Used Nissan Qashqai review: 2014 to 2021 (Mk2) - Practicality and boot space
The Nissan Qashqai is a really practical option and this is a big reason why it’s such a popular family car
Although it has the looks of a big SUV, the Qashqai is about the same width and length as a Ford Focus hatchback. That means it should fit into a normal single garage. It's considerably taller than the Ford, though, and provides a more commanding view of the road, although some people might find it slightly intimidating to drive. Take a test drive if you’re not sure.
That lofty driving position allows good visibility when entering and exiting parking spaces, although as the rear windscreen is mounted high, the parking sensors provided as part of the Smart Vision Pack are a must-have. Front, rear and side colour parking cameras are standard on some models.
How big is the Nissan Qashqai?
The Nissan Qashqai is 4.4m long, 1.8m wide and 1.6m tall, so while it’s quite large in isolation, it’s fairly compact for an SUV and should fit into a garage. For comparison, a Kia Sportage is 4.5m long, 1.85m wide and 1.6m tall.
How much space is there for passengers?
There’s plenty of head and legroom in the front seats, and there should be room in the back for all but the tallest adults, although headroom is not quite as good as in some rivals. The panoramic glass roof eats into rear-seat headroom, but gives an increased sense of space – and could help rear-seat passengers who suffer from travel sickness. Unlike the first-generation Qashqai, the Mk2 model isn't available with seven seats. The Nissan X-Trail SUV is available with the extra seats, though.
How big is the boot?
Thanks to its 430-litre boot, the Qashqai can hold more luggage than a Volkswagen Golf (380 litres) but many rivals have a bigger space. It's worth bearing in mind that, for example, the Renault Kadjar has a bigger 527-litre boot and better parcel shelf arrangement.
Seats that fold flat and the lack of a boot lip also mean you can slide heavy items into the load bay, and it's easy to fit them in thanks to the huge boot opening. There's also a false floor, which can be arranged in 16 different positions to prevent your luggage from sliding around.
A tyre-inflation kit is fitted as standard. These can be tricky to use and will only repair certain punctures - but some cars will have a spare wheel, so it’s something to look out for..
