This guide will help answer some key questions about these two models:
- Is the Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai better to drive?
- Which has the superior interior and tech?
- Which looks better on the outside?
- Is the Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai more practical?
- How do they compare when it comes to cost?
Which offers the better driving experience?
The Ford Kuga is known for its smooth and composed handling. Its driving modes, such as Eco, Sport, and Slippery, adapt the car’s performance to different road conditions. Its steering is responsive, which makes it enjoyable to drive on motorways and city roads alike. However, the Ford Kuga really shines on winding B-roads, delivering a confident grip and minimal body roll. For longer journeys, features like adaptive cruise control and a well-insulated cabin make driving comfortable and quiet.
The Nissan Qashqai, by contrast, prioritises comfort. Its suspension is finely tuned to absorb bumps with ease, offering a more relaxed experience—especially on city streets. Higher trims come with ProPILOT, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane assistance, making motorway driving feel less taxing. While the Qashqai’s lighter steering is convenient for urban manoeuvres, some drivers may find it lacks the agility the Kuga provides on twistier roads.
Left Ford Kuga, Right Nissan Qashaqi
How do the exteriors compare?
The Ford Kuga is the sportier-looking of the two. Its sharp lines, bold grille, and aerodynamic shape give it a distinctive presence. Higher trims, like the ST-Line, add sporty touches such as larger alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and striking LED headlights.
On the other hand, the Nissan Qashqai leans into a more refined and urban-friendly design. It features a sleeker silhouette and a bold yet understated V-motion grille. The Tekna+ trim features chrome accents, premium alloys, and LED lighting for a more premium feel.
Left Ford Kuga, Right Nissan Qashaqi
Interior and technology
Both vehicles highlight their practicality in the cabin, with ample storage options, comfortable seating, and easy-to-use controls.
The Ford Kuga offers a modern and functional interior. The SYNC 3 infotainment system provides an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Premium trims add digital driver displays, ambient lighting, and heated leather seats. Rear passengers benefit from adjustable seating positions and excellent legroom.
The Nissan Qashqai, meanwhile, offers a slightly higher-tech feel. Its 9-inch touchscreen, paired with the NissanConnect system, boasts navigation, smartphone connectivity, and app integration. Tekna+ models go above and beyond with a panoramic sunroof, quilted leather seats, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. However, rear passengers have slightly less legroom than those in the Kuga.
Left Ford Kuga, Right Nissan Qashaqi
Which is more practical?
For family buyers, practicality is often the dealbreaker.
The Ford Kuga excels with larger boot space (526 litres vs. 504 litres in the Qashqai) and a flexible rear seat system that folds nearly flat. The floor height can also be adjusted to accommodate larger items, making it more versatile for loading trips.
The Nissan Qashqai, however, has slightly smaller proportions overall, making it easier to park in tighter city spaces. While it offers well-designed storage spaces, some may find the rear legroom and boot configuration slightly less generous than the Kuga’s.
Left Ford Kuga, Right Nissan Qashaqi
