Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+ Review: Hybrid Drive, Premium Comfort & Everyday Practicality

THE Nissan Qashqai (or Cashcow, as I’m sure the bean-counters at Nissan refer to it) has managed to carve out an envious position in the UK SUV market, selling almost 5,000 units in 2024 alone. This year it could do even better.

Since its original launch in 2006, the Qashqai has become something of a household name in the UK—a go-to choice for families, fleet buyers, and those looking for crossover appeal without premium brand pricing.

The latest generation, refreshed in 2024, brings sharper design, improved tech, and a wider range of powertrains and trims, including the clever e-Power hybrid system and a new mid-range trim dubbed N-Design.

The Qashqai is aimed squarely at buyers who need practicality and value. Whether it’s for the school run, motorway cruising or just lugging around a week’s worth of shopping, the Qashqai makes a compelling case. It competes with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga, and Peugeot 3008, yet manages to retain a distinctly British identity—it is, after all, built in Sunderland.

Kerb appeal?

The 2024 facelift brings a bold, slightly more aggressive look to the Qashqai. The new front grille, inspired by the clean cuts of a Samurai’s katana blade, is flanked by slimmer, LED headlamps. New bumpers and redesigned rear light clusters help freshen up things without straying too far from the Qashqai’s recognisable silhouette.

The Tekna+ model, like I’ve been driving for the last week, offers the most visual appeal, thanks to 20-inch alloys and a contrast roof, while the new N-Design trim sits between N-Connecta and Tekna in the range, bringing gloss black exterior accents and 20-inch wheels as standard.

It’s a sportier look without veering into hot-hatch parody. Even entry-level Acenta Premium models manage to look modern and well-proportioned, with clever detailing and decent paint options.

Trim levels and pricing

The Qashqai line-up spans several trims and powertrains – so bear with me . . .

As of mid-2025, the range starts with the Acenta Premium and runs through N-Connecta, N-Design, Tekna and Tekna+.

The petrol-powered DIG-T 140 is 2WD and manual transmission only, while the more powerful DIG-T 158 engined version is available with manual or automatic transmission and can also be had with 4WD – a rarity for this class of SUV.

Meanwhile, the 190 PS e-Power system is exclusively front-wheel drive. Got that?

Pricing examples are as follows:

Acenta Premium (DIG-T 140 Manual): from £30,615

N-Connecta (DIG-T 140 Manual): from £33,085

N-Design (DIG-T 158 Auto): from £35,725

Tekna (e-Power): from £39,730

Tekna+ (e-Power): from £43,210

For those wanting AWD, the DIG-T 158 Automatic AWD in Tekna+ guise costs £43,300 and while it lacks the e-Power’s silent running and electric punch, it provides additional reassurance in poor weather or on rural roads.

The 4WD models are difficult to recommend though, unless you absolutely must have all-wheel-drive. For example, the more powerfully engined, 2WD e-Power model manages 53.3 mpg, while the 4WD mild-hybrid version only manages 40.9 mpg. Quite a difference.

Driving

Across the range, the Qashqai focuses on comfort and ease of use rather than driving excitement. That said, the e-Power system on my press car stands out for its refined, EV-like delivery. With 190 PS and 330 Nm of torque from its electric motor, it feels quick off the line and very smooth in stop-start traffic. Unlike traditional hybrids, the petrol unit is only there to generate electricity, which is then stored in a modest-sized lithium-ion battery. So, the Qashqai is always driven by the electric motor, meaning you get instant response without gear shifts. It’s a genuinely clever bit of kit.

There is one-pedal driving available from the e-Pedal button which means you only need to use the brake pedal to bring the Qashqai to a complete halt. There is also an EV mode which means you can swish silently about until the battery decides it needs a top-up. Plant your foot in EV mode and the petrol engine will kick in to provide some extra oomph to that electric drivetrain.

It does feel like you’re driving an EV a lot of the time and as a fan of how EVs provide smooth, instant acceleration, I enjoyed driving the Qashqai e-Power very much – with the added bonus that my 600-mile round trip involved no range-anxiety at all. Not a bit.

Steering is light and geared more for low-speed ease rather than high-speed thrills. Ride quality, even on the 20in rims, felt firm but nothing unforgivable. The Qashqai handles most potholes very well and never feels ‘crashy’ on crappy surfaces.

On the motorway the Nissan feel planted and competent. The Qashqai’s suspension is well-judged for long-distance comfort, and lane-keeping and adaptive cruise systems work intuitively without overstepping their bounds, although I found the design of the steering wheel button meant that it was far too easy to accidentally cancel cruise control while trying to adjust the speed setting; the slightest downward pressure on the up/down toggle meant having to reset it. I managed this several times on my journey down south to visit family and it got very irksome. There was some swearing . . .

Noise insulation is impressive, particularly in e-Power variants, thanks to double-glazed front windows and active noise cancellation.

Interior

Inside this updated Qashqai Tekna+ model you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight. Material quality has improved markedly in recent years, with soft-touch surfaces, neat stitching, and logical switchgear throughout.

N-Connecta brings a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and digital driver display, while Tekna and above add a head-up display and upgraded materials. The N-Design model adds Alcantara trim details and a more dynamic cabin feel without straying too far into faux-sport territory.

The infotainment system is much improved over the last offering and now includes the newer Google Built-In spec which supports live traffic updates, voice control for media and navigation, and over-the-air software updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless on all but the lowest trims, and the inclusion of a high-quality 10-speaker, Bose sound system on Tekna+ elevates in-car entertainment to a premium standard. It does sound very good.

Importantly, physical climate controls remain intact—an ergonomic win. Navigation, media, and settings are logically organised and easy to operate, even while driving.

Space in the cabin is more than adequate. Front passengers are treated to supportive, adjustable seats (electrically operated in higher trims), with ample headroom and good lateral support. My Tekna+ model also came with a massage function – which is great when you’ve spent a couple of hours non-stop driving on the M6.

Rear-seat space is generous, with enough legroom to accommodate adults comfortably, even behind tall drivers – even though getting your feet underneath the seat in front is a little difficult and the central passenger will need to deal with a large transmission tunnel.

The rear doors open wide—ideal for fitting child seats—and the elevated seating position gives decent visibility all around.

The boot is well-shaped and practical. With the rear seats in place, it offers up to 504 litres in e-Power variants and slightly more in petrol-only models. The adjustable floor, foldable rear bench and powered tailgate in Tekna trims and above make it one of the more versatile boots in this class. Fold the seats and there’s over 1,300 litres available for larger loads. There are also thoughtful touches like bag hooks, underfloor compartments, and a 12V power socket. Handily, you can store the parcel shelf in the underfloor compartment so carrying taller items is easy-peasy.

Conclusion

The Nissan Qashqai remains the archetypal crossover, and the 2024 facelift does just enough to keep it fresh and competitive in a very crowded field. It’s a car that prioritises comfort, practicality, and day-to-day usability without chasing sporty dynamics or any other gimmicks. In that sense, it knows its audience—and it serves them well.

The e-Power variants offer a genuinely innovative solution for buyers wanting electric smoothness without the need to charge or suffer range-anxiety and would be my recommendation.

Yes, the higher-end models can cost over £40k, which feels ambitious for a non-premium brand. But viewed against rivals with similar spec and technology, the Qashqai still stacks up favourably and certainly feels ‘premium’ enough to justify the price.