The Nissan Qashqai has always been a bit of a design favourite of mine, right from its earliest days. With the 2025 Prestige version, Nissan continues that legacy, keeping its stylish charm intact while freshening things up nicely. It strikes a good balance, looking modern yet comfortably familiar, perfect for anyone who prefers evolution over radical change.
It looks like a mini-Ariya
The latest design feels sharper and more confident, featuring crisp lines, an assertive front end with sleek LED headlights, and standout 19-inch alloy wheels complete with unique cladding inserts that echo the Nissan Ariya SUV EV. It’s a look that genuinely stands out, turning heads and attracting glances when I enter a car park.
Step inside, and the cabin feels genuinely premium without trying too hard. High-quality materials are everywhere, complemented by a thoughtful layout and a fully digital instrument cluster that’s crisp and easy on the eyes.
It’s got big-car luxury touches on the inside
Nissan has nailed the comfort game here, with soft, plush seats and plenty of space, making long drives or city commutes equally relaxing. The seats featured in our test car were finished in Amber colour—they looked and felt great, enhancing the already pleasant cabin environment.
I also noticed in the Nissan showroom that if you spec it in black, the side door panels are finished in suede instead, offering a sportier look and feel. The interior has a welcoming vibe that invites you to sit in it a bit longer as you check your phone before you leave the car (admit it, we all do that).
It’s feature-packed
The Prestige trim I tested had a neat automatic tailgate feature with a hands-free kick function—handy when your hands are full of shopping bags or gear. It also adds Dynamic LED turn indicators, a premium Bose sound system, a stunning glass panoramic roof that floods the cabin with natural light, and a practical two-tier cargo floor in the boot—ideal for organising groceries or weekend gear.
Also on the Prestige trim is a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that smoothly integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Having Nappa leather upholstery as standard is a nice touch, lifting the Qashqai’s interior ambience further into luxury territory. On the safety front, Nissan has generously equipped both trims with advanced features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, ensuring peace of mind wherever you drive.
It’s punchy to drive, but it needs some getting used to
Under the bonnet, Nissan’s trusty 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, supported by a mild hybrid system, is back again. At first glance, the driving feel might come across as a bit quirky—the power delivery has a slightly rubbery, elastic quality, arriving in waves rather than a linear flow. But here’s the secret sauce: grab those paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and you can coax the CVT gearbox into behaving just how you like, keeping the engine revving in its sweet spot. Once you get the hang of it, the Qashqai becomes surprisingly lively, bringing an unexpected dose of fun to your drive.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Qashqai sits relatively high, which means a bit of body roll is noticeable during spirited cornering. Despite this, the steering is reassuringly well-weighted and gives enough feedback to instil confidence, whether cruising around town or tackling a twisty road. The suspension also does an excellent job, providing what I’d describe as “big-car manners”—smoothly ironing out bumps while feeling planted and secure at higher speeds. It’s a blend of comfort and agility that’s easy to appreciate daily.
It’s not cheap, but then again, nothing is these days
However, priced at $209,000, the Qashqai Prestige does face stiff competition. It finds itself directly competing against the BYD Sealion, a bigger and similarly well-equipped rival from China, quickly gaining popularity among buyers focused on value and practicality. This places Nissan in a challenging position, making the Qashqai a harder sell for some.
Still, the 2025 Nissan Qashqai remains an attractive and genuinely enjoyable option, particularly for those who appreciate its polished ride, appealing design, and engaging driving experience. However, with such formidable competitors in the mix, Nissan will need to lean into its established strengths and loyal fan base to keep the Qashqai firmly on buyers’ shortlists.
Technical Specifications
Nissan Qashqai MHEV 1.3T Prestige
Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 156 bhp
Torque: 270 Nm
Gearbox: Xtronic CVT (A)
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
Fuel Economy: 16 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$208,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)
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