Kia Sportage 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.
Data checked: specs 29 Oct 2026, price 29 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$38,490RRP
- no option data for this car
No price
- no price to build from against the Kia Sportage
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Kia Sportage & Nissan Qashqai
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Nissan Qashqai. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Kia Sportage
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006112 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2009
- REC-006109 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2014
- 10 more on the model page.
Nissan Qashqai
- REC-006662 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue with the Lithium-ion Battery Controller (LBC) the vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode whilst driving.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006618 · published 5 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pipe may chafe against the support bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006450 · published 16 Oct 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pipe may chafe against the support bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 4 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Sportage stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan Qashqai. The Nissan Qashqai counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Sportage gets cloth upholstery while the Nissan Qashqai offers quilted leather-accented. Climate control is 1-zone in the Kia Sportage and 2-zone in the Nissan Qashqai.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Nissan Qashqai lines up making 140kW and 311Nm, paired to a reduction drive (automatic) driving the front wheels.
The Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 260mm longer than the Nissan Qashqai at 4,425mm (2,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 452L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Kia Sportage a 91L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage and $1,169/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $1,140 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Nissan Qashqai).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sportage: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 70
The Kia Sportage comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 70), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Nissan Qashqai ahead by 36), safety (Kia Sportage ahead by 31), value (Kia Sportage ahead by 11). The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $1,140 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The Kia Sportage 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 Sportage and Nissan Qashqai?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Qashqai uses the least fuel at 4.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia Sportage holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We hold no ANCAP data for Nissan Qashqai, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / unlimited km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Qashqai makes the most power at 140kW.
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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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