Lexus LBX 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus LBX starts from $47,550 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $47,165. That makes the Nissan Qashqai the more affordable entry point by $385.
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 $52,305 and $51,882 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LBX by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Lexus LBX holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Nissan Qashqai. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Lexus LBX and 78% for the Nissan Qashqai.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan Qashqai, against 5 on the Lexus LBX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus LBX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Lexus LBX stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Nissan Qashqai. The Nissan Qashqai counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LBX uses a Hybrid producing 100kW and 185Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Nissan Qashqai responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 330Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus LBX measures 4,190mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 235mm 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 402L in the Lexus LBX and 404L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 2L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 994L vs 1328L.
For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 350kg 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 11.1m
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,083/year for the Lexus LBX and $1,368/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LBX.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Lexus LBX) vs $1,368 (Nissan Qashqai). The Lexus LBX saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LBX will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus LBX and Nissan Qashqai?
The Nissan Qashqai is the cheapest at $47,165 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LBX by $385.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Lexus LBX has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan Qashqai has the largest boot at 404L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Qashqai makes the most power at 140kW. The Nissan Qashqai is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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