Kia Seltos 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 Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $34,665. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $3,415.
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 $34,375 and $38,132 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Seltos and Nissan Qashqai hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Seltos and 91% for the Nissan Qashqai.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Seltos packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Nissan Qashqai.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Seltos and 7 in the Nissan Qashqai.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 40mm shorter 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 312L in the Kia Seltos and 430L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 118L 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.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Qashqai). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You 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. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Qashqai has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and Nissan Qashqai?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Qashqai by $3,415.
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 — Kia Seltos 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 Kia Seltos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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