Nissan Qashqai models explained
Discover the full range of Nissan Qashqai models explained with our easy-to-follow guide. Compare trims, engines and features
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 22 May 2025
Qashqai models explained: trims and engines
Let's be honest – the Nissan Qashqai range has gone from strength to strength over the years. Now in its third generation and with a swanky new e-POWER electric-driven hybrid powertrain, there's plenty of choice across the board, but it's not always easy to know which is which.
That's where we come in – in this guide of the facelifted third-generation model (introduced in 2024), we have all the Nissan Qashqai models explained, whether you're after wallet-friendly practicality of leather-lined luxury.
Compare the Qashqai models explained to pick your perfect Nissan with confidence.
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Qashqai models explained: full model list
Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium
Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta
Nissan Qashqai N-Design
Nissan Qashqai Tekna
Nissan Qashqai Tekna+
Nissan Qashqai Mild Hybrid
Nissan Qashqai e-POWER
Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium
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Acenta Premium is the entry point for the Nissan Qashai, but previous generations were available with lower-grade Acenta starting points, which means this is already partly an upgrade over those.
Standard equipment includes bright LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
You get plenty of driver aids and safety features, but the most notable are the reversing camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning system.
Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta
 "Nissan Qashqai interior")
N-Connecta is quite the upgrade, adding a lot more equipment that you might want in a well-specced family SUV.
You get a secondary 12.3-inch display for the digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree parking camera, a 15W wireless phone charger, ambient lighting with a range of colours, electric lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat and keyless entry.
Besides the additional driver assistance tech included in the ProPILOT Assist pack, Nissan also adds a self-parking system to e-POWER models (more on those below).
Nissan Qashqai N-Design
 "Nissan Qashqai driving")
This trim level is mostly focused on styling enhancements, such as some black detailing and revised bumper inserts. The VW Tiguan has the sporty-looking R-Line trim, the Ford Kuga has ST-Line, and the Qashqai has N-Design.
You don't get much more kit compared with the N-Connecta, hence the similarity in names, but you do get upgraded adaptive LED headlights and a glass sunroof with an electric sunshade.
Nissan Qashqai Tekna
 "Nissan Qashqai")
Tekna has long been a family-favourite, with some extra luxuries making it an easier crossover to live with.
In the case of the Qashqai Tekna, you get a 10.8-inch head-up display and a powered bootlid.
The seats, with full electric adjustment for the driver and electric lumbar adjustment for the passenger, are finished in synthetic leather. They're also heated, as is the steering wheel and windscreen.
Nissan Qashqai Tekna+
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A high-spec edition of the already-popular Tekna, this is the most expensive variant of the Qashqai you can get, and it has all the bells and whistles.
We're talking a BOSE sound system and full electric adjustment for both front seats, which are trimmed in quilted leather and feature a massaging function.
Qashqai petrol, diesel and hybrid models
 "Nissan Qashqai e-POWER engine")
Nissan Qashqai petrol
Petrol power comes in the form of a 1.3-litre mild hybrid system – there's no plain petrol as such.
The entry-level model has 138hp, which means it's the slowest of the lot with a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds. With the manual gearbox, it'll do 44.8mpg.
There's also a 158hp version of this same engine, which you can spec with a manual or automatic (CVT) gearbox – the latter is also the only Qashqai in this generation to get four-wheel drive.
0-62mph times vary from 9.2 seconds to 9.9 seconds, with fuel economy of 44.8-45.6mpg for the front-wheel-drive models and 40.9mpg for the Qashqai 4x4.
Nissan Qashqai hybrid
Not only does the 190hp, 1.5-litre e-POWER self-charging hybrid model offer the best fuel economy (55.4mpg) and acceleration (7.9 seconds), but it's also one of the best hybrids in the business.
That's because, unlike most rivals, the petrol engine never drives the wheels. Instead, the electric motor is the only propulsion method for the car, which means it feels a lot more like an engaging electric car to drive.
You'll never have to plug it in, because that 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as an on-board generator, converting petrol to electricity on the fly. It's a genuinely impressive system.
Nissan Qashqai diesel
Nissan stopped selling diesel versions of the Qashqai when the car got renewed for its third generation, but that doesn't mean it's not a popular fuel choice, and you can still pick up plenty of used diesel Qashqais.
The engines are shared with a number of Renault models, which we already know to be highly efficient and very reliable.
What’s the best Nissan Qashqai model?
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Budget-friendly option – The 140hp 1.3-litre mild hybrid engine helps to keep the costs down and it's an excellent engine, so you won't need to upgrade from this. Acenta Premium models also have plenty of kit, so you'll never regret your decision, but look out for used Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta models. The difference might be negligible, but you get a lot more kit. After all, budget isn't always about buying cheap – sometimes it's about value for money.
Luxurious trim – You can't go wrong with a Tekna+ model, which has the most luxurious interior of the lot. It's the only trim level to have real leather upholstery and massaging seats, but the Tekna model isn't far off. Pair this trim with the 158hp mild hybrid or the e-POWER hybrid for a more rounded finish.
Performance variant – With a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds, the 1.5-litre e-POWER model is the quickest-accelerating, and it also feels it thanks to the torque delivery of the electric motor. You can have it with any of the trim levels, but we think the N-Design edition gives it a sportier edge.
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Find a used Nissan Qashqai for sale
So there you have it – every Nissan Qashqai model explained. And now you know your Tekna from your N-Connecta, why not put that knowledge to good use and browse our full range of used Nissan Qashqai models for sale?
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