Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both Puma and Qashqai are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Qashqai
+2 pts
Efficiency
Qashqai
+4 pts
Safety
Puma
+2 pts
Practicality
Qashqai
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Qashqai
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
13/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
12/20
Puma
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
Puma
Pros
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Qashqai
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Puma
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Qashqai
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Ground Clearance
170
180
Wheelbase
2594
2665
Length
4186
4425
Width
1805
1835
Height
1531
1625
Kerb Weight
1325
1450
Gross Vehicle Weight
1775
1980
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
456
504
Towing Capacity
1200
1800
Front Track Width
1541
-
Rear Track Width
1534
-
Turning Radius
5.4
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Engine
1.0L EcoBoost Mild Hybrid
1.3L Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbo Mild Hybrid
Inline 4 Turbo
Displacement
999
1332
Cylinders
3
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
92
110
Power @ RPM
6000 rpm
-
Torque
170
270
Torque @ RPM
2000-4500 rpm
-
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Single Turbo
-
Top Speed
185
200
0-100 km/h
10.5
8.9
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
-
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic DCT
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
4x2
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Electronic
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Claimed Mileage
16.4
17
City Mileage
12
13
Highway Mileage
18
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
42
55
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Airbags
8
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Seat Material
Sport Partial Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Electric 6-Way
Electric Driver
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Sport Lighting
Multi Colour
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Rear Armrest
Standard
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Climate Control
Automatic AC
Dual Zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Doors
All Auto
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Infotainment Screen
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
10
Navigation System
Standard
Integrated
Digital Instrument Cluster
12-inch Full Digital
-
USB Ports
3
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Matrix LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Standard
Silver
Alloy Wheel Design
19-inch Sport Alloy
19-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Standard
-
Rear Spoiler
Sport Rear Spoiler
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Tyre Size
225/40 R19
235/45 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Diamond Cut Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre Repair Kit
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Service Interval
15,000 km or 1 Year
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R5,000
Moderate
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
2 Years
Maintenance Plan
Optional
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
90000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
CO2 Emissions
118
142
Start Stop System
Standard
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Mild Hybrid
None
Noise Level
67
-
Specification
Puma
Qashqai
Approach Angle
-
19
Departure Angle
-
24
Wading Depth
-
350
Terrain Modes
-
Normal Sport Eco
Locking Differential
-
Electronic
Final Verdict
🏆Nissan Qashqai
wins with 66 pts
vs 61 pts for Puma
In structured scoring, Qashqai emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Puma may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.