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This is the latest Nissan Qashqai vs Ford Kuga comparison. The Ford Kuga is a very decent package technically however it is completely overshadowed by it relative twin the Mazda CX-5. The Kuga has been around for a few years but it hasn’t been a popular choice for some reason, we suspect it is combination of price, packaging (rip off engine specification), marketing and competition. On the other hand we think the current Qashqai is arguably best packaged small SUV at the moment.
Nissan Qashqai vs Ford Kuga exterior: The Kuga is not bad to look at but its lines have dated a little. It does follow the same styling as the Focus which is clearly borrows some parts from. The Qashqai still looks good up up against the Kuga and both do share styling themes. Base model Kuga looks a little cheap which doesn’t do justice to the overall lines. For example: wheel covers are simply NOT acceptable in a SUV costing $27,000 or more!
Nissan Qashqai vs Ford Kuga interior: The two interiors are contrasts and the assessment on which one is better comes down to styling preference. The Kuga is hi-tech and all buttons and knobs. It does seem confusing at first but after a little while becomes simple to work out, regardless it is very impressive to look at. We like the presentation but it could do with higher res displays. The Qashqai interior is almost minimal in comparison is as a result feels more pleasant that said there are just as many buttons. Kids prefer buttons on the Kuga to look at BTW. The usable interior size of the Kuga is not that much bigger although externally it is.
Nissan Qashqai vs Ford Kuga engine and technology: The Kuga has the latest engine tech with fuel saving tech beyond that of the Qashqai. The biggest issue is of course the standard Euro trick of upping the turbo on some models and asking disproportionately more for the same engine. Buyers in this segment beware and clearly this is a factor on sales – we aren’t stupid. That said the new top range engine and a completely different turbo 2 litre makes this arguably one of the fastest small SUV in the market but that’s honestly not enough considering not many can afford it. Nissan does not do that with the Qashqai yet but f they try the same trick we will dump it from our recommendations simply due the expected price rip off.
The conclusion is simple, the Qashqai is still the better package for the price ignoring the size difference. On the Ford Kuga side of things, the pathetic same engine turning up the turbo (especially in the base and mid range ) and charging more simply does not cut it in this market and Ford should stop it immediately. Furthermore wheel covers on any car costing this much is simply not acceptable. As a result while the Kuga has it’s benefits these simple specification mistakes means it will not win any comparison that we do or many new buyers.
| Nissan Qashqai | Ford Kuga |
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| Engines | |
| 4 Cylinder Petrol MR20 2 Litre (1997cc) 91 Octane DOHC EFI Claimed 106Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 200Nm @ 4400RPM |
IL4 Cylinder – Petrol (95 Octane) Turbo-charged DOHC 16 Valve VVT 1.6 Litre (1596cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 5700RPM Claimed 240Nm @ 6150RPM |
| 4 Cylinder Diesel R9M 1.6 Litre (1598cc) DI Turbo diesel Claimed 96Kw @ 4000RPM Claimed 320Nm @ 1750RPM |
IL4 Cylinder – Petrol (95 Octane) Turbo-charged DOHC 16 Valve 1.6 Litre (1596cc) Claimed 134Kw @ 5700RPM Claimed 240Nm @ 6150RPM |
| IL4 Cylinder – Petrol (95 Octane) Turbo-charged DOHC 16 Valve 2.0 Litre (1995cc) Claimed 174Kw @ 5700RPM Claimed 345Nm @ 6150RPM |
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| IL4 Cylinder – Diesel Turbo-charged – CR – DI 2 Litre (1988cc) Claimed 120Kw @ 4000RPM Claimed 340Nm @ 1750RPM |
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| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1371Kg Towing capacity up to 1400kg |
Kerb weight FROM 1596Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 65 litres IL4 2.0 litre Petrol 7.7 litres per 100km IL4 1.6 litre Diesel 4.9 litres per 100km |
Up to 60 litres 1.6 Turbo Petrol 6.7 litres per 100km 1.6 Turbo Petrol 6.7 litres per 100km 2.0 litre Turbo Diesel 6.3 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 speed manual or CVT Auto Overall height/width 1595/1806 Overall length/wheelbase 4377/2646 4WD system: None ANCAP Safety: 5/5 Tyre size: 215-60-17 or 225-45-19 |
6 speed manual or 6 speed Auto Overall height/width 1701/1838 Overall length/wheelbase 4525/2690 4WD system: On demand AWD or 2WD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 Tyre size: |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach 19 Departure 28.5 Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 188mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Min ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxx mm |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2014 FROM $25,990 – 37,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2014 $27,490 – 47,790 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |