Volkswagen T-Cross 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.
Data checked: specs 4 Oct 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$34,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$45,640RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Volkswagen T-Cross & Nissan Qashqai
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen T-Cross starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $45,640. That makes the Volkswagen T-Cross the more affordable entry point by $10,650.
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 $50,204 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan Qashqai by roughly $2,135 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.
Recalls on our record
Volkswagen T-Cross
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005623 · published 21 Feb 2023Due to a software fault, the visual and acoustic seat belt warning system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021
- REC-004991 · published 4 Nov 2021The seatbelt warning (acoustic warning tone and visual display) may occasionally operate rather than continuously, in circumstances such as a seatbelt not fastened or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
Nissan Qashqai
- REC-006662 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue with the Lithium-ion Battery Controller (LBC) the vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode whilst driving.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006618 · published 5 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pipe may chafe against the support bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006450 · published 16 Oct 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pipe may chafe against the support bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 4 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen T-Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Cross stands out with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for 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.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.2 seconds.
The Nissan Qashqai lines up making 140kW and 311Nm, paired to a reduction drive (automatic) driving the front wheels.
The Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Cross measures 4,108mm long on a 2,563mm wheelbase, 317mm shorter than the Nissan Qashqai at 4,425mm (2,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Qashqai generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 385L in the Volkswagen T-Cross and 404L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 19L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1281L vs 1328L.
For towing, the Volkswagen T-Cross leads with a 1,100kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 350kg 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 11.1m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,596/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross and $1,169/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Nissan Qashqai).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Nissan Qashqai: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 71, but the Volkswagen T-Cross is $10,650 cheaper
The Nissan Qashqai comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 71), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Nissan Qashqai ahead by 14), safety (Nissan Qashqai ahead by 13), performance (Nissan Qashqai ahead by 7). The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen T-Cross and Nissan Qashqai?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Qashqai by $10,650.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Qashqai uses the least fuel at 4.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Nissan Qashqai holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Volkswagen T-Cross, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan Qashqai has the largest boot at 404L with the seats up (1,328L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Qashqai makes the most power at 140kW.
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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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