Nissan Qashqai vs KGM Torres
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 Nissan Qashqai starts from $34,665 before on-road costs, while the KGM Torres opens at $34,990. That makes the Nissan Qashqai the more affordable entry point by $325.
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 $38,132 and $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan Qashqai by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan Qashqai and KGM Torres hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 2 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan Qashqai and 7 in the KGM Torres.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Qashqai features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the KGM Torres gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan Qashqai stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the KGM Torres. The KGM Torres counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Qashqai uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.
The KGM Torres responds with a Turbo GDi making 120kW and 280Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.8 seconds.
The KGM Torres has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Qashqai measures 4,425mm long on a 2,665mm wheelbase, 275mm shorter than the KGM Torres at 4,700mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Torres generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Nissan Qashqai and 455L in the KGM Torres, giving the KGM Torres a 25L advantage.
For towing, the KGM Torres 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 11.2m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai and $2,252/year for the KGM Torres. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai) vs $2,252 (KGM Torres). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Qashqai) vs 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Torres). The KGM Torres has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the KGM Torres if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Nissan Qashqai and KGM Torres trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The KGM Torres 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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