MG MG ZS 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 MG MG ZS starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $34,665. That makes the MG MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $11,675.
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 $25,289 and $38,132 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MG ZS and Nissan Qashqai hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MG ZS and 91% for the Nissan Qashqai.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG ZS packs more ADAS features with 6 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 7 in the MG MG ZS and 7 in the Nissan Qashqai.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG ZS features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG ZS stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Nissan Qashqai. The Nissan Qashqai counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MG ZS uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 140Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 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 Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG MG ZS measures 4,430mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 5mm 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 359L in the MG MG ZS and 430L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 71L 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 $1,910/year for the MG MG ZS and $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (MG MG ZS) vs $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG ZS) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Qashqai). The MG MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Qashqai has a clear edge. The MG MG ZS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MG ZS and Nissan Qashqai?
The MG MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Qashqai by $11,675.
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 — MG MG ZS 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 MG MG ZS has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Qashqai makes the most power at 110kW. The Nissan Qashqai is quickest to 100km/h in 8.8s.
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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