The new 2021 Nissan Qashqai will present a fresh look. The crossover got a mechanical update last year, and the complete turnover will be done in 12 months. The redesign won’t change the current platform, so the upcoming Qashqai is going to remain the compact model. The mid-cycle refresh will come with the new front fascia, larger tail, and lighter body.
Well, engineers are still busy with the development of the hybrid powertrain. The 2021 Nissan Qashqai could borrow the engine from its US sibling and one of the best-selling vehicles in North America, Rogue. Still, we can find only rumors about this topic, and the company is not giving any hints. There will be some cuts for sure. In its portfolio, Qashqai has four different petrol units and a couple of diesel powerplants.
Finally, we can find some clues that crossover is getting the Nismo treatment. It is not so likely to happen, but fans have to keep this in mind since nothing is impossible with Nissan.
2021 Nissan Qashqai Specs
Let’s start with the latest engine which joined the lineup in 2018. After the Qashqai hit the new generation, we could see a 1.3-liter four-cylinder unit being the base power source for the crossover. We believe that engineers will tune it further and make the vehicle run 0-60 mph in less than 10 seconds. The drivetrain is delivering 160 hp and 160 pound-feet of torque when it is paired to a manual gearbox. Instead of a six-speed case, you can pick a dual-clutch automatic transmission and gain 10 pound-feet of twist.
A 1.2-liter displacement is the oldest and the least potent one in the offer. Still, it still makes the 2021 Nissan Qashqai competitive. 115 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque are what you get. In case you replace a manual transmission with the X-Tronic gearbox, twisting power drops to 120 pound-feet.
A 1.6-liter turbo-four puts out 160 ponies and 175 lb-ft of torque, which is enough for 0-60 mph acceleration time under 9 seconds. It is the fastest unit, but not the largest displacement. Petrol range ends up with a 2.0 model and 150 hp + 150 lb-ft.
Diesel Engines
Famous Renault’s 1.5dCi is under the bonnet of the 2021 Nissan Qashqai. These two companies have a huge alliance with a lot of technologies shared between Japanese and French automotive giants. For the Qashqai, this diesel mill is good for 110 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. A 1.6-liter powertrain can make more – 130 horsepower and 240 lb-ft. with it, the crossover can sprint to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Still, the emission ratings are making these engines being cut from some markets.
2021 Nissan Qashqai Hybrid
Some sources claim the 2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid is a done deal. The premiere will happen soon to make it official. However, no one can confirm what kind of a drivetrain it will bring. The source for these rumors is found in the debut of the Ariya concept. The platform will underpin compact vehicles in the future, and it is ready to adopt electric sources of power. Well, these stories fit into Nissan’s electrification plans. The company will launch more hybrid and PHEV vehicles in 2021 and beyond. One of them will definitely be the Qashqai, as the best-selling model in Europe.
2021 Nissan Qashqai Redesign
The new crossover will bring a new look. Definitely, the inspiration will come from the new Ariya concept. Everything points out that the new platform is going to underpin the next version of the Qashqai. Ariya seems to be production-ready. However, the Qashqai will keep some of its main highlights.
The compact crossover is not so spacious. Still, its cabin is pleasant and comfortable. Designers will revisit the dashboard and fans hope that they won’t mess up the clean and attractive look. A larger touchscreen display could fit the control panel. Still, the main problem of the Qashqai remains the performance and hybrid version will fix it a bit. Some would like to see it bigger since the second row is not suitable for taller occupants. On the other hand, you will benefit from a larger trunk area.
Release Date and Competition
The new 2021 Nissan Qashqai will arrive in the final quarter of the year. However, we will see the premiere earlier. The biggest question is – how many details the new crossover is going to adopt from the Ariya concept? Nissan is listening to the public and the first impressions are positive, so we could be sure that the new version will come very similar to the platform the company showed in Tokyo.
The biggest competition of the Qashqai is the familiar models. Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are coming from the two biggest Japanese rival carmakers. Still, European buyers are purchasing more Skoda Karoq and Hyundai Tucson crossovers. We can also mention Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona as very good alternatives.
