Toyota RAV4 VS Nissan Qashqai
Toyota RAV4
Likes
- Incredibly efficient
- Lots of features and practicality on offer
- Easy to drive and use
Dislikes
- Cabin noise is too loud for grade level
- Simple cabin design won't be for everyone
- About to be replaced by new-gen model
Nissan Qashqai
Likes
- Attractive design inside and out
- Strong yet frugal performance
- Quality presentation
Dislikes
- e-Power limited to costly Ti grade only
- Requires 95 RON premium unleaded
- No spare wheel – boo!
Summary
Toyota RAV4
Even though it’s expected to be superseded by a sixth-generation model next year, we're reviewing the fifth-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser 2WD model to see if its hybrid powertrain and features still secures its position as top-selling medium SUV for families.
Aussies love mid-size SUVs in part because they're a tad more practical than their larger cousins, especially in the city.
Read more about
- 2025 Toyota Prado order system changes, but will it affect how and when your Toyota LandCruiser, Toyota RAV4 or Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid arrives?
- Toyota bZ4X 2024 review: FWD
- 'We never say told you so': Toyota says the market has spoken on electric cars as EV sales flatline in Australia, while petrol-hybrids like the Toyota RAV4, Corolla Cross and Kluger soar
You also have a better chance of fitting one inside your garage (unless you use your garage for storage, like me).
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | — |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | —L/100km |
| Seating | — |
Nissan Qashqai
Everybody loves an underdog story and Nissan’s one is a beauty.
For decades, the model we knew as the Pulsar struggled to crack the European small car market against the likes of the Ford Focus and the company was in serious strife. Worthy but derivative, it struggled to stand out.
So, for its 2007 replacement, some bright sparks convinced Nissan to reimagine the hatch by butching it up, raising the ride height and changing the name to something exotically daft. And, voila, the original Qashqai was born.
Read more about
- Comeback kings: How Nissan turned around its sales slump with new X-Trail, Qashqai and Pathfinder SUVs
- Nissan to take on Tesla? Three UK-built electric cars to join upcoming Nissan Ariya SUV as brand bets big on EVs
- How many people are really buying hybrids? We break down the Nissan X-Trail to see how many buyers opted for the Toyota RAV4-rivalling e-Power hybrid car version | Analysis
Initially sold in Australia as the Dualis, it quickly became a global smash hit, finally catapulting the brand from follower to leader, creating the small SUV segment as we know it today.
If you love your Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Toyota C-HR or VW T-Roc you have Nissan’s ingenuity to thank.
Now it’s at it again with the Qashqai e-Power – an EV-first hybrid using a petrol engine to only charge its battery so an electric motor can drive the front wheels. More than a Prius, less than a Tesla, then.
The next big thing or a dead end? Let’s find out.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Electric/pulp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.2L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Toyota RAV48.4/10
The Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD model reaffirms why the RAV4 is so popular in Australia. It offers families space, convenience and features in a well-priced and handsome package. The cabin noise might be an ick for some but for everything else this model offers it could be overlooked.
Nissan Qashqai8.3/10
So, should you give up on the Qashqai e-Power, or surrender to its many and varied charms? Well, when the Japanese brand really tries, as it clearly has here, Nissan can be as imaginative and as innovative as any carmaker on the planet.
And given the latest Qashqai out of Europe is so advanced and unique within its SUV category, this deserves to be on everybody’s shortlist. With e-Power under that pretty bonnet, this Ti is a leader, not a follower. This underdog could win best-in-show!
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with accommodation and meals provided.
Design
Toyota RAV4
In anticipation of the next-gen model, there hasn't been any design changes for the RAV4 - it remains a good-looking family SUV despite being a little heavy-handed with its angles.
Some external design highlights include garage friendly dimensions and a host of black accents across the body, including 18-inch alloy wheels that help to create an edgy kerb-side appeal.
Head inside and the RAV4 Cruiser offers a premium cabin-feel with its leather upholstery and large tech screens that headline the dashboard.
As always, there is a sense that design is based on functionality rather than style, which is typical of Toyota, but the simplicity makes the cabin relaxing to be in.
You’re not overwhelmed by touchpads or gadgets as can be the case in other new cars and there is a certain charm about that.
Nissan Qashqai
There’s nothing radical or ground-breaking about the third-gen version’s styling, other than it’s pretty and unmistakably a Qashqai. Even from tens of metres away. That’s a hallmark of good design.
But, like an Oscar’s worthy red-carpet outfit, the familiar lines remain classy on this third imagining, with a particularly strong front-end LED lighting graphics presence against a modern grille treatment, pleasing classical proportions and an elegantly executed posterior.
Unless you’re a train spotter-type or work for Nissan PR, it’s easy to miss the very minor details setting this particular Ti apart. Nissan dubs the extra glossy black lipstick up front as its ‘premium grille’ appearance. There’s a smattering of e-Power badges. And ground clearance drops 5.0mm, to 175mm. That’s it.
As with all current Qashqais, the e-Power offers larger packaging compared to before, as a result of adopting a fresh “global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance platform”. The upshot is a longer, wider and taller small SUV, to the tune of 31, 30 and 29mm, respectively.
And, for the benefit of rear seat occupants, the wheelbase has also been stretched by 19mm.
It’s worth noting that, despite Nissan’s best efforts to keep the kilos down by deploying aluminium for the doors, bonnet and front guards (resulting in a commendable 60kg saving while body stiffness rises by 41 per cent), the e-Power attracts a hefty 200kg penalty over the ICE Ti.
Does this adversely affect efficiency? Please keep reading to find out.
Practicality
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 continues to impress with its practicality.
Access and comfort for both rows is excellent. The heat and cool functions for the front seats are perfect for all seasons and the two-position memory function on the driver’s side is handy if you often share driving duties with your partner.
The rear row seating is well-padded and middle seaters will love the legroom the lower transmission tunnel offers. Head- and legroom is good in both rows, even for taller adults.
Amenities and storage are also great throughout the car.
Front rowers enjoy a decently sized middle console which I can squeeze my small handbag into, a glove box, two cupholders, two drink bottle holders, a phone tray and two shelves in the dashboard. You also get a sunglasses holder!
In the rear you get a single map pocket, two cupholders and two drink bottle holders, which is enough for my little family of three.
In terms of technology, you get a bunch and the usability is great.
The 10.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system looks really nice and is now the same system that Lexus uses, which is a big plus as it’s much easier to use than the previous Toyota one. The next-gen model should see this upgraded to a 12.3-inch system, which is more in line with its rivals.
You also get built-in satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. CarPlay maintains a strong connection.
There's a multitude of charging options throughout, including a USB-A port, four USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket and a wireless charging pad.
Rounding out the cabin is a boot that offers plenty of space with its 580L capacity and you get a temporary spare tyre, as well as, a retractable cargo cover.
However, the quality of the cargo cover isn't the best and it would be easier to use if it had a handle to grip onto.
The Cruiser model comes with a powered tailgate, which is always handy but the 'warning' alert as it opens or descends is very loud. Truck-reversing-beeping loud. Everyone will know when you open the boot!
Nissan Qashqai
Being bigger than before brings benefits.
The Qashqai’s doors open super-wide. Great for entry/egress, winning over SUV sceptics and inflicting damage on adjacent vehicles.
Once sat inside, the people-pleasing presentation continues in this sumptuously-presented Ti grade, with eyes immediately drinking in the pleated leather-faced seat patterns, subtle colour-coded trim, attractive dashboard architecture and the surprising depth of quality in the materials deployed.
As we discovered to our delight, all are further flattered when drenched in the dappled rays of an early autumnal afternoon sun, courtesy of that panoramic hole in the roof.
If you’re expecting the common-sense dullness of some less-ambitious Nissans, a significant mindset reset is required, highlighting the European aspirations of this cosy yet comfy British-built SUV.
In our comparatively brief time in the Qashqai, we also noted the excellent driving position, enveloping support of the fine front seats, user-friendliness of the digital displays (including the head-up dials), clear instrumentation that still manages to convey as much, or as little, data as you need without bamboozling you with info-overload, generous storage and an effective climate-control system.
Plus, that vast sunroof includes a full-sunblock screen – a feature sorely missing in many European and Chinese branded alternatives. Others, take heed.
Our main objection is obstructed over-the-shoulder and rear vision, that’s very obvious when parking in tight spots. Those cameras are essential.
Moving out the back, it’s fairly spacious for most people though knee room remains tight for longer-legged passengers. Most expected amenities are present, such as face-level air vents, USB-A and -C outlets, a centre armrest with cupholders and overhead lighting. And the upmarket ambience carries through, too.
But don’t go expecting any sliding or reclining back-seat versatility, as you might find in some rival SUVs.
Now, here’s an interesting fact. Nissan says there’s no drop in cargo capacity between the e-Power and the regular ICE-powered version of the Qashqai. Indeed, the figure increases, from 418 litres to 452L and, if you lower the back seat, from 1513 to 1518L.
So, how does this magic work? The location of the battery underneath the front seats (rather than under the rear bench) helps, as well as the elimination of the ICE Ti’s 19-inch alloy spare wheel for that infernal tyre-repair kit.
Win some, lose some!
Price and features
Toyota RAV4
The model line-up for the RAV4 consists of five variants with each available in front- or all-wheel drive.
The model on test for this review is the Hybrid Cruiser 2WD, which sits second-from-the-top in the line-up and is priced from $51,410 MSRP.
This price tag nudges it to the top of its rivals, the GWM Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid ($45,990 MSRP) and Nissan X-Trail e-Power ST-L ($50,490 MSRP) but the standard equipment for the Cruiser highlights its overall good value.
Premium features include leather-appointed upholstery, electric front seats with heat and ventilation functions, two-position memory function for the driver's seat, a sunroof and carpet mats.
Technology has had a good look in recently with the 10.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system now powered by the Lexus system (much easier to use) and a customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Other tech includes built-in satellite navigation, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, USB-A port, four USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket, a wireless charging pad, digital radio, digital rear view mirror, and a 'Toyota Connect' app with over-the-air updates.
Practical items include keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and directional air-vents in the rear.
For the grade level and compared to its rivals, the Cruiser more than holds its own.
Nissan Qashqai
Right now, there’s only the single, Qashqai Ti e-Power grade for Australia.
Starting from $51,590, before on-road costs, it adds $4200 to the price of the regular 1.3-litre turbo-petrol Ti, and is gunning straight for more conventional hybrids like the Hyundai Kona N-Line HEV, Honda’s superb ZR-V e:HEV and the new, second-gen Toyota C-HR Koba.
Now, they’re all conventional hybrids with their internal combustion engine (ICE) doing the driving, so the Nissan has a point of difference – and possibly an advantage – over those.
Note, though, that both the C-HR and Kona hybrids also come in grades costing under $45,000 – something the Qashqai e-Power won’t match until the lower-spec versions arrive in Australia sometime later on.
At least Nissan sees fit to stuff the Ti with luxuries like adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, hands-free powered tailgate, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, heated front seats with massaging function, pleated leather trim, front and rear USB A/C outlets and 19-inch alloys.
These come on top of expected goodies like dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, digital radio, a wireless phone charger, a surround-view camera, auto on/off headlights and wipers, auto-folding exterior mirrors and ambient lighting.
There’s also a host of welcome driver-assist tech. More on those in the Safety section below.
However, the e-Power loses the essential temporary spare wheel for the fiddly and often-useless tyre repair kit. Not good enough, Nissan.
That aside, they make for a finely-crafted and properly fully-equipped small hybrid SUV out of Europe, that, when considered in that light, offers strong value-for-money against technically less-intriguing alternatives.
Advantage, Qashqai.
Under the bonnet
Toyota RAV4
All RAV4 models have a continuously variable automatic transmission and the same hybrid combination of a 2.5L four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor which combine to produce up to 160kW of power and 221Nm of torque for front-wheel-drive models.
The combo delivers decent power for an SUV of this size.
Nissan Qashqai
Under the e-Power’s bonnet is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine featuring a unique and intriguing, efficiency-enhancing yet performance-boosting, variable compression ratio.
It produces 116kW of power and 250Nm of torque on its own, and is mated to a small-ish 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery and inverter, powering an electric motor that sends drive, via a single-speed reduction-gear transmission, to the front wheels. A set-up Nissan calls 'e-CVT'.
Combined power and torque maximums are 140kW and a considerable 330Nm, respectively. Tipping the scales at 1728kg, the Ti e-Power’s power-to-weight ratio is a healthy 81kW/tonne.
Along with 'Sport' and 'Eco' modes, there’s also a one-pedal driving option that provides electricity-saving regenerative braking that washes off a good deal of speed to substantially slow you down. It's a stepping stone between a hybrid and full EV and you never need to plug it in anywhere.
Nissan made myriad changes to the MacPherson-style strut front and multi-link rear suspension design to accommodate all the additional electrification tech.
Remember towing capacity is half that of the regular Qashqai’s 1500kg (braked trailer), dropping to the latter’s 750kg unbraked figure.
Efficiency
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota hybrid powertrain produces the lowest official combined fuel cycle figure compared to its rivals at just 4.7L/100km and the best theoretical driving range of up to 1170km courtesy of its 55L fuel tank.
After covering a mix of open-road and urban driving this week, the on-test figure is 5.5L/100km, which proves Toyota does hybrids well.
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan reckons the Ti e-Power should average around 5.2L/100km on a combined urban, extra-urban cycle, which equates to a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 117 grams/km.
We managed a still-commendable 5.8L as indicated by the trip computer, but we did not have a chance to test it at the pump.
Note, as with all Qashqais, the e-Power needs more-expensive 95 RON premium unleaded petrol. Brimming the 55L fuel tank, expect a range of up to around 1050km between refills. That's 150km up on the regular 1.3L turbo versions.
Driving
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser 2WD is stupidly easy to drive which is one of its best qualities.
The driver is front and centre for design, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to twiddle with climate controls or changing your music. That makes the driving feel… well, cruisy.
Power delivery is mostly smooth and offers decent punch when you need to put your foot down. However, it can be laggy off the mark from a cold-start, so take care when crossing traffic.
Suspension feels well-tuned for our Aussie roads, even the regional ones, but never feels floaty. This is well-grounded but you do get some roll in corners.
A drawback is the cabin is annoyingly loud once you hit the open-road and there is a wind-whistle near the driver that drove me nuts.
There are also a lot of squeaky/rubbing noises when you hit bumpy roads. However, it is a refined experience around town, when engine noise is all but nil. The urban environment is where it shines.
The steering is direct with a tight 11.4m turning circle, which makes the RAV4 easy to park. It also helps that the 360-degree view camera set-up is top-notch, which is not always the case for Toyota, and you get front and rear parking sensors too.
Nissan Qashqai
Two things are obvious soon after the driver presses the starter and silently whooshes away in a Qashqai Ti e-Power.
Firstly, there’s a real weight to it, highlighting this as a solid (as well as heavy) vehicle of substance. And, secondly, once over this initial impression, everything then seems completely normal and intuitive. There’s nothing alien going on here.
Despite the mass, acceleration is brisk, with throttle response becoming even livelier once on the move, since you can feel all that instant torque on tap, even with a light flex of your right foot.
Pushing down harder, it should soon become clear this is a fast machine, so keep an eye on that digital speedo display. It caught us out a couple of times during our test drive through central Victoria.
Using the driving modes reveals varying behaviour according to the settings. In Eco mode the e-Power has a smooth and relaxed gait; performance is Normal seems more spirited while in Sport responses are appropriately stronger and more urgent.
It’s worth keeping the latter in mind, because the chassis is set up for a sporty, Euro feel, meaning there’s a tautness to the suspension that's a little at odds with the plushness of the interior. This isn’t a soft, bouncy ride.
Rolling on a 235/50 R19 wheel and tyre package, there’s a pleasing balance of steering feel, handling agility and roadholding grip, resulting in a dynamically athletic and reassuringly controlled vehicle, even at speed through tighter corners. However, as with the e-Power’s acceleration delivery, the keener driver has to first push through a level of inertia to discover this.
One trait worth keeping in mind is that the tail can become loose and even slide out a little before the ESC quickly yet calmly reels it back in, if you attempt to take a bend too fast. Beware, though, that as the roads were hot and dry during our drive, we cannot attest to how this behaviour will manifest in the wet. Should be fun if you’re a keener driver. We weren’t expecting that.
What else? The easy e-Pedal function works well, providing significant braking up to a point, without bringing the vehicle to a full stop. It soon feels second nature.
Plus, unlike most Toyota hybrids, many EVs and even the X-Trail Ti e-Power we tested recently, the smaller-brother Qashqai avoids that oddly wooden brake-pedal feel, though again, a test in inner-urban traffic may reveal something else.
And, finally, over coarse-chip surfaces, there’s a bit too much tyre or road-noise intrusion coming inside, though over the smoother stuff, you’ll also feel blissfully cocooned in the comfort the Ti packaging provides.
Overall, then, the Qashqai e-Power is a swift, agile and entertaining drive, as well as safe and secure, revealing a further depth to Nissan’s engineering talent and capability.
Safety
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from testing done in 2019 and has seven-airbags but doesn’t have a front-centre airbag yet.
It has high individual scores for protection, scoring 93 per cent for adult, 89 per cent for child, 85 per cent for vulnerable road-user, and 83 per cent for its safety assist systems.
The RAV4 has AEB with car, pedestrian and cyclist functions, operational from 10-80km/h (180km/h for car) but it is usual to see the system operational from 5.0km/h.
Standard crash-avoidance safety kit includes blind-spot monitoring, an SOS call button, emergency steering assist, driver attention alert, a rear occupant alert, rear and forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure alert.
There's also lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, an intelligent seatbelt warning, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, a 360-degree view camera system as well as front and rear parking sensors.
You also get a digital rear view mirror, which is great when you have compromised vision out the back window.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top tethers in the rear row. You might be able to get three seats across but two will fit best.
Nissan Qashqai
The e-Power is included with the rest of the existing Qashqai range in scoring a five-star ANCAP crash-test result in 2021.
It features seven airbags including front-centre and front-to-rear curtain coverage.
You’ll also find front and rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and back-over detection, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist systems, adaptive cruise control with full stop-go function, a driver fatigue monitor, auto high beams, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, ABS with brake assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, hill-start assist, stability control, traction control and a surround-view monitor.
There’s also a vehicle approach sound for pedestrians.
Note that Nissan’s AEB kicks in from 5.0-130km/h, pedestrian and cyclist AEB from 10-80km/h, and the lane support systems work between 60-250km/h.
ISOFIX child-seat latches are fitted to outboard rear seat positions, while a trio of top tethers for straps are included across the rear bench.
Ownership
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is offered with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, but you add two more years if you service exclusively with Toyota and on schedule.
There is a five-year capped-priced servicing program and it costs just $260 per service, which is very competitive for the class.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12-months or 15,000km whichever occurs first.
Nissan Qashqai
Like all Qashqais, the Ti e-Power offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty that also includes roadside assistance. Nothing unusual there.
Service intervals are at every 12 months or 10,000km. The latter is 5000km sooner than in the ICE equivalent, by the way.
Nissan also offers a choice of servicing options, starting with the Capped Price Servicing that is nearly a thousand dollars cheaper than the regular ICE versions of the Qashqai over the six-year period as published on the company’s website, at around $2850.
Pay in advance and there’s an additional 10 per cent discount. Of course, terms and conditions apply.