In a market saturated with high-tech crossovers and feature-packed SUVs, the 2018 Nissan Qashqai (known as the Rogue Sport in the U.S.) stands out—not because it dazzles with innovation, but because it delivers simplicity, comfort, and real-world practicality at an accessible price point. Starting at just $19,998 CAD, it’s one of the most affordable compact SUVs in Canada, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers, city dwellers, or anyone seeking no-nonsense transportation.
What Makes the Qashqai Different?
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsThe 2018 Qashqai’s core appeal lies in its straightforward design and pricing strategy. In a time when even subcompacts offer lane-centering assist, massive screens, and customizable ambient lighting, the Qashqai keeps things refreshingly simple.
You won’t find adaptive cruise control or a digital dashboard in the base trim. What you will find, however, is a comfortable ride, efficient performance, a spacious interior, and just enough tech to meet basic expectations.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting Price (CAD) | $19,998 |
| Engine | 2.0L Inline-4, NA |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 147 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available in higher trims) |
| Fuel Economy (Observed) | ~9.0 L/100 km (mixed driving) |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up) | 648 litres |
| Cargo Space (Folded) | 1,730 litres |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000 lbs (approx.) |
Design & Cabin Quality
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsWhile the Qashqai’s styling isn’t bold or aggressive, it’s clean and modern. The front end adopts Nissan’s familiar “V-motion” grille, flanked by halogen headlights. The base model rides on 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, but the simple exterior disguises a surprisingly refined cabin.
The real story lies inside. The cloth seats are soft, supportive, and manually adjustable, yet more comfortable than those found in many sedans priced $10,000 higher. There’s adequate bolstering, lumbar support is decent, and headroom is generous. The use of soft-touch plastics, solid switchgear, and logical control placement enhances the perceived quality of the interior.
Comfort and Practicality
Despite the budget-conscious design, Nissan didn’t cut corners on comfort. Even in the base trim, you get:
- Heated front seats
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Manual air conditioning
- Backup camera
The Qashqai also excels at cargo flexibility. With nearly 1,730 litres of space when the rear seats are folded, it rivals larger SUVs for utility.
Interior Usability Table
| Feature | Availability (Base Trim) |
|---|---|
| Heated Seats | Yes |
| Backup Camera | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No |
| Touchscreen | 5.0-inch (basic interface) |
| USB Ports | 1 (front) |
Driving Experience
Don’t expect blistering speed or thrilling performance. The Qashqai’s 2.0-litre engine offers a modest 141 horsepower, enough for daily commuting and urban driving but unremarkable on the highway. The 6-speed manual transmission, exclusive to the base trim, is light and easy to shift, though geared short for highway cruising.
At 110–120 km/h, engine revs approach 3,200–3,500 rpm in sixth gear, leading to a droning noise on long trips. Yet the suspension tuning and seat comfort make up for it. The ride is composed and smooth over broken pavement, and steering is light but predictable.
Driving Dynamics
| Parameter | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Acceleration (0–100) | ★★☆☆☆ (~9.5s) |
| Ride Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Steering Feel | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cabin Quietness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Gearbox Feel | ★★★★☆ |
Missing Features and Limitations
There’s no denying the Qashqai’s base trim lacks some essential features, most notably cruise control. This omission is surprising, given even base subcompacts often include it today.
Additionally, AWD is not available on the base model. To get it, you must upgrade to the SV trim ($24,898 CAD) with CVT. While this trim adds features like 17” alloy wheels, remote start, blind spot monitoring, and upgraded infotainment, the price jump may deter some buyers.
AWD Availability & Pricing
| Trim | Price (CAD) | AWD Option | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|---|
| S (Manual) | $19,998 | No | Heated seats, backup cam |
| S (CVT) | $21,998 | No | Same as manual + CVT |
| SV (CVT) | $24,898 | Yes | Cruise control, 17″ alloys, AWD |
| SL Platinum (CVT) | $30,298 | Yes | Leather, navigation, ProPILOT Assist |
Comparisons with Competitors
At its price point, the Qashqai undercuts most small crossovers. Here’s how it compares:
| Model | Base Price (CAD) | Engine | AWD Option | Notable Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Qashqai | $19,998 | 2.0L I4 | Optional | No cruise in base |
| Hyundai Kona | $21,099 | 2.0L I4 | Optional | Less cargo space |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | $26,090 | 2.0L I4 | Standard | Much more expensive |
| Chevrolet Trax | $20,200 | 1.4L Turbo | Optional | Smaller interior |
| Honda HR-V | $26,150 | 2.0L I4 | Standard | Pricier base model |
Fuel Economy
Although the manual transmission adds driving engagement, it does impact fuel efficiency slightly. During real-world testing, the Qashqai returned around 9.0 L/100 km in mixed conditions, which is acceptable but not class-leading.
| Driving Mode | Observed Consumption |
|---|---|
| City | ~10.0 L/100 km |
| Highway | ~7.8 L/100 km |
| Combined | ~9.0 L/100 km |
Final Verdict: A Bargain for the Practical Minded
Would I recommend the 2018 Nissan Qashqai? Absolutely—but with caveats.
For drivers who value a comfortable ride, excellent cargo space, and rock-bottom entry pricing, the Qashqai hits the mark. However, if you require cruise control, all-wheel drive, or advanced infotainment, the base model may fall short.
Still, for less than $20,000 CAD, there’s arguably no better-value compact SUV on the market. It’s proof that less can be more—especially when done right.
Final Ratings
| Category | Score (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
| Tech & Features | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Driving Dynamics | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cargo & Versatility | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall | ★★★★☆ |