 L/100km.

Rafale

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Renault Rafale offers visibly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 205 HP. That’s roughly 95 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the Nissan Qashqai takes 7.6 s. That’s about 1.2 s quicker.

Qashqai

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 noticeably lighter – 1,420 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 314 kg.

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

When it comes to payload, the Nissan Qashqai carries a bit more – 520 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 76 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault Rafale 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 £37,700
Rafale

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2 - 5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 97 km
Nissan Qashqai
Renault Rafale

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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

Renault Rafale

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.

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Nissan Qashqai
Renault Rafale

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,600 - 39,900 £
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 154 g/km
co2
43 - 109 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,665 kg
Curb weight
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
4,425 mm
Length
-
Width
1,835 mm
Width
1,886 mm
Height
1,625 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,422 - 1,447 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 - 520 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin 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
Front-Wheel Drive, All-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
-
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
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
C, B
Brand
Nissan
Brand
Renault
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.