Nissan Qashqai Mk2 (2014-2020) Used Car Guide

The second-generation Nissan Qashqai represents a significant evolution in the compact SUV segment, offering a refined alternative to traditional family hatchbacks. With over 2.3 million units sold globally, the Qashqai has established itself as a compelling proposition for buyers seeking versatility, comfort, and style. However, prospective purchasers of used examples from the 2014-2020 period should approach their purchase strategically, as the model presents both notable strengths and areas requiring careful consideration.

Market Position and Overall Assessment

The Mk2 Qashqai occupies a unique position within the automotive marketplace, bridging the gap between conventional saloons and larger three-row SUVs. Its dimensions—measuring 4.4 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width, and 1.6 metres in height—position it as a moderately compact offering within the SUV category, making it suitable for urban environments without sacrificing passenger comfort. The vehicle’s appeal stems from its combination of practicality, aesthetic refinement, and accessible pricing on the used market.

Despite its commercial success and award-winning design, the second-generation iteration requires careful evaluation during the purchasing process. While the model delivers on comfort and driving experience, ownership satisfaction ratings and reliability metrics suggest inconsistent build quality compared to Nissan’s historical reputation. Buyers should view the Qashqai as a comfortable family vehicle with worthwhile characteristics rather than an exceptional choice in its segment.

Interior Comfort and Passenger Accommodation

The cabin environment represents one of the Qashqai’s strongest attributes. Nissan substantially elevated the interior quality compared to the first-generation model, introducing more sophisticated materials, improved ergonomics, and a premium ambiance that rivals vehicles positioned at higher price points. The front seating area provides abundant space for occupants of all statures, with well-designed seats that deliver commendable support during extended journeys.

Rear passenger accommodation presents a more nuanced picture. While the model adequately serves shorter adults and younger passengers, taller individuals may encounter headroom limitations, particularly when the optional panoramic glass roof is fitted. The absence of a third-row seating configuration distinguishes the Mk2 Qashqai from its predecessor and represents a notable limitation for families requiring greater capacity.

Storage and Boot Configuration

The vehicle provides practical storage solutions for everyday use, though cargo capacity remains moderate compared to larger SUV competitors. The boot accommodates typical family requirements for groceries, luggage, and sporting equipment. The flat loading floor and wide opening enhance the practicality of loading and unloading operations.

Powertrain Options and Performance Characteristics

Nissan equipped the Mk2 Qashqai with a diverse engine lineup catering to different usage patterns and fuel preferences. The petrol option comprised a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit producing 115 horsepower, suitable for modest daily driving requirements. Diesel enthusiasts could select either a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with 110 horsepower or a 1.6-litre turbodiesel developing 130 horsepower, both options providing superior fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Transmission choices included a conventional six-speed manual gearbox or Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The Xtronic system, while delivering smooth power delivery, exhibits reduced agility compared to traditional automatic gearboxes. Four-wheel-drive capability became available on certain 1.6-litre diesel derivatives, though this addition resulted in performance penalties and increased fuel consumption.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

The Qashqai prioritises ride comfort over driving engagement, a philosophy that resonates with its intended family-oriented demographic. The suspension effectively absorbs road surface irregularities, maintaining a composed cabin environment across various road conditions. The ride quality particularly excels on motorway driving, where the vehicle glides smoothly with minimal transmission of vibration and noise to interior occupants.

Cornering ability demonstrates reasonable competence without delivering the precision associated with sport-oriented alternatives. The electrically assisted steering provides direct inputs and maintains surprising substance in feel, though the overall experience suggests prioritization of comfort over dynamic engagement. Nissan’s Active Trace Control system, which applies selective braking to individual wheels, contributes to directional stability while helping maintain trajectory through corners.

Technology Integration and Feature Availability

The Qashqai’s technology provisioning escalates significantly with trim level progression. Even base-specification XE models incorporate LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, a five-inch colour information display, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, air conditioning, and Hill-Start Assist functionality.

Mid-range SE variants introduce a touchscreen infotainment system with eventual Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, automatic headlight and windscreen wiper operation, panoramic glass roof, roof rails, rear-view camera, and enhanced climate control with dual-zone functionality. Higher-specification SV models add the Safety Shield package featuring pedestrian forward emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and high-beam assistance. The flagship SVE version culminates the lineup with 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights with adaptive front lighting, premium leather upholstery, and comprehensive safety technology packages.

Parking Assistance and Safety Technologies

Upper trim levels incorporate sophisticated parking solutions, including around-view 360-degree camera systems and intelligent park assist functionality that enables automatic parking manoeuvres. However, owners have reported persistent issues with parking sensors filling with water, resulting in either false alarms or complete malfunction, representing an irritating mechanical concern.

Safety Credentials and Crash Performance

Euro NCAP awarded the Qashqai a full five-star safety rating during 2014 testing, with particularly strong performance in both adult and child occupant protection categories. This certification provides reassurance regarding structural integrity and restraint system effectiveness, though buyers should recognize that crash test standards and vehicle safety technology have evolved significantly since this assessment.

Reliability Considerations and Reported Issues

A significant disparity exists between the Qashqai’s commercial success and owner satisfaction regarding reliability and build quality. Driver Power satisfaction surveys consistently positioned the model in lower-to-mid table rankings, with 2016 data revealing particularly concerning results. The 2016 survey placed the Qashqai 131st out of the surveyed vehicle population, while reliability and build quality scored a worrying 150th position. Later 2019 surveys showed modest improvement to 49th position, though approximately 23.4 percent of owners reported experiencing issues with their vehicles.

Common Problem Areas

• Parking sensor malfunctions caused by water ingress leading to false alerts or complete failure
• Rear seat belt anchorage issues causing fabric damage to seat backs when belts become trapped during seat adjustment
• Air conditioning system concerns affecting climate control functionality
• Inconsistent build quality affecting trim pieces and interior components

Despite these concerns, owners praised specific attributes including fuel economy, interior spaciousness, child-friendly functionality, seat comfort, and practicality—factors contributing to moderate satisfaction scores in these specific categories.

Trim Level Analysis and Equipment Progression

Nissan’s trim hierarchy—comprising XE, SE, SV, SV Premium, and SVE designations—provides systematic progression in equipment and comfort provisions. This structured approach ensures that even entry-level examples retain essential convenience features, though meaningful quality improvements materialize at mid-range and premium specification levels.

Practical Considerations for Used Purchasers

When evaluating used Qashqai examples, prioritize vehicles from mid-range trim levels or higher, where equipment provisioning and build quality standards improve noticeably. Request comprehensive service history documentation, verifying regular maintenance intervals and addressing of any recall campaigns. Have independent mechanical inspection performed, focusing particularly on parking sensor functionality, climate control performance, and seat anchorage integrity.

Examine interior trim pieces for signs of adhesive failure or loose components, common indicators of variable build quality. Test all electrical functions systematically, including infotainment features, camera systems, and parking assistance technologies. Inquire specifically about any warranty claims during ownership, which may signal recurring concerns previously addressed through dealer intervention.

Comparative Market Position

While the Qashqai delivers competent family transportation with appealing comfort and style characteristics, alternatives merit consideration. The used compact SUV segment offers several competitors with potentially superior reliability records or more engaging driving dynamics. Buyers should evaluate comparable models from competitors, weighing the Qashqai’s strengths in comfort and practicality against alternative options offering potentially superior long-term dependability or performance characteristics.

Value Assessment and Purchase Recommendation

The Nissan Qashqai Mk2 presents a reasonable proposition for buyers prioritizing comfort, spacious interiors, and aesthetic appeal over ultimate reliability or driving engagement. The model’s depreciation trajectory has stabilized, offering sound value proposition on today’s used market. However, purchase decisions should incorporate realistic expectations regarding build quality inconsistencies and ownership satisfaction ratings.

For families seeking comfortable, practical daily transportation without demanding exceptional reliability, the Qashqai merits serious consideration. For buyers prioritizing long-term dependability and minimal maintenance concerns, alternative manufacturers may prove superior investments. Careful selection of higher-trim examples with comprehensive service records substantially mitigates reliability concerns associated with the model’s more problematic examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical fuel consumption for the Qashqai Mk2?

Diesel variants deliver superior economy, typically achieving 45-50 mpg in real-world driving, while petrol examples return approximately 35-40 mpg depending on driving patterns and engine specification.

Does the Qashqai Mk2 offer seven-seat capability?

No, the second-generation model abandoned seven-seat configuration. Nissan’s separate X-Trail model provides this accommodation for those requiring additional seating capacity.

Are parking sensor issues widespread?

Multiple owners have reported water ingress into parking sensors causing malfunction. This represents a known concern affecting used examples, particularly those exposed to wet environments.

What warranty coverage typically accompanies used purchases?

Warranty provisions depend entirely on purchasing source. Dealer-sold examples may include limited warranties, while private sales typically offer no manufacturer coverage beyond any remaining factory warranty period.