Today, in the era of urbanization, urban crossovers are becoming popular. Models Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashkai are among the most purchased comfortable cars.
Who will suit
Qashqai or Kuga. What's better? These two crossovers are considered family crossovers, as they have a roomy interior and a deep trunk. As a rule, large families buy such a car.
Car owners believe that Qashkai is suitable only for trips on highways and perfectly flat pavement. But the Ford Guga has a higher rise. Both compared machines are equipped with an all-wheel drive transmission. Therefore, in the battle "Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai" again a draw.
Key differences
If you decide in favor of which car to choose - Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga - then it is worth comparing a number of indicators:
- cabin capacity. rear seats Nissan Qashqai cramped, it is impossible to seat three passengers on them. In the Ford Kuga, it is more spacious due to the fact that the body is slightly wider;
- seat shape. The rear seats of the Nissan Qashqai are recognized by experts as ideal, as they keep the body in a relaxed state;
- the rear seats are almost the same, but the Nissan Qashqai has a softer cushion;
- the front panel of the Ford Kuga looks very nice. It is equipped with a large monitor, instruments are illuminated with neon lights. The design is made in a modern style. Easy to use multimedia system;
- The Ford Kuga has a comfortable rear seat armrest in the middle where drinks are placed. This is especially liked by children, who are happy to accommodate thanks to spacious interior, comfortable chairs and armrest.
Nissan users note excellent aerodynamics and road stability, as well as a wide viewing mirror. The car moves smoothly.
The rear camera, which is included in the basic package, will also be useful. Motorists note the presence of heating windshield, which is indispensable in the cold. You also need to choose the appropriate option from a pair of Kuga vs Qashqai, taking into account this parameter.
Ford Kuga fans talk about the excellent work of the haldex clutch, road holding and reliable suspension. The climate control system is functioning properly. In addition, Ford Kuga accelerates faster than Nissan, experts say. When deciding to buy a Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai, this often becomes a decisive criterion.
External features
As for the exterior of both cars, there are similarities. The 2016 Nissan Qashkai is reminiscent of the Lexus RX. The Ford itself at the back differs from the Nissan only in a different angle of inclination of the door.
More big car The Ford looks much longer than the Nissan, thanks to an elongated window line that curves. And if you look at the front part, then, compared to the Nissan Qashqai, the Kuga crossover looks completely neutral. Ford Kuga car looks quite unobtrusive for an SUV.
According to the manufacturer's representatives, the trunk volume in the car is 430 liters - not the largest indicator for a practical car. However, it is possible to fold the Nissan seat by lowering it in a ratio of 60:40.
Indeed, the pillows on the Qashqai do not rise up, as a result of which the cargo compartment becomes the owner of a high step. We expect the result - even with a complete transformation of the cabin, a small Nissan crossover Qashqai gets free space of 1510 liters, which is not very convenient to use.
Expert opinion
In general, both models, according to surveys of professionals, were rated at 8.5-9 points out of 10. This is a fairly high figure, indicating a decent quality and convenience of the models in question. A convenient control system and good “behavior” on the roads make it difficult to answer the question “which is better”. Therefore, only you have to choose Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga.
The crossover space of the Russian car market in 2006-2008 was characterized by dense filling, with one of the leading positions in Nissan Qashqai and with not the best performance in Ford Kuga. Subsequently, both models survived restyling twice and now new versions are presented to customers, featuring original design, excellent handling and intriguing technical data. Which model to give preference to when choosing among crossovers?
Nissan Qashqai: exterior, interior, specifications
The exterior face of the Japanese model is marked:
- Massive bumper.
- Trapezoidal grille in a chrome bowl with the familiar brand logo and thick honeycomb.
- Fancy embossed lines of the hood.
- Bright optical elements, made in the perimeter of the headlights by lighting running lights.
- Below is a weighty, recessed deep into the air intake in the lateral environment of the foglights.
Plastic protection around the perimeter is very appropriate for a car of this class. The sidewalls are traditional in design, the fenders are squinted by the headlights, the wheel arches will even fit 19R wheels. The roof has an aggressive slope, a spoiler visor with a shark fin. The tail lifted up testifies to sports brutality. Freshness is added by chrome inserts at the bottom and garlands of LED lights.
The interior in a duet of gloss and dullness of plastic panels and elements attracts with a mass of original details:
- Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with a scattering of buttons and keys with electric power.
- Great looking instrument panel.
- A multimedia display stands out in the center of the dashboard.
Tunnel filling: selector knob, a number of buttons and washers, connectors for electronic devices, cup holders, armrests, niches for small things. Comfortable seats are equipped with various adjustments and provide a decent level of comfort.
The platform of this car is CMF, created by the French-Japanese alliance, is the best option for crossovers. High handling and suspension comfort are achieved by reducing the rigidity of the platform.
The external attractiveness of the car is due to the harmony of dimensions:
- Length - 436 cm.
- Width - 180 cm.
- Height - 159 cm.
- Wheelbase - 265 cm.
- Clearance - 20 cm.
Technical stuffing is possible in the form of all-wheel drive, rear semi-independent suspension or front wheel drive, independent multi-link. Gasoline internal combustion engine for 1.2 liters. from 115 hp - the beginning of motor support, followed by 1.5 and 1.6 liter units with a capacity of 110 hp. and 130 hp the latter on a diesel engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine. at 163 hp and a volume of 2.0 liters. 144 hp which will reach a hundred in 10.5 sec. In highway mode, fuel consumption will be 5.8 liters. per 100 km. way.
For safety in response to airbags, stabilization system, tire pressure sensor, fog lights. The configuration options largely differ due to options that provide safe and comfortable operation: rain sensors, parking sensors and detection of blind spots and obstacles, keyless entry. The crossover can be purchased in nine equipment options and different colors.
Asking price starts from 1,086,000 rubles, the maximum level of autoinvestment reaches 1.8 million rubles.
Ford Kuga: exterior, interior, specifications
The exterior of this crossover is:
- Bulky bumper.
- Slender racks.
- Multi-linear relief of the hood cover.
- Hexagonal chrome-plated perimeter of the radiator grille with an emblem and barely noticeable mesh cells due to two stripes, original LED headlights, a slotted air intake surrounded by non-trivial niches with foglights.
The roof panel is completed by a spoiler visor with a duplicate brake light. The rear lights have changed significantly, becoming polygonal. Streamlining is given to the trunk lid.
Dimensions are optimal:
- Length - 453 cm.
- Width - 182 cm.
- Height - 170 cm.
- Wheelbase - 269 cm.
- Ground clearance - 20 cm.
- Luggage volume - 456 l.
The interior of the crossover is traditional, a deliberately convex panel with touch screen, elongated blower blocks, buttons and climate washers, charging sockets. The tunnel is moderately compact with classic niches and control levers. multifunctional wheel even has levers to control the box. Crossover seats are voluminous with a system of personal settings.
The pride of the American brand is new power equipment , which due to its specifications allowed to significantly increase power without significant fuel costs. The starting point is a tribute to the atmospheric two and a half liter four with 150 hp. further - a six-cylinder turbocharged internal combustion engine for 1.5 liters. with a power of 150 or 184 hp Motors exclusively for automatic transmission, with front or all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption declared from 8.1 l. per 100 km. The current option of this crossover is cruise control that reduces the speed to a stop at 50 km.
Even the basic equipment does not skimp on security assistants: electronic systems, when driving uphill, rollover prevention, traction control during maneuvers, airbags, including knee airbags.
Starter kit available for 1 350 000 rubles, top version - 2,000,000 rubles.
Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga: common features
Both vehicles:
- Compact in size for its class.
- They have bright elements of a sporty exterior.
- Traditional in high-quality salon performance.
- Reliable in their power characteristics and safe equipment.
- They have excellent aerodynamic performance and handling performance.
Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga: differences
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Who, when and what will give preference?
The choice of Nissan Qashqai is for those who:
- Likes original, dynamic, modern design.
- Young age category of any gender.
- adherent mechanical transmission or stepless variator, guaranteeing excellent acceleration dynamics and gear shifting.
- Wants to use diesel fuel.
- He wants to have a wide choice among the complete sets for filling with elements of safety, controllability and multimedia.
- Counts on reasonable fuel consumption in urban conditions.
- It has a little more than a million rubles for auto investments.
Ford Kuga will become a road companion for:
- More calm in choosing a style solution for drivers.
- Middle and older age category of the male.
- Ready to put up with some sluggishness of the transmission for the sake of more power and maneuverability with the corresponding fuel consumption.
- Fans of high levels of noise and sound insulation of the cabin.
- Prioritizing the presence of original branded safety subsystems, such as knee airbags and seat design that does not allow slipping out from under the seat belt in a frontal impact.
- Caring drivers for their passengers in the rear seats, which guarantee maximum comfort.
- Having the possibility of significant cash investments when expanding the option set.
A crisis is a time for compromises. Now, when buying a car, common sense takes precedence over ambition, although the requirements remain the same: everyone needs the most big car for little money. Crossovers, according to the AEB report, lost fewer buyers than cars from other segments. SUVs are favored by their high liquidity on secondary market- in recent months, used crossovers have only risen in price. So buying, for example, Nissan Qashqai is just one of those compromise solutions. In difficult times, conservatism is usually in vogue, so for those who choose a crossover for every day, the Ford Kuga, built on very reliable components and assemblies, is now suitable.
The interior of the Ford Kuga, even in the most expensive version, is devoid of sensors and a large multimedia screen. In the center of the panel there is a block of media system control buttons and primitive deflectors. You can’t get something more interesting even for a surcharge, but everything works without failures and reproaches. And although the central screen is small and not colored, it does not distract on the road, and it is very easy to reconfigure the system.
The Nissan Qashqai is just the opposite. The Japanese cannot afford to fall behind competitors from Korea, so all new dashboards they receive not only a color touch screen from the Infiniti Q50, but also glossy inserts in the interior. Among the useful options is also a rear-view camera, and the parking brake is electrically actuated here, unlike the classic Kuga. Despite all the innovation of the second Qashqai, the continuity of generations can be clearly seen - the familiar "twists", buttons and automatic transmission lever. It's just that it's done better than before. Hard plastic in the cabin is almost impossible to find, and the top versions offer leather seats and a full package of security systems. Colored icons and tips also appear on the driver's panel. The driver's seat can be adjusted in height, as well as the steering wheel. The Ford dashboard is much more monotonous. Only the bright blue arrows of the speedometer and tachometer add contrast. At the same time, sitting in the conservative Kuga is more comfortable: here the driver's seat is more spacious, and the seat and steering wheel are adjustable in almost all directions.
The "Japanese" has new turbocharged engines in its arsenal, but half of the sales are classics - the old 2.0-liter aspirated engine with a capacity of 144 hp. s., which is familiar from the previous generation. There are two transmissions to choose from: a six-speed “mechanics” and an Xtronic CVT with sports and manual modes. The latter is trained to simulate gear changes and engine braking. The all-wheel drive system is only offered with a CVT - rear axle connects an electromagnetic clutch, which can be forcibly blocked at low speed.
In urban mode, the Nissan Qashqai rides, as before, very smoothly, but the only complaints in dynamics remain the same - too light steering and an excessive tendency to demolish the front axle in sharp turns. In general, the popular crossover exactly repeats the habits of its predecessor, so conservatives will not be disappointed here either. In addition, the Qashqai has a decent off-road potential compared to its classmates: a plug-in all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 21 centimeters.
American Ford crossover The Kuga handles differently. You should not expect extreme smoothness: the time-tested combination of an atmospheric engine and a simple “automatic” with a torque converter gives the car some jerkiness. Each press on the gas pedal responds with a quick reaction of the engine, even at low revs, only the gearbox does not always keep pace with the motor. The "machine" itself works smoothly, but to switch to downshift maintains a theatrical break. The car has enough traction and power both in the city and beyond - the 2.5-liter engine does not give the driver any reason to get upset up to at least 100 kilometers per hour. The suspension of the Ford Kuga is softer than that of the "Japanese", but it works too loudly. You will have to pay for the love of the atmospheric engine by the absence of some options. Including, and proprietary system of automatic opening of the fifth door. There will be no automatic braking system at low speeds, as well as blind spot monitoring, parking assistant and all-wheel drive in a car with a 2.5-liter engine.
There are only two conservative versions of a car with a 2.5 engine and automatic transmission - Trend and Trend Plus. In the first case, the car will cost at least 1,349,000 rubles. This price includes seven airbags, a standard audio system, engine start with a button and an assistant when driving uphill. For 29,800 rubles, you can purchase a package with dual-zone climate control, parking sensors and heated seats. We tested the Trend Plus version, which now costs from 1,429,000 rubles. It includes everything listed above, including option packages. For a surcharge of 14,500 rubles, Bluetooth is offered, for another 30,000 thousand - Webasto.
The smaller, but more modern Nissan Qashqai has a much wider choice of trim levels with a naturally aspirated engine and a CVT. A crossover in the SE configuration (2.0 liters and a CVT) with front-wheel drive costs from 1,243,000 rubles. For this money, the client will receive 6 airbags, climate control, heated seats, a hill start assist system, cruise control and alloy wheels. Dealers will ask you to pay 80,000 rubles for an all-wheel drive system. Top version crossover will cost at least 1,647,000 rubles. Here Qashqai is equipped already panoramic roof and a rear view camera.
Love for conservatism and compromise in this dispute is inferior to practicality, so the price tag still comes to the fore. For about the same money, the Qashqai can be purchased with all-wheel drive and a good range of options, while the slightly larger and very reliable Kuga is available in one of the initial versions.
Ekaterina Rzyanina
Photo: Polina Avdeeva
We express our gratitude to RED Development for their assistance in filming
You go slowly along the road. With us, you can’t really speed up, but we have long dubbed ourselves creatures mired in traffic jams. .And in order not to go completely crazy, it remains only to while away the hours of downtime by looking at other crawling cars nearby. And the likelihood that the look will please the “exotic fruit” or “sports coupe is falling every year. Wherever you spit, some SUVs and SUVs. It seems that a little more and crossovers of all types and sizes will simply crowd out all other cars. But even among them there are those that are now on a special account with car owners. For example, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga.
By the way, Ford sales in Russia in the first half of 2016 grew by as much as 56% compared to the same period in 2015. And sales grew mainly due to Ford models Kuga. Nissan generally focuses on Russia, continuing to successfully implement a plan to expand and localize production. It is Russia that is a strategic market for Nissan with the potential to become No. 1 in Europe. And again, sales growth is not without the help of the bestseller Nissan Qashqai.
We look into the ranking of the Top 10 most popular off-road vehicles of 2016 and are no longer surprised that the regulars flaunt there again: Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga.
Why do they take the Russian public like that? And which one is better? Let's try to find out.
Friends a couple of months ago decided to buy a crossover. And, as far as I know, they considered Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga. But in the end they gave preference to the "American". To the question: "Why not Nissan Qashqai?". I was told that "we liked the appearance of the Kuga more, but the Qashqai somehow does not look very good." And here I wanted to defend the “Japanese”, but then the understanding came that it was pointless to challenge the taste preference.
So let's start with the American. The Ford Kuga was officially presented at the 2008 Frankfurt International Motor Show. And fell under the famous philosophy of Martin Smith, the chief designer of the brand. Have you heard of "kinetic design"? So, this is his handiwork. "Kinetic design" in the understanding of the master "is the visualization of energy in motion. Expression occurs through clear, dynamic lines and surfaces. "Energy in motion" is the most accurate and capacious transfer of the philosophy of "kinetic design". When looking at Ford cars it gives the impression that they are moving - even if they are standing still. So many deep thoughts and strong turns! Maybe it's time for Smith to think seriously about the profession of a philosopher-scientist? In fact, if no jokes, then this can be said about any car. The design of the Ford Kuga is not impressive. Crossover is more like toy car. A sort of mini-crossover, wormed its way into the model line of the American manufacturer. You will hardly pay attention to it in the stream, unless, of course, it will be in some catchy bright color.
Nissan Qashqai is another matter. You stare at him and follow him with your eyes, however, sometimes wondering whose such an elegant ass is rushing to the pale green: the older brother Ixtrail or, after all, the youngest Qashqai. But it is the Nissan Qashqai that is the trendsetter on compact crossovers. And initially the Japanese did not count on such success, thinking that they would sell a hundred thousand cars in Europe in a year, and as a result they had to produce more than two million copies. For a couple of years, the "Japanese" has undergone changes. In 2008, engineers lengthened wheelbase by 135 mm and a rear overhang (by 75 mm) to add two extra seats to the cabin. Well, in 2010 a small restyling of the crossover was made. But the second generation Nissan Qashqai, released in 2014, caused a real sensation. What a camp, what athleticism. Feel the real dynamics in every bend. Oh, that Asian squint is alluring. How tempting!
Who has more? He is in the lead
On visual inspection, the Nissan Qashqai appears to be larger and bulkier than the Ford Kuga. But this is an optical illusion. In terms of dimensions, the “American” is healthier than its rival. Ford Kuga is 4524 mm long, 2077 mm wide and 1689 mm high. Qashqai will be smaller (length 4377 mm, width 1837 mm. height 1595 mm). Differences in ground clearance practically none: the Nissan Qashqai has 200 mm, and the Ford Kuga has 199 mm.
Let's sit! We'll see.
First, let's see what the interior of the Ford Kuga is like. Unfortunately, even in the most expensive version, you will not find sensors and a large multimedia screen. But in the center of the panel you can use the media system control buttons. But everything works clearly and smoothly. The central small non-color screen does not distract from work, and it is very convenient to use it. This “boredom” is diluted only by a bright blue backlight. Behind the wheel, the driver will enjoy excellent visibility, but rear visibility is not very good due to the narrowed rear window. The front seats do not have pronounced lateral support, so even an XL driver will feel comfortable. Yes, and passengers in the back seat will not feel cramped. Inside is spacious enough. The only pity is that the rear sofa does not have longitudinal adjustment, and this would not interfere with travelers in long trip. And the quality of finishing materials leaves much to be desired: soft plastic looks, frankly, cheap.
Inside the Nissan Qashqai is much more comfortable. Climbing into the driver's seat, it seems that you have always been behind the wheel of this particular car: and everything is familiar to you, understandable and pleasant to the touch. The seating position is high, there is enough overhead space, the Zero Gravity seats and they claim “spine support that reduces fatigue by improving blood circulation,” in fact, they are simply imperceptibly comfortable. In general, there is nothing for the senses to catch on - everyone likes it without exception. Dashboard and the touch screen are inherited from the Infiniti Q50. Of the convenient buns, the electric parking drive deserves special mention. Kuga also has it, but the classic one.
If desired and possible, you can also enjoy the panoramic roof, only with an additional payment for the LE ROOF package (1,564,000 rubles).
There is no doubt: it is more comfortable to sit behind the wheel of the Nissan Qashqai, and the Ford Kuga has more space. We almost forgot about the luggage compartment, which the Kuga has more (456 liters) than the Nissan Qashqai (430 liters).
Assistants and security systems
Ford Kuga is crammed with various security systems and modern devices: Ford system SYNC allows you to control your MP3 player and phone functions with voice commands, the hands-free trunk opening system will show advanced technologies to you every time you open the fifth door not with your hand, but with your foot, active parking assistance system, rear camera view, a monitoring system for "blind" zones and automatically turning on headlights. But you will not find all these pleasures in the minimum configuration. All "relish" is installed on more expensive versions, the cost of which starts from 1,325,000 rubles.
The "Japanese" has the same set. Only there is no "smart" trunk. But on the other hand, there is a driver fatigue control system that can warn with an audible and visual signal that it is time to take a break.
In move
The Nissan Qashqai has a 1.2 liter turbocharged engine in its arsenal. 115 hp, also 1.6 diesel version 130 hp and the best-selling 2-liter version with 144 hp. There are two transmissions to choose from: a six-speed “mechanics” and an Xtronic CVT with sports and manual modes.
Obviously, if you are curious about the Nissan Qashqai, then you are not in the category of people with racing ambitions. And you have enough - a calm smooth ride around the city and less often outside it. Then the "Japanese" will become for you the most faithful companion. On the road, he behaves conservatively, correctly and flawlessly. But still, if you take Qashqai, then a 2-liter "variator" so that you can get full pleasure from operation. Decent and correct in everything, it still has a minus - an overly light steering wheel and an excessive tendency to demolish the front axle in tight turns.
Ford Kuga is sold with two types of engines. You can choose from a modern 1.6 turbo engine from the EcoBoost line with a power of 150 or 182 horsepower and 2.5 (150 horsepower).
Ford Kuga somewhere very deep in his soul is a "gambling" guy, but he is not strong enough to actually be one. Therefore, do not expect a soft ride and excellent handling from a crossover. He copes with high speeds, but in such a way that passengers in the back seat feel any slightest bump. But a leisurely ride around the city is very pleasant and quite comfortable, but to a greater extent, the driver and passenger on front seat. Noise isolation, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired.
Initial Nissan cost Qashqai starts from 999,000 rubles. Ford Kuga costs from 1,099,000 rubles. But keep in mind that in any case, you will have to add plus 150,000 - 200,000 rubles in order to get a car that is not completely “naked”. If you are a fan of sizes and do not have much love for the "Japanese", then you official dealer Ford. And those who care about feeling comfortable and knowing that his million-odd crossover looks decent on the road, is not lost in the stream among competitors, should opt for the Nissan Qashqai.
To be honest, I originally wanted to take Kuga ...
After I have passed the test drive, I can rate Kugu like this on the points that I paid attention to (on a 5-point scale):
Exterior - 5: appearance and the design is very good and impressive, immediately liked.
Interior - 4: inside everything is fine, except for the panel. She doesn’t impress me since the 3rd Focus and doesn’t like it at all.
Comfort - 4.5: as soon as I sat down in the driver's seat, I smiled with pleasure and convenience so that my brother, seeing my face, said that we had found what we were looking for. The rear seats are also comfortable, as well as the presence of adjustable backrest. I threw off half the ball for soundproofing - the engine is decently audible in the cabin, and everything else is quite good.
Chassis - 4.5: it works out all the pits and potholes very well, relatively soft, the passengers in the rear row of seats are delighted, but I heard a couple of breakdowns on the front pillars.
Engine (1.6 EB) - 5: 1.6 EcoBust was on a test drive, which showed very good dynamics for its volume and size of car.
Transmission (AT) -3: on a test drive there was an AT, which, in my opinion, shifted gears at the wrong time, jerkily, making the engine roar at high speeds.
Handling - 5: the car is excellently controlled, rolls in corners are not significant, I expected it to be more.
In general, it turned out nice car, which I did not immediately take due to a couple of reasons:
- there is no modification with a conventional atmospheric engine on a conventional manual transmission, and this is one of the key indicators for choosing a car for me
- well, the panel, which I do not particularly like.
Now Qashqai on the same points for me:
Exterior - 5: I really liked the new Qashqai design, although the previous one did not attract my attention in any way.
Interior - 5: the inside of the new Qashqai is as beautiful as the outside, I liked everything
Comfort - 4.5: Noise isolation is better than Kugi. Sitting both front and back is comfortable, but the driver's seat doesn't have that delightful feeling of comfort as in the Coogee, and it would still be nice to adjust the tilt of the rear seat backs.
Suspension - 4.5: works well, there were no breakdowns, but more rigid than the Kuga
Engine (2.0) - 5: Test drive had a 2.0 that ran exactly as expected on a car like this.
Transmission (CVT) -5: I rode a CVT for the first time, I was very impressed with the softness of the ride, good response and dynamics, which also surprised me. Contrary to reviews about the noise of the variators, no sounds were heard from him.
Handling - 4.5: good handling, but slightly worse than the Kugi. I can’t say exactly what it was, but the general feeling was just that.
As a result, I ordered Qashqai, despite the fact that I was immediately warned that I might have to wait until October (the test drive and inspection was in the first half of June).
This choice was made for the following reasons:
- there is a modification with an aspirated manual transmission, which, as I have already noted, is one of the most important factors in choosing a car for me,
- the car was completely satisfied in all other respects, the number of options in the basic configuration was impressive, and it also pleased with its design both inside and out.
- Of all the cars I've seen, this was my wife's favorite.
Great comparison! By the way, my friend was on the kuga test, he didn’t like the fact that there were very crooked gaps .... well, it’s just that everything was not even, maybe of course I came across such an option, or maybe it is, I didn’t personally see this car. And yes, the Ford panel is terrible)