2023 Nissan Qashqai Review & Buyer's Guide
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What Are the Strengths of the 2023 Nissan Qashqai?
Outstanding Ride Quality and Comfort
The Qashqai's suspension is frequently praised for absorbing road imperfections smoothly, with one owner noting it 'absorbs a lot of the road imperfections and all the bumps that you go over' without jolting or bouncing. The car feels composed and refined at motorway speeds, delivering a supple and relaxing driving experience.
Spacious Interior and Practicality
The cabin offers segment-leading practicality with a massive boot and generous cabin space. Interior quality is notably improved over the previous generation, with a premium feel that rivals more expensive competitors.
Comprehensive Safety Technology
Standard safety features include active lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a fulsome list of driver assistance systems. Euro NCAP awarded it 4/5 stars with strong adult occupant (78%) and child occupant (85%) ratings.
Engine Refinement and Efficiency
The 1.3-litre turbocharged engine provides good torque delivery (250 Newton meters at low RPMs) with brilliant noise suppression and refinement. Mild hybrid versions offer fuel efficiency gains without compromising driving experience.
Accurate, Natural Steering
The steering is well-balanced with a natural ratio that's neither too fast nor too slow, delivering a satisfying driving feel for everyday driving. The car displays minimal body roll through corners with good handling composure.
Strong Reliability Track Record
The latest Qashqai performs well in reliability surveys and topped a recent Which? study. Japanese engineering heritage provides a foundation of proven durability, with the new generation showing improved reliability compared to its predecessor.
What Are the Weaknesses of the 2023 Nissan Qashqai?
Firm Suspension on Larger Wheels
While generally praised, the suspension tuning becomes uncomfortable on models fitted with 19-inch wheels, particularly over urban corrugations and rough roads. One reviewer noted a 'borderline unbearable' experience on country B-roads with high-frequency corrugations.
Limited Driver Engagement
The Qashqai is competent and functional but not engaging to drive. It lacks the sportiness and feedback through the steering wheel and driver's seat compared to competitors like the Ford Kuga or Mazda CX-5. Steering has very little feedback, and the car doesn't encourage spirited driving.
Rear Seat Comfort Issues
The rear outboard seats lack sufficient support, with one reviewer noting 'you're kind of sitting in a relatively odd narrow space' with 'a lot of unexpected intrusion from the door'. Legroom support appears inadequate for extended journeys.
Suboptimal Euro NCAP Safety Rating
The 4/5 Euro NCAP rating is disappointing for a family car, with particularly low scores for vulnerable road users (65%) and safety assist features (62%). Competitors often achieve full 5-star ratings.
Tire Noise on Larger Wheels
There is noticeable tire noise, especially with bigger wheel sizes, though not severe. Some models also exhibited minor quality issues like squeaky steering wheel plastics in hot weather and occasional crackly speaker performance.
What Are the Most Common 2023 Nissan Qashqai Problems?
Previous Generation Oil Consumption
ModerateEarlier Qashqai models are known to use excessive oil, though this issue appears to be specific to the previous generation rather than the 2023 model. Monitor oil levels closely on pre-2023 models.
Timing Chain Rattling
ModerateRattling timing chains have been reported in previous-generation Qashqai models. This issue is not prominently documented in the latest generation, suggesting Nissan has addressed it.
Diesel Engine Reliability
ModerateDiesel variants of earlier Qashqai generations tend to experience more issues than petrol versions. The 2023 petrol and hybrid models appear more reliable overall.
Suspension Harshness Over Rough Roads
LowWhile not a mechanical fault, the firm suspension setup can feel harsh over potholes, expansion joints, and rough urban surfaces, particularly with 18-19 inch wheels. This becomes noticeable during regular city driving.
Minor Interior Rattle and Squeaks
LowSome owners have experienced squeaky steering wheel plastics in hot weather and occasional audio system crackling. These appear to be isolated quality control issues rather than systemic problems.
What Owners Say
Owner feedback is predominantly positive, with particular praise for ride quality, comfort, and practicality. Owners appreciate the car's relaxing driving nature and refined demeanor, though some find it less engaging than sportier alternatives. Long-term owners emphasize durability and value proposition. Sentiment ranges from strong enthusiasm to measured satisfaction, with few expressing significant dissatisfaction.
"Coming from an Audi S3 2018 model to this Nissan Qashqai, it was not an easy decision to make but I am not regretting my decision at all. The suspension setup is seriously impressive - you land so softly you barely feel a lot of the bumps and humps that you go over." — YouTube Review
"It has way exceeded expectations, a very capable and avuncular family car. To drive - the standout is the ride quality." — Bimmerpost Forum
"I actually found it quite a relaxing car to drive...it handled well enough for a soft-SUV and did ride well. It seemed like a pretty okay car and went well enough for the average person." — Bimmerpost Forum
"The new Qashqai is fine. It's practical and useful, comfortable enough and will get down a road with the minimum of fuss. It feels like decent value given the size and equipment." — Top Gear
"The Qashqai is one of the UK's best-selling family cars for a reason. This second-generation is even better. Supremely comfortable ride quality, a massive boot and loads of cabin space." — Vanarama
"It actually has really nice handling, quite sporty and spirited. It's got very little body roll and the steering is nice and natural. It's one of those satisfying cars to just drive around and do errands." — YouTube Review
Reliability Rating
Above AverageThe 2023 Nissan Qashqai demonstrates above-average reliability backed by Japanese automotive heritage and proven engineering. It performed exceptionally well in Which? reliability surveys, topping at least one recent study. The latest generation shows clear improvements over its predecessor, with no widespread mechanical issues reported. Previous-generation models experienced issues with oil consumption and timing chain rattling in diesel variants, but these problems do not appear in current models. Petrol and mild hybrid variants are significantly more reliable than diesel options. Early owner reports indicate solid build quality, though minor cosmetic issues (squeaks, rattles) have occurred in isolated cases. The car requires standard preventative maintenance but should deliver years of trouble-free ownership with proper care.
Final Verdict
The 2023 Nissan Qashqai is an excellent choice for buyers prioritizing comfort, practicality, and reliability over driving excitement. It delivers a refined, relaxing ownership experience with impressive ride quality, spacious interior, and comprehensive safety features at a competitive price point. However, potential buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience or those planning extensive off-road use should test drive sportier alternatives like the Ford Kuga or Mazda CX-5, and should opt for 18-inch wheels rather than larger sizes to avoid excessive suspension harshness.
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