In the ever-expanding world of compact crossovers, the Nissan Qashqai has carved out a unique niche for itself in the Canadian market. Positioned between the subcompact Kicks and the larger Rogue, the Qashqai offers a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and value.
This review delves deep into the 2019 Nissan Qashqai S AWD, exploring its features, performance, and overall value proposition for Canadian consumers.
The Qashqai’s Place in the Canadian Market
Since its introduction to the Canadian market in 2017, the Qashqai has quickly become a favorite among consumers looking for a versatile, compact crossover.
Its success is evident in the sales figures, with Nissan moving nearly 20,000 units in its first full year on the market. This popularity hasn’t waned, with the Qashqai maintaining strong sales numbers into 2019.
The Qashqai’s success can be attributed to its ‘right-sized’ dimensions, which make it an ideal choice for urban dwellers who need more space than a typical subcompact crossover offers, but don’t require the bulk of a larger SUV.
It’s this clever positioning that has allowed the Qashqai to thrive alongside its siblings in Nissan’s lineup, rather than cannibalizing sales from the Kicks or the Rogue.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2019 Qashqai S AWD sports a design that strikes a balance between rugged utility and urban sophistication. Its dimensions are key to its appeal:
- Length: 4,380 mm (172.4 inches)
- Width: 1,838 mm (72.4 inches)
- Height: 1,587 mm (62.5 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,646 mm (104.2 inches)
These measurements place the Qashqai firmly in the compact crossover category, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces while still offering ample interior room.
The exterior features Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, giving the Qashqai a family resemblance to its larger sibling, the Rogue.
The S AWD trim comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, though alloy wheels are available as an upgrade. While not as flashy as higher trims, the S AWD still presents a clean, modern aesthetic that should age well over time.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
Step inside the Qashqai S AWD, and you’re greeted with a well-thought-out interior that prioritizes functionality and comfort.
The cabin materials, while not luxurious, are of good quality for the price point. Cloth seats come standard in the S trim, offering a good balance of comfort and durability.
One of the Qashqai’s standout features is its impressive cargo capacity:
- 648 liters (22.9 cubic feet) with all seats in place
- 1,730 liters (61.1 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded
This puts the Qashqai ahead of many of its competitors in terms of cargo space, making it an excellent choice for small families or weekend adventurers. The Divide-N-Hide cargo system, a clever two-level adjustable floor in the cargo area, adds versatility to the space.
Passenger space is generous for a compact crossover, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The elevated seating position provides good visibility, a boon for city driving.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2019 Qashqai S AWD is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing:
- 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
- 147 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm
This engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the AWD model. While not a powerhouse, this powertrain provides adequate performance for daily driving needs. The CVT, while sometimes criticized for its driving feel, contributes to the Qashqai’s fuel efficiency.
Speaking of efficiency, the Qashqai S AWD boasts respectable fuel economy ratings:
- City: 9.0 L/100 km
- Highway: 7.5 L/100 km
- Combined: 8.4 L/100 km
These figures make the Qashqai an economical choice for Canadian drivers, especially those who face long commutes or frequent highway driving.
The all-wheel-drive system, standard on this trim, provides added traction and confidence in inclement weather conditions – a significant selling point for many Canadian buyers who face harsh winters.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2019 Qashqai S AWD comes equipped with a decent array of technology features, though it’s not the most cutting-edge in its class. Standard equipment includes:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Rearview camera
- USB port
The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a significant plus, allowing for seamless integration of smartphone functions. The infotainment system, while functional, has been noted by some reviewers as being a bit dated in terms of graphics and responsiveness compared to some competitors.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority for many Canadian buyers, and the Qashqai S AWD doesn’t disappoint in this area. Standard safety features include:
- Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
While not equipped with the full suite of Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 technologies (reserved for higher trims), the S AWD still offers a solid foundation of safety features.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Qashqai S AWD offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, absorbing road imperfections well while still providing decent body control in corners. The steering is light, making the Qashqai easy to maneuver in tight urban environments.
The AWD system provides added confidence on slippery roads, a feature that many Canadian drivers will appreciate. While not designed for serious off-roading, the Qashqai can handle light dirt roads and snowy conditions with ease.
One area where the Qashqai has received some criticism is in its acceleration. The 2.0-liter engine, while adequate for daily driving, can feel strained when asked to perform quick overtakes or merge onto highways. The CVT, while efficient, can sometimes lead to a “rubber band” effect where engine speed and vehicle speed seem disconnected.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2019 Nissan Qashqai S AWD is priced competitively in the Canadian market:
- Base MSRP: $25,498 CAD
This pricing places it in an attractive position, offering AWD capability at a lower price point than many competitors. When factoring in Nissan’s reputation for reliability and the Qashqai’s fuel efficiency, the value proposition becomes even stronger.
It’s worth noting that while the S AWD trim offers good value, stepping up to higher trims can quickly push the price into the territory of larger, more well-equipped crossovers. As such, the S AWD represents perhaps the sweet spot in the Qashqai lineup for value-conscious buyers.
Competitors and Market Position
In the Canadian market, the Qashqai S AWD faces stiff competition from a variety of compact and subcompact crossovers:
- Honda HR-V
- Mazda CX-3
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Hyundai Kona
Each of these competitors offers its own strengths. The HR-V is known for its versatile interior, the CX-3 for its sporty driving dynamics, the Crosstrek for its standard AWD and rugged image, and the Kona for its bold styling and available turbo engine.
The Qashqai distinguishes itself with its ‘tweener’ size – larger than subcompacts like the CX-3 but smaller than compacts like the CR-V. This, combined with its competitive pricing and standard AWD on this trim, gives it a unique position in the market.
Nissan Qashqai S AWD : The Qashqai’s Place in the Canadian Landscape
The 2019 Nissan Qashqai S AWD represents a solid choice for Canadian consumers looking for a practical, efficient, and affordable compact crossover. Its strengths lie in its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and all-weather capability thanks to the standard AWD system.
While it may not be the most exciting vehicle in its class in terms of performance or cutting-edge technology, the Qashqai offers a well-rounded package that meets the needs of many Canadian drivers. Its success in the market is a testament to Nissan’s understanding of what many consumers in this segment prioritize: practicality, efficiency, and value.
For urban dwellers who need more space than a subcompact offers, or for small families looking for an affordable AWD vehicle, the Qashqai S AWD presents a compelling option. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes function over flash, offering a pragmatic solution to the transportation needs of many Canadians.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on electrification and advanced driver assistance systems, it will be interesting to see how vehicles like the Qashqai adapt. For now, though, the 2019 Qashqai S AWD holds its own as a practical, sensible choice in a crowded and competitive segment.