Nissan Qashqai vs Volkswagen T-Cross
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 Volkswagen T-Cross 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 Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $1,425 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 Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-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 Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. 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 Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 1.0s 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, 317mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Qashqai generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Nissan Qashqai and 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 38L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. 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 11.2m
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 $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Volkswagen T-Cross 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 (Nissan Qashqai) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Qashqai 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 Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Nissan Qashqai is the cheapest at $34,665 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $325.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.5L/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 Nissan Qashqai has the largest boot at 430L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Qashqai has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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.
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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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