What To Know
- Two popular contenders in the compact SUV segment are the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai.
- Under the hood, the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer a range of engine options to suit different driving styles.
- Both SUVs offer a smooth and responsive driving experience, but the Sportage’s turbocharged engine provides a noticeable boost in acceleration and power.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the compact SUV segment are the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and technology, making the decision even more challenging. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai 2019 models, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine the perfect SUV for your needs.
Design and Style: A Battle of Aesthetics
The Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai both boast contemporary designs that appeal to a wide audience. The Sportage, with its bold lines and sculpted bodywork, exudes a more athletic and aggressive stance. Its signature “tiger nose” grille and sharp headlights add a touch of sportiness. The Qashqai, on the other hand, adopts a more refined and elegant approach. Its flowing curves and sleek profile create a sophisticated and modern look.
The interior design of both SUVs reflects their exterior styling. The Sportage’s cabin is driver-focused, featuring a sporty steering wheel and a well-organized dashboard. The Qashqai’s interior is more minimalist, with a clean and clutter-free layout. Both vehicles offer a variety of premium materials and finishes, depending on the trim level.
Performance and Handling: Power Under the Hood
Under the hood, the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer a range of engine options to suit different driving styles. The Sportage is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 175 horsepower. The Qashqai comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower.
Both SUVs offer a smooth and responsive driving experience, but the Sportage’s turbocharged engine provides a noticeable boost in acceleration and power. The Qashqai, while not as powerful, offers a comfortable and refined ride. In terms of handling, both vehicles are agile and predictable, making them enjoyable to drive on winding roads.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Everyone
When it comes to interior space, the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer ample room for passengers and cargo. The Sportage provides generous legroom and headroom in both rows, while the Qashqai’s cabin feels slightly more compact. Both SUVs offer a comfortable ride, with supportive seats and a well-insulated cabin.
Cargo space is another important consideration for SUV buyers. The Sportage boasts a larger cargo area, offering 29.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Qashqai, while still offering a decent amount of space, falls slightly behind with 26.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Technology and Features: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are packed with advanced technology features. The Sportage comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trim levels offer a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a head-up display. The Qashqai features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also offers optional features like a panoramic sunroof, a Bose sound system, and a navigation system.
In terms of safety features, both SUVs excel. The Sportage offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Qashqai also includes a variety of safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning.
Fuel Efficiency: Saving Money at the Pump
Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many SUV buyers. The Kia Sportage offers a competitive fuel economy rating, with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine achieving an estimated 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivers slightly lower fuel economy, with an estimated 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The Nissan Qashqai, with its smaller engine, achieves a slightly better fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Deal
The Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer competitive pricing, making them attractive options for budget-conscious buyers. The Sportage starts at around $25,000, while the Qashqai starts at around $24,000. Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels, with prices increasing as you move up the ladder.
When considering value, the Kia Sportage offers a slightly better overall package. It provides a more powerful engine, a larger cargo area, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features for a comparable price. The Qashqai, while still a solid choice, falls slightly behind in these areas.
The Verdict: Which SUV Takes the Crown?
The Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and technology. The Sportage edges out the Qashqai with its more powerful engine, larger cargo area, and more comprehensive safety features. However, the Qashqai remains a strong contender with its refined design, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize power, cargo space, and safety features, the Kia Sportage is the better choice. If you value fuel efficiency, comfort, and a refined driving experience, the Nissan Qashqai is worth considering.
The Final Word: Choosing the Perfect SUV for You
Choosing the right SUV is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs and priorities. Both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer a compelling package, but the Sportage ultimately emerges as the slight winner due to its superior performance, practicality, and safety features. However, the Qashqai remains a strong contender with its refined design, comfortable ride, and competitive fuel economy.
Take the time to test drive both SUVs and compare them side-by-side to determine which one best suits your lifestyle and driving needs.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Qashqai offers slightly better fuel economy than the Kia Sportage, especially with its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Kia Sportage has a larger cargo area than the Nissan Qashqai, both behind the rear seats and with the seats folded down.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Nissan Qashqai starts at a slightly lower price than the Kia Sportage, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Q: Which SUV offers more advanced safety features?
A: The Kia Sportage offers a more comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
A: Both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are primarily designed for on-road driving. However, the Sportage’s available all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance give it a slight edge in off-road situations.
