Renault Koleos 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 Renault Koleos starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $34,665. 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 $38,489 and $38,132 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 Renault Koleos features a 8.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Renault Koleos stands out with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio 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.
Interior trim differs: the Renault Koleos gets leather upholstery while the Nissan Qashqai offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Renault Koleos uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 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 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 Renault Koleos measures 4,672mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 247mm longer than the Nissan Qashqai at 4,425mm (2,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Koleos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 458L in the Renault Koleos and 430L in the Nissan Qashqai, 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 11.6m 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 $2,223/year for the Renault Koleos and $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Renault Koleos) vs $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai). 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Renault Koleos) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai). The Renault Koleos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
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.
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, Renault Koleos and Nissan Qashqai?
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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