Kia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai: Battle of Britain's Favourite Compact SUVs

The Nissan Qashqai has enjoyed tremendous success in the UK, becoming the undisputed king of crossover vehicles. But with the arrival of the bold new Kia Sportage, Britain’s bestselling SUV finally faces some proper competition. We put these two giants of the compact SUV world head-to-head to see how they stack up.

Size

In terms of dimensions, there’s little separating the Sportage and Qashqai on paper. Both measure around 4.5m long and 1.8m wide, with 2.7m wheelbases. Standing around 1.6m tall, ground clearance is fairly equal too. However, the Nissan boasts a bit more rear passenger and cargo space. With its boxy proportions, an adult sitting behind a tall driver will appreciate the extra head and legroom. Ultimately though, either compact SUV provides enough room for the average British family. 

Value & Cost

Kia has always delivered affordable yet well-equipped vehicles. The Sportage continues this trend but now brings premium levels of quality. Priced from just £26,745, even the entry-level model comes packed with kit like sat-nav, smartphone mirroring and a reversing camera. Meanwhile, the cheapest Qashqai costs almost £30,000 before you add any options. Factor in Kia’s unbeatable 7-year warranty, and the Sportage clearly provides better value.

We’ve analysed the whole-life cost over a typical 4-year ownership period and factoring in depreciation, fuel, tax, insurance and servicing, the Sportage works out around £50 per month cheaper to run. Much of this saving comes from Kia’s excellent reliability record and great MPG. While the Qashqai claws some ground back on insurance, it doesn’t offset the Sportage’s efficiency.

Technology

Kia pulls ahead when discussing onboard technology with its user-friendly infotainment system displaying crisp graphics on a large 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability plus options like integrated navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system enable the Sportage to cater to tech-savvy buyers. The Qashqai’s 9-inch touchscreen feels small by comparison while lacking some features expected in this price range.

In terms of advanced driver assistance technology, the Sportage and Qashqai come well equipped with the latest safety. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are just a sampling of what’s offered. Overall, the Kia edges out the Nissan slightly when it comes to infotainment and technology integration.

Safety

Earning a maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP confirms both SUVs provide exceptional occupant protection. Each utilises extensive high-strength steel cages, an abundance of airbags and effective restraint systems that minimise injury forces. However, Nissan fits autonomous emergency braking across the Qashqai range. Kia reserves this potentially life-saving system for only mid-range trims upwards. So those prioritising safety should carefully consider trim levels.

Comfort

The Sportage and Qashqai focuses their attention on interior roominess over third-row seating. Head and legroom are excellent in both, although the Qashqai’s boxy dimensions pay dividends with a roomier back seat. Outward visibility is also better in the Nissan. Boot space is nearly identical, with 31 cubic feet of space in the Sportage and 33 cubes in the Qashqai. Folding rear seats allow for expanded cargo room when needed. Overall, the Qashqai offers slightly better passenger and cargo utility compared to the Sportage.

In terms of ride comfort, the Sportage delivers a settled and quiet ride over most road surfaces. The Qashqai absorbs bumps and cracks in the road effectively, adding to its credentials as an urban runabout. For a smooth and easy-driving experience, both SUVs hit the mark. You can’t go wrong picking either one for daily commute duties.

Performance

The Sportage adopts Kia’s latest platform bringing improvements to ride and handling. Power comes from a smooth yet sprightly 1.6-litre turbo petrol. The Qashqai’s steering lacks feel and its engines need more power to move its weight with authority. Consequently, the Kia not only carries speed better through corners, but builds it more quickly on straights too.

Powering the Sportage is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower. The Qashqai employs a similar 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower. Power delivery feels smooth and responsive in both SUVs, easily getting up to motorway speeds. The Sportage offers available all-wheel drive while the Qashqai comes standard with front-wheel drive. Fuel economy is comparable between the two – expect 26 mpg for the Qashqai and 25 mpg for the Sportage. Overall, performance and capability are on par between them.

Design

In terms of exterior styling, the latest 2023 Kia Sportage features a bold, aggressive design with a large grille, boomerang-shaped LED headlights, and sculpted lines along the sides. The Sportage looks sportier than ever before. The Nissan Qashqai also underwent a redesign for 2022, gaining a more aerodynamic shape and V-motion grille that matches other Nissan SUVs. However, the Qashqai’s design is more restrained and elegant compared to the Sportage’s in-your-face appearance.

On the inside, the Sportage impresses with a modern, high-tech cabin jam-packed with the latest technology and upscale materials in higher trims. The unique dash curves around the driver, emphasizing the cockpit feel. The Qashqai’s straightforward dashboard and simple layout lend a functional appeal, but the abundance of hard plastics disappoints. Overall, the Sportage delivers style and flair over the Qashqai’s muted aesthetics.

The Verdict

In the battle between Britain’s favourite SUVs, the newcomer Kia Sportage secures victory by the narrowest of margins over the firmly established Nissan Qashqai. 

Combining value, efficiency, technology and kerb appeal, this exciting all-new model has instantly raised the bar in the hotly contested family crossover category. But with intelligent packaging, rock-solid reliability and smooth refinement, the Qashqai remains an accomplished choice. Ultimately for buyers seeking style, space and safety – either compact SUV still shines bright.

We love both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai here at Carlingo. Take a look at both models and book a test drive today.