Kia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai; which SUV is best?

Which SUV is Better: Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage?

You're looking at an SUV for your next used car and why wouldn't you? They're designed for family life: giving a safe and comfortable ride, a lifted vantage point and can fit the whole family, plus luggage, for a road trip. But, between the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai, which one is better for you? Let's find out...

A brief overview

As a quick comparison, here are some key performance statistics to consider about both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.

Styling and image

The Sportage, first produced by South Korean Kia in 1993, is a car that makes an impression as soon as you look at it - a tall and robust-looking vehicle with piercing, almost animal-like, headlights that match the iconic tiger grille, with the rest of the car featuring smooth, rounded edges. It looks strong and ready to take on what you'll throw at it.

The Qashqai, produced by Japanese Nissan, came out 13 years after the Sportage and has a lower profile than the Sportage and an overall sleek look. The wide V on the grille guides the eyes over the slim headlights and along the car's angular features.

Interior and practicality

Everything you'd regularly handle inside both cars feels well made and sturdy, and both give a relaxing ride with little noise coming into the interior from outside or the engine.

Both the Kia and Nissan have space to accommodate five adults, with comfortable seats in the front and back.  However, the Sportage is wider, longer and taller, so there is that bit more passenger space which can make all the difference, particularly in the back and on longer journeys.

The Kia features a more modern and user-friendly infotainment section than the Qashqai and many of the Sportage's interior surfaces are pleasing to touch, although some of the plastics can feel a little cheap in both cars.

The Sportage has a slightly larger boot space than the Qashqai (491 litres vs 430 litres, respectively), although both of these are larger than most family hatchbacks and provide ample space for whatever your adventure brings - whether that's pushchairs, suitcases or your four-legged friend.

Performance and economy

The 2014-2021 Qashqai has great environmental credentials, better than those of many other SUVs, with 74.3mpg and fantastically low CO2 emissions of 99g/km. The Sportage has a bigger engine so does pack a bit more of a punch which may come in handy if you're often found towing a caravan for the weekend. But if you're after smooth and economical motorway cruising, the Qashqai would be better suited.

Ride and handling

The Nissan is more responsive and feels lighter when steering - the simple driving enjoyment of the Qashqai is a key part of it being heralded as Britain's favourite SUV (along with its fuel economy and level of standard equipment). It also benefits from comparatively advanced suspension so poor road surfacing and potholes won't disturb the smooth ride.

The Kia puts the sport into Sportage with its cornering, keeping it level and stable, and outperforming the Qashqai in this regard.

Verdict

Both are strong choices and though they are similar in many aspects, they each suit different drivers better. The Sportage will perform better for someone who likes to make the engine roar or tackle some back roads, while the Qashqai is more suited to smooth, comfortable motorway journeys with an mpg kinder to the wallet and the earth.

To find out more take a look at our selection of Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai today.