Nissan Qashqai vs Renault Koleos
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 Renault Koleos 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 $1,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Qashqai features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Renault Koleos gets a 8.7-inch display and 7-inch instruments. 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 Renault Koleos. The Renault Koleos counters with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan Qashqai gets cloth upholstery while the Renault Koleos offers leather.
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 Renault Koleos responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Renault Koleos has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 0.3s 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, 247mm shorter than the Renault Koleos at 4,672mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Koleos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Nissan Qashqai and 458L in the Renault Koleos, giving the Renault Koleos a 28L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Koleos leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 11.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai and $2,223/year for the Renault Koleos. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai) vs $2,223 (Renault Koleos). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Renault Koleos). The Renault Koleos 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 Renault Koleos if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Koleos takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. The Renault Koleos 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, Nissan Qashqai and Renault Koleos?
The Nissan Qashqai is the cheapest at $34,665 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Koleos by $325.
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 — 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 Renault Koleos has the largest boot at 458L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Koleos has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Renault Koleos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Koleos makes the most power at 140kW. The Nissan Qashqai is quickest to 100km/h in 8.8s.
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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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