Nissan Magnite vs. Nissan Qashqai Comparison

The Nissan Magnite vs Nissan Qashqai is an exciting comparison of two of South Africa’s most popular cars. At Group1, you have the opportunity to purchase a pre-owned Nissan Qashqai, a shiny new Nissan Magnite, or a high-quality pre-owned Nissan Magnite.

To showcase just how impressive these cars are, we have decided to do a comprehensive Magnite vs Qashqai comparison write-up. We provide all the necessary information to help you make the right decision based on your requirements, driving style, lifestyle and budget. Let’s get started with the Nissan Magnite vs Qashqai comparison.

Nissan Magnite or Nissan Qashqai: Choosing The Best Car For Your Budget

With so many crossovers and compact SUVs on the market, finding the best car for you can be a little overwhelming. However, a good place to start is considering your needs and your budget. From the onset, the biggest difference when doing the Nissan Magnite vs Qashqai comparison is the price. The base model Nissan Magnite is available for only R228,700* compared to R568,200* for the basic Turbo Visia Nissan Qashqai before it was discontinued in 2024.

Don’t let the price fool you as the Magnite might be cheaper than the Qashqai but that doesn’t mean it’s sub-par. While the Nissan Magnite is the smallest crossover in the Nissan line-up sitting just below the Nissan Qashqai, it has plenty on offer in terms of styling, function, economy and safety. That said, although the base models have similar features, the Qashqai comes out on top with more technology than the Magnite.

Nissan Magnite vs Qashqai Engine Specifications and Performance

The third-generation Nissan Qashqai has a responsive and economical 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine used across the entire range. It has a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVT) as standard*, along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake-assist System (BAS), hill-start assist (HSA), Intelligent cross-traffic alert, Intelligent forward emergency braking, Autonomous Drive Level 1 (ProPilot) and Intelligent lane-keep assist (LKA) among many others.

In terms of safety, the Nissan Qashqai scored 95% in accident prevention, largely due to Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies which offer 5-star safety. You will also not be disappointed with the impressive fuel economy rate of 6.4 litres per 100 km for the base model Visia and 6.1 litres per 100 km for the Acenta derivatives.

*The base model does not have CVT

The Nissan Magnite boasts an extensive list of impressive features you’d expect in a luxury vehicle. You can choose from a 1.0-litre turbocharged or non-turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, with the turbo option being one of the most powerful in its class.

This sub-4 metre SUV was specially built to boost torque and power without compromising fuel consumption. It is available with manual, CVT or automatic transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, the manual has a rate of 5.27L/100km, 5.9L/100km for the 5-speed manual, EZ-Shift and Turbo, while the CVT turbo model delivers 6L/100km.

Comparing The Nissan Magnite And Nissan Qashqai Drive Quality

Both the Nissan Magnite and Nissan Qashqai for sale at Group1 are two of the best-selling and stylish crossover vehicles in South Africa. As Nissan has proved over the years, these cars are built tough but also matched with good looks, impressive safety features and low running costs. While these are all great points, what are these cars like to drive?

Both cars are 2WD with the Magnite available in a 1.0-litre turbo and non-turbo engine while the Qashqai line-up includes a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine. Although the Nissan Magnite has a smaller engine, the car is also lighter so the 1.0-litre copes well in urban environments, the open road and even on gravel when it needs to.

With technology such as Traction Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Cruise Control, the Nissan Magnite is a force to be reckoned with, especially at the attractive price offered. At the same time, the Nissan Qashqai also features some impressive technology which adds to the overall comfort, safety and ride quality, including an Intelligent Around View Monitor, Moving Object Detection, Reverse Camera, Intelligent, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Intelligent Cross-Traffic Alert, Intelligent Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Nissan PRO-PILOT to name a few.

The Nissan Qashqai is bigger than the Magnite but it’s surprisingly agile, responsive and smooth to handle. It continues to be an impressive vehicle to drive, offering well-weighted steering and more feedback than many other cars in its class. Like the Magnite, the Qashqai thrives in the city with good all-round visibility and finely tuned steering makes parking a breeze.

Even on highways, the Qashqai performs well, thanks to its refined body styling, which keeps wind and engine noise out of the cabin. The ride quality is also comfortable even over long distances, so grab those suitcases, camping gear or sports equipment and enjoy the adventure.

Nissan Magnite vs Qashqai Interior Comparison

If style is what you are after, both the Qashqai and Magnite offer more than you’d expect but the Nissan Qashqai does seem more refined. The leather interior immediately grabs your attention while the seats with spinal support and cushioned knee pads make up the finishing touches to a luxurious feel. The Advanced Driver-Assist Display puts all the information at your fingertips and is accessible by simply toggling between the screens using the steering wheel controls.

While that is certainly impressive, the Nissan Magnite has plenty to smile about with height-adjustable seats, a full flush 8-inch touchscreen, 7-inch thin-film-transistor instrument screen, loads of storage space and a class-leading 700 mm couple seat distance. For a small crossover, the Magnite has ample interior space which makes every journey a comfortable experience from school runs and shopping sprees to glamping weekends and family outings.

Both cars get a big score for ease of use as the controls are clearly labelled and logically positioned for South African driving styles. The higher-spec models offer even more technologies and comfort features so when comparing the Nissan Magnite vs Qashqai, you can’t go wrong with either.

Test Drive A Nissan Qashqai or Magnite

Considering the high demand for the new Nissan Magnite and the latest pre-owned Nissan Qashqai models, we invite you to visit our virtual showroom for all available models and book a test drive to experience these incredible cars for yourself.

When comparing the Nissan Magnite and Nissan Qashqai – you’ll note that both have made significant marks in the automotive market with their array of used models offering a blend of efficiency, reliability, and innovation.

Both models, with their well-engineered build and dynamic performance, ensure that second-hand buyers can experience the ingenuity of Nissan’s engineering without the brand-new price tag. Please note that used models of the second-generation Qashqai are also still available.

No matter which vehicle you prefer, both offer great performance, safety, economy and good value for money within each segment. However, if budget is your primary consideration, the Magnite is the likely winner of the Nissan Magnite vs Qashqai comparison.

* Prices accurate as of May 2024.