Nissan Qashqai Vs Toyota Yaris Cross: The Ultimate Subcompact Suv Showdown – Which One Reigns Supreme?

The automotive industry has witnessed a surge in the popularity of compact SUVs, and two prominent contenders in this segment are the Nissan Qashqai and the Toyota Yaris Cross. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. This comprehensive comparison aims to provide a detailed analysis of the Nissan Qashqai vs Yaris Cross, guiding you in making an informed decision when choosing your next compact SUV.

Performance and Efficiency: Unraveling the Powertrains

1. Engine Options and Power Output:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai offers a range of engine options, including a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 140 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 181 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 118 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque.

2. Transmission and Drivetrain:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai comes with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross features a CVT as standard, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options.

3. Fuel Economy and Emissions:

• Nissan Qashqai: With its efficient powertrains, the Qashqai delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive CVT model.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross offers impressive fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city and 41 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive CVT variant.

Interior and Comfort: Exploring the Cabins

1. Cabin Space and Seating:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai offers a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and provide good comfort on long journeys.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross has a smaller cabin compared to the Qashqai, but it still manages to provide adequate space for four adults. The seats are comfortable, and the rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity.

2. Infotainment and Connectivity:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. It also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration.

3. Safety and Driver Assistance Features:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross offers a similar range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

Exterior Design and Practicality: Aesthetics and Functionality

1. Exterior Styling:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai features a sleek and modern exterior design with sharp lines and a bold front grille. It exudes a sporty and dynamic character.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross adopts a more rugged and adventurous exterior design with a raised ride height, chunky body cladding, and a prominent front skid plate.

2. Cargo Capacity and Versatility:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai offers a versatile cargo area with 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 60.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross provides a smaller cargo area with 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 39.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

3. Ground Clearance and Off-Road Capability:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai offers a ground clearance of 7.3 inches, making it suitable for light off-road adventures.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross has a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.1 inches, providing better off-road capability and tackling rough terrain.

Pricing and Trims: Unveiling the Value Proposition

1. Starting Prices:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Nissan Qashqai has a starting price of $24,990 for the base S trim.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Toyota Yaris Cross has a starting price of $21,545 for the base LE trim.

2. Trim Levels and Features:

• Nissan Qashqai: The Qashqai offers four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each trim adds more features and amenities, such as larger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose premium audio system.
• Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and XLE Premium. Similar to the Qashqai, higher trim levels offer enhanced features like a larger infotainment screen, heated seats, and a JBL premium audio system.

The Verdict: Deciding the Winner

The Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Yaris Cross are both excellent choices in the compact SUV segment, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize performance, spaciousness, and a comprehensive safety suite, the Nissan Qashqai is the ideal choice. However, if fuel efficiency, affordability, and a smaller, more maneuverable SUV are your priorities, the Toyota Yaris Cross is the way to go.

Key Points: Unveiling the Ideal Compact SUV for Your Needs

The Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Yaris Cross are two exceptional compact SUVs, each offering unique strengths and catering to different preferences. Whether you seek a powerful and feature-rich SUV like the Qashqai or a fuel-efficient and agile SUV like the Yaris Cross, both vehicles deliver on their promises. Ultimately, the decision lies in your hands, and we hope this comprehensive comparison has equipped you with the knowledge to make an informed choice.

Questions You May Have

1. Which SUV offers better fuel economy, the Nissan Qashqai or Toyota Yaris Cross?

• The Toyota Yaris Cross has a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving up to 36 mpg city and 41 mpg highway compared to the Qashqai’s 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

2. Does the Nissan Qashqai have more cargo space than the Toyota Yaris Cross?

• Yes, the Nissan Qashqai offers more cargo space, with 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, compared to the Yaris Cross’s 19.9 cubic feet and 39.7 cubic feet, respectively.

3. Which SUV has a higher ground clearance, the Nissan Qashqai or Toyota Yaris Cross?

• The Toyota Yaris Cross has a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.1 inches compared to the Qashqai’s 7.3 inches, making it more capable in off-road situations.