What To Know
- While it may have less horsepower than the Corolla Cross, the Qashqai feels more responsive and agile thanks to its lighter weight and more efficient transmission.
- The Corolla Cross provides a slightly more composed and stable ride, while the Qashqai leans towards a more engaging and playful driving experience.
- Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many buyers, and both the Corolla Cross and the Qashqai excel in this area.
Choosing the right compact SUV can be a daunting task, with so many excellent options vying for your attention. Two popular contenders that consistently make the shortlist are the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Nissan Qashqai. Both offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making them ideal for families and individuals alike. But how do they stack up against each other? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key areas that matter most to buyers, helping you determine which SUV best suits your needs and preferences.
Design and Styling
The Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Qashqai both boast modern and stylish designs that appeal to a wide range of tastes. The Corolla Cross features a sleek and athletic exterior, with sharp lines and a bold front grille. Its overall design is more conservative compared to the Qashqai, which adopts a more daring and futuristic approach. The Qashqai’s signature V-Motion grille, sculpted lines, and boomerang-shaped taillights contribute to its distinctive and eye-catching presence.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more understated and refined look, the Corolla Cross might be the better choice. If you’re looking for a bolder and more expressive design, the Qashqai will likely appeal to you more.
Interior and Comfort
Both the Corolla Cross and the Qashqai prioritize comfort and functionality within their cabins. The Corolla Cross offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, with comfortable seats and ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The dashboard is driver-focused, with easy-to-use controls and a clear instrument cluster. The Qashqai’s interior is similarly spacious and comfortable, but it boasts a more modern and stylish design. Its premium materials and sleek dashboard create a more upscale ambiance.
While both SUVs offer comfortable seating, the Qashqai edges out the Corolla Cross in terms of overall interior design and perceived quality. The Qashqai’s interior feels more luxurious and refined, thanks to its use of higher-quality materials and its more sophisticated styling.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Corolla Cross and Qashqai offer distinct driving experiences. The Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, but it doesn’t quite match the Qashqai’s performance.
The Qashqai, on the other hand, is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. While it may have less horsepower than the Corolla Cross, the Qashqai feels more responsive and agile thanks to its lighter weight and more efficient transmission.
In terms of handling, both SUVs offer a comfortable and predictable ride. The Corolla Cross provides a slightly more composed and stable ride, while the Qashqai leans towards a more engaging and playful driving experience.
Technology and Features
Both the Corolla Cross and the Qashqai are packed with modern technology and features. The Corolla Cross comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assistance features. The Qashqai also offers a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
While both SUVs offer impressive technology features, the Qashqai edges out the Corolla Cross in terms of its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Qashqai’s ProPILOT system provides more advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many buyers, and both the Corolla Cross and the Qashqai excel in this area. The Corolla Cross achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The Qashqai, meanwhile, boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
While the Qashqai offers slightly better highway fuel economy, the Corolla Cross provides slightly better overall fuel efficiency. Both SUVs deliver impressive fuel economy figures, making them excellent choices for those seeking to minimize their fuel costs.
Reliability and Resale Value
Toyota is renowned for its reliability, and the Corolla Cross continues this tradition. It consistently ranks high in reliability surveys, making it a trustworthy choice for long-term ownership. The Nissan Qashqai, while not quite as renowned for its reliability as the Corolla Cross, still boasts a solid track record.
In terms of resale value, the Corolla Cross is expected to hold its value better than the Qashqai. Toyota vehicles are known for their strong resale values, and the Corolla Cross is likely to retain its value well over time.
The Verdict: Which SUV Wins?
The Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Qashqai are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and value. The Corolla Cross stands out with its impressive reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. The Qashqai, on the other hand, shines with its stylish design, advanced technology features, and engaging driving experience.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If reliability, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior are your top concerns, the Corolla Cross is the clear winner. If you prioritize style, technology, and a more engaging driving experience, the Qashqai is the better choice.
Choosing the Right SUV for You
To make the right decision, consider these factors:
- Budget: Both SUVs offer competitive pricing, but the Corolla Cross may be slightly more affordable.
- Space: The Corolla Cross offers slightly more cargo space and passenger room.
- Features: The Qashqai boasts a more advanced suite of technology and safety features.
- Driving Experience: The Qashqai offers a more engaging and sporty driving experience, while the Corolla Cross provides a more comfortable and composed ride.
- Reliability: The Corolla Cross is known for its exceptional reliability.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both SUVs are suitable for families, but the Corolla Cross offers slightly more space and a more comfortable ride, making it a better choice for larger families.
Q: Which SUV is better for city driving?
A: Both SUVs are well-suited for city driving, but the Qashqai’s more agile handling and advanced driver-assistance features might make it slightly more enjoyable in urban environments.
Q: Which SUV offers better fuel economy?
A: The Corolla Cross offers slightly better overall fuel economy, while the Qashqai boasts slightly better highway fuel economy.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: Neither SUV is designed for serious off-roading. However, both offer adequate ground clearance and all-wheel drive options for light off-road adventures.
Q: Which SUV is better for long road trips?
A: Both SUVs are comfortable for long road trips. The Corolla Cross‘s spacious interior and comfortable ride might make it slightly more suitable for extended journeys.
