The number of passenger vehicles is growing, completely new models are appearing, and already familiar cars are being modernized. And to find out which model is better in terms of its parameters, car models are often compared.
But in order for the comparison of two models to be objective, it is necessary to take into account many factors - car class, manufacturer, technical features, price category, etc.
Below we will talk about two cars that are very similar in many factors: both belong to the currently popular “crossover” class, both are produced in Japan, and belong to the same price category, but the manufacturing companies are different. These cars are Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai.
Let's start with the fact that the Toyota RAV4 has been on the crossover market for much longer than its rival; production of this model began in 1994 and is currently in its 4th generation. Nissan Qashqai appeared in 2006, and now the company offers only the 2nd generation. This seems like a trifle, but over a longer production period, any company takes more into account the wishes of the owners and implements them in the next generation.
Next, the latest generation of cars will take part in the comparison so that the assessment is more objective.
Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai – how one crossover differs from the other
For an objective comparison, it is necessary to take into account many factors: the class of the car, its manufacturer, features of technical equipment, price and many others.
The models discussed below are similar in many ways. Both are produced by Japanese manufacturing companies and belong to the class of crossovers, which are very popular today. The price category of both cars is almost the same. Such models are produced by different companies.
Toyota RAV4 has occupied a niche in the crossover market much longer than its rival. The first generation of such machines appeared in 1994. 4 generations have already been released. Nissan Qashqai was developed only in 2006 and boasts only 2 generations.
The longer the production period, the more the owners' wishes will be embodied in the next generation of cars. For an objective assessment, a comparison of the latest generation cars will be made next.
Final results
Test Toyota Rav 4 - Kia Sportage - Nissan Qashqai out of four nominations was won by Kia Sportage - 6 points, Toyota Rav 4 - 7 points, Nissan Qashqai - 9 points (points were awarded according to the places taken: 1st place - 1 point, 2nd place - 2 points , 3rd place - 3 points).
The new generation of Kia Sportage will strengthen competition with the segment leader Toyota Rav 4. The equipment, finishing and technical implementation of the chassis and drive are at the most modern level, and there is also a 5-year warranty.
The arguments in favor of the Toyota Rav 4 are well known - reliability, comfort, ease of use, but the high price compared to a worthy competitor can shake the once stable position.
- Creta or Qashqai: comparison of classmates
It still makes sense to pay extra for all-wheel drive. Combining it with a diesel engine, for example, on a Toyota Rav 4, does not work. And if there is such an opportunity, but the budget is limited and you have to choose between all-wheel drive and diesel, we are for all-wheel drive.
Kia Sportage - Toyota Rav 4: which one will buyers choose to run first on the market?
I thank Konstantin Tereshchenko and Igor Sirin (they are also presenters in the video) for their help in organizing the material.
Video test of Toyota Rav 4 - Kia Sportage - Nissan Qashqai, technical specifications below.
Comparative characteristics
Toyota RAV 4 and Nissan Qashqai are each unique in their class. The Nissan can seat 7 people. If we consider other cars with such characteristics, they significantly exceed this model in size and cost.
Toyota has almost identical technical characteristics, including size and cost. But its cabin accommodates only 5 passenger seats.
Details about the opponents
Let's take a closer look at our fighters. On the one hand, there is the Toyota RAV4 2.0i 4hWD in the Cross Sport configuration, costing 32.5 thousand dollars, and on the other, the Nissan Qashqai+2 2.0 dCi All-Mode in the expensive Tekna Pack version for $33,140.
To fit a couple more seats into the platform of the five-seater Qashqai, the manufacturer had to lengthen the wheelbase by 13.5 cm, as well as the rear overhang by 7.5 cm. The rest is basically unchanged. Now the car can be considered a full-fledged crossover, and not an overgrown hatchback, which was the five-seater Nissan Qashqai.
Equipment
Our Toyota is not of the maximum configuration, but this does not mean that it is poor. The equipment of this “minimum” car is as follows: stabilization and anti-lock braking systems, force limiters and pretensioners for safety belts, a special Isofix mount for a child seat and as many as seven airbags. Who's to say that Toyota doesn't think about safety?
Specifications
| Model: | Toyota RAV4 2.0i 4WD | Nissan Qashqai+2 2.0 dCi All-Mode |
| Start of production: | January 2013 | January 2010 |
| End of production: | in production | in production |
| Body: | 5 doors SUV | 5 doors crossover |
| Engine | ||
| Fuel brand: | gasoline AI-95 | diesel fuel |
| Engine capacity, cubic meters cm.: | 1987 | 1994 |
| Power, l. With.: | 146 | 150 |
| Achieved at vol. per minute: | 6200 | 4000 |
| Torque, Nm/rev. per minute: | 187/3600 | 320/2000 |
| Maximum speed, km/h: | 180 | 192 |
| Acceleration time to 100 km/h, sec.: | 10,7 | 10,5 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm: | 80,5 | 84 |
| Piston stroke, mm: | 97,6 | 90 |
| Compression Ratio: | 10 | 15,6 |
| Fuel consumption | ||
| Combined cycle l per 100 km: | 8 | 6,8 |
| In the city l per 100 km: | 10 | 8,8 |
| Outside the city l per 100 km: | 6,4 | 5,7 |
| Drive unit | ||
| Type of drive: | full | full |
| Transmission | ||
| Transmission: | Manual transmission | Manual transmission |
| Number of steps: | 6 | 6 |
| Suspension | ||
| Front: | McPherson | McPherson |
| Rear: | Independent | Independent |
| Brakes | ||
| Front: | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Rear: | disk | disk |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length, mm: | 4570 | 4541 |
| Width, mm: | 1845 | 1783 |
| Height, mm: | 1670 | 1646 |
| Wheelbase, mm: | 2660 | 2765 |
| Front wheel track, mm: | 1570 | 1540 |
| Rear wheel track, mm: | 1570 | 1545 |
| Other | ||
| Number of seats: | 5 | 7 |
| Tire size: | 225/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Curb weight, kg: | 1610 | 1555 |
| Trunk volume, l: | 506 | 550 |
| Fuel tank volume, l: | 60 | 65 |
| Turning diameter, m: | 10,6 | 11 |
| Warranty against corrosion, years: | 12 | 12 |
The base Nissan also has all of the above, with the exception of the driver's foot-mounted air-runner, there are six of them for the minimum configuration. So far we have only touched on safety-related equipment, but that’s not all, as you understand. What else did the manufacturer provide for his creations? We will consider further, continuing the comparison of Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Rav4.
Interior, internal volumes
As already mentioned, our Qashqai is not a basic version, therefore, the interior is leather. Rafa has fabric on the seats, but they are heated better than its competitor. This can be felt even now, in early spring, let alone winter. Again, the shape of the seats themselves is more comfortable in Toyota. Even with a sharp turn, you don’t slip out of them, like from leather Kashkaev ones.
There are no complaints about ergonomics in either car. Everything is at hand, modern and high quality. Toyota has better instrument lighting than its rival. The devices themselves are optitronic and are located more closely together, which makes them easier to read.
Climate control is “smarter” in Rafa, the distribution of air flows is optimal in all directions. But operating the climate control buttons requires some getting used to.
The Nissan's middle row of seats is a bit cramped for three. The Rav4's interior is wider - there is enough space for three in the back. And the tunnel in the center of the floor is barely noticeable and does not interfere with your legs, which cannot be said about the Qashqai.
If the rear seats of the Qashqai are not folded flush with the floor, then its trunk becomes very small, about 125 liters of volume. And when the seats are folded, the luggage compartment space is 550 liters. Here Toyota lags behind, its volume is 506 liters.
Well, if you need to load a very colossal load, be it a Nissan Qashqai or a Toyota Rav4, this option is provided. Folding down the rear row of seats in Rafik or the middle row in Qashqai, we get 1470 and 1520 liters of volume, respectively. As you can see, Toyota lost a little here too.
It should also be noted that Nissan’s two additional seats provide for a passenger height of no more than 1.6 m; the ceiling does not allow any higher. There are seat belts, armrests, and headrests that are adjustable.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, the Qashqai+2 looks the same as its five-seat predecessor. In fact, there are a lot of changes. The windows on the front doors have become more rectangular, the rear ones are longer. The rear doors were made wider.
The manufacturer raised the roof slightly and lowered the loading height into the trunk using a new bumper and overhang. Therefore, the trunk door itself also changed its shape. The radiator grille has also undergone changes - it has acquired style, as they say.
Now about the changes in Raf's exterior. It’s not for nothing that Toyota’s designers are called automotive fashion trendsetters. And in the 2013 model year, they did not fail to surprise the world with a change in the design of the Toyota Rav4.
Now the car looks much more aggressive than previous models. The car's light optics have changed significantly, with the front curved in a predatory squint. And glass “drops” of dimensions now flow far onto the rear wings.
The spare tire that was hanging on the tailgate was put into the trunk, and the door itself now opens upward. The car's base became longer by 10 centimeters and wider by 8. The ground clearance was also increased.
Ride quality
The result of the Qashqai and Rav4 sub-competition on rough terrain is as follows: the Nissan suspension travel is too short for off-road use. If the Rav4 drives easily on a dirt road, without jumps, then the Qashqai skips, sometimes with the rear wheels completely detached from the road.
In addition, Toyota has better geometric cross-country ability. Where we drove it without problems, the Qashqai clung to the rear overhang.
Test drive a Toyota RAV4:
On asphalt, the Nissan does not experience the above-mentioned excesses; the car maintains a smooth ride even at high speeds tolerably. There were also no complaints about Toyota on the asphalt. In terms of dynamics, both cars, taking into account their weight, receive a solid five. In terms of fuel consumption, the Qashqai turned out to be more economical, but in terms of noise insulation it lost to its opponent.
The Nissan steering wheel is equipped with an electric power steering, the settings of which could be better. But nevertheless, it is easier to control cornering with it than it would be without it.
In addition to electric power steering, Toyota has a smart electronic IADS system. It monitors cases of under- or over-turning and locks the rear or front axle according to the situation.
Test drive a Nissan Qashqai:
There are no particular differences in the operation of the power units of the Rav4 and Qashqai. But in terms of equipment with electronic systems, Rafik is ahead. It also has hill descent control, which works in conjunction with the braking system. Just turn it on and drive down the hill, you don’t even have to press the brake. The system itself will slow down, adjusting the descent at the optimal speed.
Specific features of Nissan Qashqai
The first samples of the car went on sale in 2006. The model was unpretentious and reliable, having minor drawbacks.
Motors for the first generation were designed for a range of 200 thousand km without requiring engine repair. There was only a slight increase in oil consumption after 100 thousand km. Varieties of cars with an engine capacity of 1.6 often had problems with the operation of the lower support of the internal combustion engine. When driving on a flat surface, the support could withstand a mileage of 100 thousand km.
When installing a five-speed manual transmission, the input shaft bearing often made noise during operation. This defect did not affect the service life of the gearbox. With a mileage of 70-100 thousand km. clutch replacement was required.
Despite its shortcomings, the car was well suited for driving in the city due to its compact size and low gasoline consumption.
Competitor comparison
Crossovers from Nissan and Toyota have a number of differences, which affects the price of the cars and consumer characteristics. For example, the RAV4 uses a knee airbag by default; in order to increase the usable trunk volume, both manufacturers equip their crossovers with a small-sized spare tire. Standard radios with a display support the connection of smartphones and are equipped with connectors for connecting external players or storage devices.
Dimensions
The cars have similar body and wheelbase dimensions, which determine the interior and trunk capacity. Space inside the RAV4 is better distributed, allowing room for additional luggage. Below is a comparison table showing the main sizes of competitors.
| Parameter | Qashqai | RAV4 |
| Length, mm | 4379 | 4600 |
| Width, mm | 1836 | 1855 |
| Height, mm | 1590 | 1690 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2646 | 2690 |
Body design
The Qashqai's body design reveals the car's age. Despite the modernization, the outlines remained smooth. The developers tried to add a sporty style by installing new aluminum wheels and LED optics, but Nissan products are designed for calm drivers.
The RAV4 crossover has become more aggressive in appearance, and the 199-horsepower engine available in the lineup allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds.
Both competitors have good aerodynamics, but due to the nature of their bodies, there is a wiper on the glass in the trunk door.
Salon comparison
Basic car models are equipped with dark fabric interiors; manufacturers offer artificial leather. The quality of the plastic is the same, some of the elements are made of foam material.
Qashqai salon
Rav 4 salon
Noise insulation is better on the Qashqai; on the RAV4 you can hear noise from the engine and tires; acoustic comfort can only be increased by gluing the doors, arches and body floor with a special material. The front seats on Toyota have improved lateral support; Nissan products have small bolsters on the backs that are not designed for sudden maneuvers.
Car engines
Turbo engine 1.2. Nissan.
The RAV4 uses in-line naturally aspirated gasoline engines of 2 and 2.4 liters, developing 149 and 199 hp. With. respectively. The competitor in the basic version is equipped with a 1.2-liter 115-horsepower supercharged DIG-T engine, which increases torque to 190 N*m. A version with a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated engine developing 144 hp is offered. With. The units are equipped with fuel injection and comply with Euro-5 standards.
The RAV4 uses a gasoline engine.
Performance
Despite the visually elongated front bumper on the Qashqai, both cars have an approach angle of 17°. The shortened rear end on the Nissan improves geometric cross-country ability; on the RAV4 there is a risk of damage to the rear bumper when driving on uneven roads. The ground clearance is in the range of 195-200 mm, which allows you to drive along a shallow rut or overcome a curb without the risk of damaging the thresholds. The adaptive torque distribution system used on the RAV4 ensures continued movement after diagonal hanging.
The Qashqai's maximum speed does not exceed 185 km/h, while its competitor can accelerate to 190-200 km/h (depending on engine size). In terms of dynamic capabilities, the RAV4 wins only when using a 2.5-liter engine; models with a 2.0-liter unit have similar characteristics.
The Qashqai with the DIG-T engine has the best efficiency; the use of supercharging has reduced fuel consumption in the combined cycle to 6.2 liters per 100 km.
Technical component
The Rav
Crossover platform is equipped with disc brakes with a vacuum booster and an anti-lock braking system with support for directional stabilization. The front chassis is built on MacPherson struts and lower control arms with anti-roll bar. Steering mechanisms are rack and pinion with integrated electric power steering, the column is adjustable in length and installation angle. The rear suspension is independent lever; on vehicles with all-wheel drive, an electronically controlled clutch is provided, connected to the gearbox by a cardan shaft.
Options and cost
For Russia, Qashqai modifications are offered: XE, SE, SE+, SE Yandex.Auto, SE Top, LE Top and LE Yandex.Auto. Starting from SE Yandex.Auto, cars are equipped with only a 2-liter engine with a CVT. Standard equipment includes 2-zone climate control and a radio with support for connecting smartphones and control buttons on the steering wheel. Crossovers have heated windshields, mirrors and front seats. The price of cars ranges from 1.397 million rubles. excluding discounts and installation of additional equipment.
Nissan
The Toyota concern offers RAV4 in 5 versions, the basic Standard is equipped with a manual transmission and front drive wheels, for others a CVT or 8-speed automatic transmission is provided (when ordering a 2.5-liter engine). By default, air conditioning, a multimedia center and 7 airbags are installed. An alarm is included as standard equipment, and parts are marked with T-Mark anti-theft markings. The price starts from 1.97 million rubles, the maximum level of equipment will cost 2.894 million rubles.
Toyota
Specific features of Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai belong to the SUV class thanks to all-wheel drive. For long-term operation, it is better to choose motors with a larger cubic capacity. The build quality allows the engine to be used for a mileage of more than 100 thousand km.
Among the minor shortcomings of the car is the lack of sound insulation. This flaw can be corrected in any service for little money, so it is not critical. Toyota's weak points are shock absorber struts and axle seals. The manufacturer will replace them free of charge.
Results
All three SUVs have at least one thing that makes them stand out from the rest. Toyota has the most available space, Kia has the lowest price and long warranty. But the Qashqai is still the best station wagon. It's not perfect, but it combines all the aspects that buyers value highly in this class.
It's well equipped, provides a great compromise between poise and ride comfort, and is significantly quieter than any competitor at this price. On top of that, it's reasonably priced if you buy on lease or PCP, and is the cheapest of the trio as a company car.
Second place goes to the Sportage, thanks to its low price for private buyers and a relatively generous equipment list. It's a shame the engine isn't smoother and the ride more compliant, but the Sportage is decent enough and comfortable enough. For private buyers, the peace of mind provided by its industry-leading seven-year warranty is another big benefit, even if those unimpressive CO2 emissions will put off quite a few car owners.
The RAV4's biggest sin is its woeful sound insulation. If there was only one thing we could change, it would be to install a quieter engine with less vibration. Running costs are also very high, and you'll have to spend around $1,300 to get the equipment that comes standard on everyone else. Yes, the RAV4 is larger and more practical than both competitors we've encountered, but if you really need the extra space, there are better alternatives, including the excellent Mazda CX-5.
Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai: main differences
In terms of horsepower and engine capacity, Toyota surpasses Nissan, although the power is affected by the vehicle's equipment. Fuel consumption is lower in the Qashqai, and the trunk volume is larger in the RAV4.
Nissan surpasses its rival in ground clearance and weight. It has greater cross-country ability and accelerates to a speed of 195 km/h, which is 10 km faster than the Toyota.
The length, width and height are greater in the RAV4.
Exterior of Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai
The use of a sporty style in the design is evidenced by the characteristically shaped bodies, where smooth lines are connected to elongated headlights that taper towards the end. The package includes massive bumpers and voluminous central structures for air intake. In Toyota, the air intake is divided into 2 halves by a platform for the license plate, unlike in Nissan.
Fog lights of the same shape are located in the same way on both models.
The rear parts of the bodies are also almost no different from each other. The brake lights are large in size, elongated and partially extend onto the wings. The bumpers located at the front are more massive than the rear ones.
Design and interior decoration
Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai have undergone significant design changes. The Qashqai began to resemble the X-Trail in appearance; its appearance showed aggressiveness and dynamism. The dashboard is an exact copy of the X-Trail. The salon is quite cozy and spacious, with comfortable chairs. Leather is used for decoration.
RAV4 looks like an Avensis. The interior has comfortable seats and well-thought-out ergonomics. Disadvantages include the use of very hard textured plastic. The seats are covered in fabric, but are better heated and more comfortable in shape. When making a sharp turn, it is easier to fall in Qashqai.
Basic information about the car
For 2021, the Toyota RAV 4 V generation, equipped with naturally aspirated engines, is presented on the Russian market. The Nissan-Renault concern offers the Qashqai II generation crossover with the J11 body, which has undergone restyling in 2021.
Both competitors can be offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The cars differ in design and list of available options, but are designed for a similar target audience.
Nissan Qashqai
After updating the design, the crossovers received headlights with LED running lights, separated by an original V-shaped radiator grille with chrome elements. Refinement of parts made it possible to reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient to 0.31 units. Basic crossovers are offered with bodies painted white; other colors are available for an additional fee.
The list of equipment includes a glass panoramic roof, the steering wheel has a trimmed lower edge. Cars have an expanded list of warm options; some models offer navigation from Yandex. In addition to fabric trim, dark faux leather or brown Alcantara are available. The driver's seat microlift is included in the basic equipment.
Toyota RAV4
Introduced in 2021, the new generation of RAV4 differs from previous ones with an improved chassis. Increased rigidity improved handling and reduced roll during sharp turns. Wheel arches with a trimmed upper part have a plastic frame that protects the paintwork from damage. In addition to monochrome coloring, there are crossovers with a 2-color design (the option is available only for the Style version for an additional fee). Versions with a sunroof or glass roof are not offered in Russia.
What sets the RAV4 apart is the use of an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is only offered with the 2.5-liter engine. The new transmission reduces fuel consumption and improves acoustic comfort in the cabin. The crossover has good dynamics.
In addition to standard all-wheel drive, an adaptive torque distribution system is available, which improves the car's performance when accelerating on hard surfaces.
