10 best Nissan Qashqai alternatives

The Nissan Qashqai may not have been the world’s first SUV, but it was certainly a key model in popularising family crossovers that offer affordable running costs with a high driving position.

Now in its third generation, the Qashqai is not short of rivals in the sector that it was so key in developing, with every mainstream manufacturer offering a mid-sized family SUV that competes with the Qashqai. So crowded is the market, in fact, that many firms offer two comparably sized vehicles.

Whatever your buying motivations, we’ve got some great suggestions for you. And if you’re looking for a family hatchback instead of a family SUV, be sure to check out our guide to the best Skoda Octavia alternatives.

Best alternatives to the Nissan Qashqai to consider

1. Volkswagen Tiguan
2. Honda CR-V
3. Skoda Karoq
4. MINI Countryman
5. Audi Q3
6. Ford Kuga
7. Toyota CH-R
8. Kia Sportage
9. Peugeot 3008
10. Suzuki Vitara

1. Volkswagen Tiguan

Best for: being a great all-rounder

There’s a reason you see so many Tiguans on the road: it’s comfortable, easy to drive and manoeuvre, affordable to run and offers decent value for money, all while being practical and handling neatly.

True, it may not be the most exciting car in the world, but who wants excitement when it’s a wet Wednesday afternoon and you just want to get the kids home from school with minimal fuss and effort?

2. Honda CR-V

Best for: interior comfort

Honda often likes to do things a little differently from other manufacturers, and the CR-V is a case in point. Offered only with a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain, the CR-V majors in interior comfort, while also being practical and having a good reputation for dependability.

So while the CR-V won’t suit you if you’re after a pure petrol or diesel SUV, if you’re in the market for a quiet and relaxing family crossover, it fits the bill rather nicely indeed.

3. Skoda Karoq

Best for: offering great practicality

Skoda has arguably experienced more of a revival over the past 20 years or so than any other manufacturer. Where once its cars were mainly focussed on affordable motoring, the Czech firm soon started to make cars that offered immense practicality and handy features that just make life easier, while also undercutting key rivals on price.

Such has been Skoda’s ascent that the firm may not always offer the financial edge that it once did, and its cars are now relatively upmarket. But when models as practical, easy to live with and enjoyable to drive as the Karoq form the mainstay of the firm’s line-up, who’se to argue with that?

4. MINI Countryman

Best for: great handling and individuality

When is a MINI not mini? When it’s a family SUV. Yet despite being quite a bit larger than the car that spawned its genesis, the Countryman is both recognisably a MINI, and is very much true to the brand’s ethos.

That means it’s genuinely fun to drive, offering a level of engagement that’s not always a given in the family SUV segment. And while the Countryman may not be as practical as some of its rivals, it makes up for that by its charm and character. Owner reports indicate it’s a pretty dependable car, too.

5. Audi Q3

Best for: being a premium product

You might feel the Skoda Karoq is just a little too sensible for your tastes, and the VW Tiguan too doesn’t quite have the sparkle you’re after. If so, the Audi Q3 could fit the bill perfectly.

Yes, you’ll pay a little more for the Audi than you would for some of its rivals, though if you’re using finance as most people do, the difference may not be quite as marked as you might imagine.

Either way, once you’re sat in the posh, refined and well-equipped cabin of the Q3, you’re likely to surmise that you made the right choice. There’s even a Sportback version if you’d prefer a more coupe-like profile, though this isn’t quite as practical as the standard SUV version.

6. Ford Kuga

Best for: being handsome and reasonably priced

Ford has long held a reputation for designing cars that are good to drive, so while the higher centre of gravity that SUVs typically bring may generally be seen as a disadvantage, the Kuga offsets this with engineering that helps reward keener drivers.

Sure, it’s no hot hatch, but as well as being an engaging car on the open road, the Kuga is also a handsome thing (we’d say), while Ford’s Sync infotainment system is feature rich and pretty straightforward to use. The engine range, meanwhile, comprises a 150hp petrol engine, plus a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.

7. Toyota CH-R

Best for: low running costs, dependability

Despite being on the road for six years now, the Toyota CH-R still cuts a real dash and looks pleasingly futuristic. Offered with a 122 or 184hp hybrid powertrain, the CH-R is comfortable and relaxing to drive, while promising low running costs and impressive reliability.

Do make sure any sprogs you have are happy with the high rear door handles and windows, though: the former can be tricky to reach for little hands, while the latter can be tricky to see out of for little eyes.

8. Kia Sportage

Best for: great warranty, snazzy looks

With a modern, eye-catching design and engineering backed up by Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty, the Sportage is every inch the do-it-all family SUV

Cabin quality is a big step up from the previous Sportage, while the on-board infotainment system is full of tech and easy to use. GT Line trim is probably the one to go for, as this brings decent equipment and some sporty styling details.

9. Peugeot 3008

Best for: its classy interior

Peugeot has come on leaps and bounds over the last decade or so, with the 3008 being a key model to its reinvention as an almost premium brand.

With thoughtfully chosen interior materials and a comfort–focussed driving experience, the 3008 has petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engine options – just be sure you’re happy with the small steering wheel, which is designed to be looked over, rather than through, when viewing the dashboard dials.

10. Suzuki Vitara

Best for: affordable fun

Suzuki is a relatively small player on the UK market, but its characterful cars tend to have much to recommend them, and the Vitara is no exception.

With neat styling, decent levels of equipment and a tidy driving experience, the Vitara also brings strong fuel economy, while owner reports indicate both reliability and the dealer network are impressive.

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