Review: 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER
The Nissan Qashqai has been the poster child for crossovers since it burst onto the scene in 2007, redefining what families expected from a compact SUV. Fast forward to 2025, and the Qashqai e-Power is here to prove it’s still got what it takes to stay at the top of the pile. Packing innovative hybrid tech, a refreshed design, and an impressive list of features, it promises to balance efficiency, practicality, and comfort. But does it deliver?
On-Road Ride
Let’s kick things off where most Qashqais spend their lives: the tarmac. The e-Power system pairs a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, but here’s the twist – the petrol engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly. Instead, it acts as a generator to keep the electric motor fed with juice. It’s an EV-style experience without the range anxiety, and it works surprisingly well.
Around town, the Qashqai e-Power is smooth, quiet, and nimble. The electric motor provides instant torque, making stop-start traffic a breeze, while the regenerative braking helps you save energy without being overly intrusive. The suspension strikes a nice balance between absorbing bumps and keeping things composed, though sharper potholes do make themselves known - larger profile tyres would certainly help in these situations.
Out on the open road, the e-Power’s character changes slightly. The petrol engine revs to generate electricity when needed, which can create a bit of a droning sound under hard acceleration. That said, Nissan has done a good job of soundproofing, so it’s never unbearable. The handling is confident, with responsive steering and minimal body roll, making it a pleasant companion for motorway jaunts and winding B-roads alike.
Off-Road Ability
Let’s be real: the Qashqai isn’t built to tackle the Dakar Rally, but it’s not completely helpless off the beaten path either. The e-Power’s setup doesn’t offer four-wheel drive, but the front-wheel-drive system is paired with decent ground clearance and hill-start assist to help tackle the odd muddy track or snowy driveway.
For casual countryside adventures, it’ll hold its own. Gravel paths, light mud, and inclines are managed with ease, but venture too far into the wild and you’ll quickly find its limits. If your weekends involve green lanes or towing a caravan to a remote site, you might be better off with a more rugged sibling like the X-Trail.
Interior Spec
Step inside the Qashqai e-Power, and you’re greeted by an impressively premium cabin. Nissan has clearly upped its game here, with high-quality materials and a modern, uncluttered design. The centrepiece is the 12.3” touchscreen, which offers sharp graphics and intuitive controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, alongside a digital driver’s display that’s customisable to show everything from navigation to energy flow.
Seats are another highlight. The “Zero Gravity” front seats, inspired by NASA research, are supremely comfortable, offering excellent support on long journeys. Rear passengers aren’t left out either, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. Add in a panoramic sunroof (on higher trims) and ambient lighting, and the cabin feels airy and inviting.
Storage is generous too. The 504-litre boot is well-shaped, and the luggage boards on higher spec cars deliver a flat floor with a compartment beneath. When needed you can mount the boards vertically to segment the boot area, which is a nice touch if you need to stop your shopping from rolling around. Fold the rear seats down, and you’ve got 1,593 litres to play with.
Comfort
The Qashqai e-Power scores big on comfort, whether you’re pootling around town or cruising on the motorway. The suspension soaks up most imperfections, and road and wind noise are well-contained. Even the engine’s occasional hum fades into the background most of the time.
Visibility is excellent too, thanks to large windows and a commanding driving position.
Practicality
When it comes to family life, the Qashqai is hard to fault. The rear doors open wide, making it easy to load child seats or awkward items, and the flat rear floor means no one’s fighting for foot space. Isofix points are easy to access, and the door bins, cupholders, and cubbies are all sensibly sized.
The e-Power doesn’t lose out on space despite its hybrid tech. The battery pack is cleverly tucked away, so you get the same roomy interior as the standard Qashqai. For busy families, it’s an ideal companion.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the e-Power’s main selling point, and it doesn’t disappoint. Nissan claims up to 53.3mpg, but in real-world driving, over a few hundred miles of very mixed driving I saw 40.3. CO2 emissions are low too, making it a sensible choice for company car drivers and eco-conscious buyers. The e-Power system also means you can run on electric power alone at low speeds, perfect for urban areas with strict emissions rules.
Safety
Nissan has packed the Qashqai e-Power with safety features, earning it a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims add ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centring for semi-autonomous driving.
The 360-degree camera system deserves a special mention. It makes parking in tight spaces a doddle, and the intelligent rearview mirror is a game-changer, offering a clear digital view even if your boot is piled high.
Conclusion
The 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power is a masterclass in blending efficiency, practicality, and modern technology without losing sight of what made it a hit in the first place. It’s not an off-road warrior, but for the school run, weekend trips, and everything in between, it’s a very good all-rounder.
While the petrol engine’s occasional droning might put off some buyers, the overall package is hard to beat. With its premium interior, clever hybrid tech, and strong safety credentials, the Qashqai e-Power firmly cements itself as one of the best crossovers in its class.
Would we recommend it? Absolutely. If you’re after a versatile family car that’s kind to your wallet and the planet, the Qashqai e-Power should be at the top of your list. Nissan, take a bow – you’ve done it again.
