Hyundai Tucson vs. Nissan Qashqai: which is better?
Affordable SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai are hard to come by, but these are here to stay. But which is better suited to you?
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Picking your next family SUV is never an easy task.
With the number of options out there, the two that most people tend to come back to are a used Hyundai Tucson or Nissan Qashqai.
While they both may appear similar, they are in fact vastly different. But which is the better option for you?
Styling
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It’s not easy to stand out in such a crowded market sector, but the Hyundai Tucson does a very impressive job of standing out among the recent influx of SUVs.
Its angular exterior and the unique front grille is what makes the newer versions stand out.
Previous generations were a little more rounded and blended into the crowd, but post-2020 Tucsons will not go unnoticed.
Hyundai's’s current design is almost taking elements from Mercedes and Peugeot, which can subtly be seen across the bodywork and adds to its stand-out look.
Nissan, on the other hand, has taken a more reserved approach with the Qashqai's design.
But just because it’s not as angular doesn’t mean it isn’t as good-looking.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all, so no one else’s opinion really matters – but there’s no denying that Nissan has been minimalist with this design.
It feels like a very grown-up and sophisticated vehicle, and despite being a large SUV, doesn’t feel imposing like a Range Rover or BMW X7.
What are they like to drive?
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The chances are that if you’re looking to buy an SUV, you aren’t looking for a stellar driving experience.
SUVs are great because you sit high up and they offer practicality, but they aren’t as nimble as an Abarth 595 or BMW M2, for example.
A used Hyundai Tucson offers a very comfortable driving experience, and it has light steering too, which makes it very easy to manoeuvre around tight parking spaces and narrow streets.
It's also quite a compact SUV when compared to many of its rivals, so parking is easier anyway.
As for the Qashqai, this is a larger vehicle but it’s still very easy to drive. Its steering isn’t too heavy, so parking in shopping centres or on your driveway is a doddle.
The Qashqai is also really well known for its comfortable, soft suspension – offering a quiet and supple driving experience.
Interior and technology
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Even before you sit in the Tucson, you will immediately notice it’s not as high off the ground as some of its rivals.
This may be a drawback for some, but to make up for its lack of height, the Tucson comes with some incredibly soft and comfortable seats.
No matter where you're sitting in the car, you won’t be disappointed.
There’s also a great range of tech on offer from Bluetooth to a sat-nav system.
There’s also the ability to connect your smartphone to the car’s system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too – something newer Qashqai models also have.
Following on from the high standards set by the Tucson, the Qashqai continues to wow buyers and owners alike with its high-end materials and luxurious interior.
Bootspace and practicality
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The practicality of an SUV is what draws so many people to them.
The Tucson has a 620-litre boot and the Qashqai a 504-litre one – these are both perfectly adequate sizes, but you’ll obviously lean more toward the former if maximising space is your priority.
Backseat space in the Tucson is good and you won’t be struggling to get in and out.
The same goes for a used Qashqai, which won’t let you down on longer motorway journeys with adults or children.
Read our in-depth car reviews:
Safety and reliability
Being new cars, you aren’t going to struggle in terms of reliability because their engines are so well built and pretty faultless.
Plus, the warranties are so good that if something did go wrong, you’d be covered.
The same goes for safety, because both cars scored full marks following their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests and offer excellent protection for both adult and child passengers.
Dimensions:
Hyundai Tucson
Length: 4630mm
Width: 1865mm
Height: 1665mm
Boot space: 620 litres
Nissan Qashqai
Length: 4425mm
Width: 1835mm
Height: 1625mm
Boot space: 504 litres
Verdict: Hyundai Tucson vs Nissan Qashqai: which should you buy?
We’re sure you’ve come to your own conclusion after reading our comparison of the Tucson and Qashqai.
But if you’re still not quite sure which is for you, perhaps our quick verdict will help guide you in the right direction.
If you’re after a car that offers more space and interior room, and that isn’t as high up as most SUVs, then a used Tucson is for you.
It’s still an SUV but it feels so much more compact than many of its rivals.
On the other hand, if you would rather take increased comfort over more space, then a used Qashqai is perfect for you.
Honestly, you probably won’t notice the reduced space inside unless you really need it, so an average family would be more than happy with either of these.