Ford Kuga vs. Nissan Qashqai: which is better?

The SUV market isn’t disappearing anytime soon. With car manufacturers constantly releasing new ones, it can be hard to keep up, but two mid-sized SUVs have remained a constant: the Ford Kuga and the Nissan Qashqai.

Both released around the same time (2006-2007), these two SUVs have grown up and matured together and now sit at the top of the chain, offering practicality, reliability, safety and affordability.

There are loads of used Ford and used Nissan options to pick from as well - ideal for saving money.

But which should you buy?

Styling

When both these cars first launched, they weren’t the sharpest-looking. They were very rounded and almost looked a bit bloated – but now everything has changed.

The latest model variants feature a sharp and angled design with thin white LED lights at the front and creases along the side, sculpting the car to maximise fuel economy and to look good.

They have no doubt grown as people favour larger cars with more space, but neither the Ford nor the Nissan looks stretched or awkward.

What are they like to drive?

Since the Ford Kuga shares its underpinnings with the Ford Focus, it’s better to drive than you may think for a mid-sized SUV.

There are several trims on offer, but if you want a little more grunt then the Kuga ST-Line is the one to have, with either its 1.5- or 2.0-litre petrol engines.

There are even plug-in hybrid versions available that will return up to 39 miles on battery power alone.

All Qashqai models are great to drive and do exactly what a family SUV should do. You can have one with either an automatic or manual gearbox, and engines ranging from a 1.2- to a 1.6-litre unit.

Interior and technology

As you’d expect from all modern family cars, the Kuga and Qashqai come with some great features as standard including Bluetooth connectivity, parking sensors and a large infotainment screen.

You also benefit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, meaning you don’t need to faff around getting to grips with a new infotainment system.

Optional extras include fancier paints, an upgraded sound system, a seat massage function, a heated steering wheel and much more.

Boot space and practicality

Being SUVs, you aren’t short of space so practicality shouldn’t be an issue, even for new parents and young families.

If the largest boot is what you’re after, then the Qashqai is the one to go for, with a 504-litre boot. The Kuga still offers plenty of space for most people, however, with its 412-litre boot.

Headroom and rear legroom aren’t compromised either, because both these cars measure more than 4,400mm in length and 1,600mm in height – not too far off the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Safety and reliability

Being modern cars, safety and reliability shouldn’t be a problem and both come with great warranties from their manufacturers.

In terms of safety, both cars scored a full five stars following their most recent Euro NCAP crash testing, with high adult and child occupancy protection in the event of an accident.

Size and dimensions

Ford Kuga

Length: 4,614mm

Width: 1,883mm

Height: 1,666mm

Bootspace: 412 litres

Nissan Qashqai

Length: 4,425mm

Width: 1,838mm

Height: 1,635mm

Bootspace: 504 litres

Verdict: Kuga vs Qashqai: which should you buy?

If you’ve read our full comparison but still can’t make up your mind on which SUV is better for you, then perhaps our short verdict will help guide you in the right direction.

The Ford Kuga is a car we’d recommend to new families and those who want the practicality of an SUV but also enjoy driving.

Because it shares so much with the Focus, it offers a hatchback-like driving feel you don’t get with the Qashqai.

But if you have a couple of kids and need the interior and boot space, then the Qashqai is a no-brainer. It isn’t as imposing as some of its rivals, but it’s still large enough for all your stuff.

Read more model comparisons:

• Audi Q7 vs. Audi Q8

• Audi Q2 vs. Audi Q3