Nissan Qashqai vs Subaru Crosstrek
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 Subaru Crosstrek opens at $36,490. That makes the Nissan Qashqai the more affordable entry point by $1,825.
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 $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan Qashqai by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan Qashqai and Subaru Crosstrek hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan Qashqai and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 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 Nissan Qashqai and 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Qashqai features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Nissan Qashqai does not offer. 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 Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 2.1s 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, 70mm shorter than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Nissan Qashqai and 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 129L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai) vs $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $342 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 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. 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 Subaru Crosstrek?
The Nissan Qashqai is the cheapest at $34,665 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Crosstrek by $1,825.
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 and Subaru Crosstrek all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Qashqai has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW. 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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