Honda ZR-V vs Nissan Qashqai
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Honda ZR-V starts from $37,100 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $34,665. That makes the Nissan Qashqai the more affordable entry point by $2,435.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $40,810 and $38,132 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan Qashqai by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda ZR-V and Nissan Qashqai hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 91% for the Nissan Qashqai.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Nissan Qashqai.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 7 in the Nissan Qashqai.
Feature Showdown
The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda ZR-V stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan Qashqai. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Nissan Qashqai responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 131kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 143mm longer than the Nissan Qashqai at 4,425mm (2,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Qashqai generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 380L in the Honda ZR-V and 430L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 50L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Honda ZR-V and $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Honda ZR-V) vs $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Qashqai has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda ZR-V and Nissan Qashqai?
The Nissan Qashqai is the cheapest at $34,665 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda ZR-V by $2,435.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Qashqai uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda ZR-V and Nissan Qashqai all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan Qashqai has the largest boot at 430L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda ZR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda ZR-V makes the most power at 131kW. The Honda ZR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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