The small SUV showdown: Nissan Qashqai vs Volkswagen Tiguan

Nissan Qashqai vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which compact SUV should you lease?

The compact crossover SUV market is busier than a motorway service station on a bank holiday weekend.

And for good reason – these cars tick all the boxes for modern family life.

You get the practicality and driving position of an SUV, with dimensions that won’t have you breaking into a cold sweat every time you approach a multi-storey car park.

We’ve put two of the most popular options head-to-head to help you decide: should you lease a Nissan Qashqai or a Volkswagen Tiguan?

Let’s dive in, and see which one deserves a spot on your driveway.

The contenders: A quick introduction

Nissan Qashqai: The trendsetter that started it all

The Nissan Qashqai is basically the car that invented the compact crossover category.

When it first appeared, Nissan spotted a gap in the market for something taller and more practical than a hatchback, but not as unwieldly as a traditional SUV.

Fast-forward to today, and we’re now on the third generation of this popular family favourite. It’s not going to set the world on fire with revolutionary features, but sometimes reliable and dependable is exactly what you need.

Think of it as the steady friend who always remembers your birthday and never lets you down.

Volkswagen Tiguan: German engineering in a family-friendly package

The Volkswagen Tiguan might look like its bigger brother, the Touareg, went through a particularly aggressive wash and dry cycle, but don’t let that fool you.

This facelifted model, which debuted in 2020, has been winning over families across the UK with its blend of practicality, quality, and that unmistakable German attention to detail.

If the Qashqai is your dependable friend, the Tiguan is the slightly more sophisticated one who always has the latest gadgets and makes everything look effortless.

Under the bonnet: The engine choices

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan have made some interesting choices with the current Qashqai’s engine lineup.

Gone are the diesel options, but in their place is something rather clever: the e-Power hybrid system.

This isn’t your typical hybrid setup.

The e-Power system features a 202bhp electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting, while a 190bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a generator to keep things topped up. It keeps fuel consumption down, without having to worry about recharging the car.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, there are conventional petrol options too:

• 1.3-litre 138bhp mild hybrid
• 1.3-litre 158bhp mild hybrid (choice of front-wheel or four-wheel drive)

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan takes the ‘variety is the spice of life’ approach to engines.

Whether you’re after economical diesel power, peppy petrol performance, or a helping electric hand, there’s likely something that’ll suit your needs.

Petrol options:

• 1.5-litre 128bhp eTSI
• 1.5-litre 148bhp eTSI
• 2.0-litre 261bhp TSI

Diesel options:

• 2.0-litre 148bhp TDI

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models

• 1.5-litre 201bhp eHybrid
• 1.5-litre 268bhp eHybrid

If you’re still mourning the loss of diesel options in the Qashqai, the Tiguan might be calling your name.

Inside story: Cabin comfort and tech

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan deserves a pat on the back for resisting the industry-wide obsession with removing every physical button in sight.

The Qashqai still features actual climate controls you can operate without taking your eyes off the road – it’s not revolutionary, but it is very nice for those button afficionados among us.

The cabin feels spacious enough for five adults without anyone having to practice yoga just to get comfortable. The rear seats can easily accommodate two child seats plus an older child in the middle, though we can’t guarantee it’ll stop the inevitable ‘are we there yet?’ questions.

Higher-spec models even include a head-up display, so you can keep your eyes on the road while getting all the important info projected onto the windscreen.

The materials feel properly premium too, with plenty of padded surfaces, visible stitching, and metallic details that give the cabin a high-quality finish.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen have caught the ‘no button’ fever that’s all the rage in the auto industry, and have ditched the physical climate control in favour of touch-sensitive panels.

It’s not the most intuitive system, but it does look suitably modern and minimalist.

That minor grumble aside, the Tiguan’s interior is typically VW: well-built, logically laid out, and designed to last. There’s generous space for five adults, with enough head and legroom to keep everyone happy on longer journeys.

The quality of materials throughout feels suitably premium, and everything has that solid, well-engineered feel that German cars are famous for.

Practicality: Space for life’s essentials

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is like that friend who somehow fits an entire week’s shopping into a tiny handbag – it’s all about clever use of space.

The cabin is littered with useful cubby holes, charging points, and storage solutions.

The door bins are actually big enough to fit a proper water bottle, and there are numerous spots to stash your everyday essentials.

The boot offers 479 litres of space and, crucially, the hybrid version doesn’t lose any of that capacity – something many rivals can’t claim. Nissan have even included clever floorboards that slot into various positions to stop your shopping from sliding around.

Flip them over, and you get a mudproof surface for those wellies after a countryside walk.

Volkswagen Tiguan

If the Qashqai is the clever packer, the Tiguan is the one who just brings a bigger suitcase.

With 615 litres of boot space, it’s significantly roomier than the Nissan and perfect for families who need that extra capacity for holidays, sports equipment, or just weekly shopping trips to the supermarket.

The high driving position and supportive seats make it comfortable for longer journeys, while the spacious rear cabin ensures your passengers won’t be plotting your demise by the end of the trip.

The eHybrid PHEV version does lose some boot space (down to 476 litres), but you gain lower running costs in return – a fair trade-off for many drivers.

Tech and safety

Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai lineup starts with the entry-level Visia, which includes rear parking sensors, a seven-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, and LED lights front and rear.

Step up to Acenta Premium (likely the sweet spot for most buyers), and you’ll get 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch infotainment screen, rear parking camera, smartphone connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning, and keyless entry.

The higher trims – N-Connecta, Tekna, and Tekna+ – add extra luxury touches like larger wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, front sensors, bigger infotainment screens, and even a head-up display on the range-topping Tekna+.

Safety-wise, Nissan have loaded the Qashqai with their ProPilot system (active cruise control and lane-keeping assistance), and it scored the full five stars in its Euro NCAP safety test.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The VW Tiguan offers three main trim levels: Life, Elegance, and R-Line.

If you want all the comfort features, Elegance is your friend with its heated steering and panoramic sunroof. For a sportier feel, R-Line adds visual flair and is the only trim that includes Volkswagen’s Travel Assist (which controls steering, braking, and accelerating) as standard.

However, VW’s extensive options list means you can start with the base Life trim and add exactly the features you want – whether that’s the Harman Kardon sound system or additional driver assistance tech.

All models get smartphone connectivity, with base cars featuring an eight-inch touchscreen that grows to 9.2-inches on higher-spec models.

The facelifted Tiguan hasn’t been through Euro NCAP testing yet, but given the previous model’s five-star rating from 2016, expect similarly impressive safety credentials.

The verdict: Which should you choose?

Both the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan are excellent choices for families looking for a practical, comfortable and well-equipped compact SUV.

Choose the Nissan Qashqai if:

• You want the pioneering e-Power hybrid tech
• Clever storage solutions are a priority
• You prefer physical buttons for climate control
• You’re looking for proven reliability and strong residual values

Choose the VW Tiguan if:

• You need maximum boot space
• Diesel economy is still important to you
• You want extensive customisation options
• Premium build quality is a priority

Both offer excellent SUV lease deals, and either would make a sensible addition to your driveway.

The choice ultimately comes down to your specific priorities and what matters most for your lifestyle.

Still unsure? Our team of experts can help you find the perfect SUV lease deal for your needs. After all, we’re here to put the ease in your next car lease.