Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both Qashqai and T-Cross are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Qashqai
+4 pts
Efficiency
Qashqai
+4 pts
Safety
T-Cross
+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
T-Cross
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 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
T-Cross
Pros
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:General Use
Who Should Buy Which?
Qashqai
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
T-Cross
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Ground Clearance
180
175
Wheelbase
2665
2563
Length
4425
4108
Width
1835
1760
Height
1625
1572
Kerb Weight
1450
1200
Gross Vehicle Weight
1980
1635
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
504
385
Towing Capacity
1800
900
Front Track Width
-
1524
Rear Track Width
-
1500
Turning Radius
-
5.2
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Engine
1.3L Turbocharged Petrol
1.0L TSI Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbo
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
1332
999
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
110
70
Torque
270
160
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
200
181
0-100 km/h
8.9
11.5
Power @ RPM
-
5000-5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
2000-3500 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Single Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
10.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Transmission
CVT Automatic
7-Speed DSG Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Electronic
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Claimed Mileage
17
15.9
City Mileage
13
12
Highway Mileage
18
17
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
40
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Seat Material
Leather
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Electric Driver
Manual
Heated Seats
Front
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Multi Colour
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Not Available
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Climate Control
Dual Zone Automatic
Manual AC
Power Windows
All Auto
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
10
4
Navigation System
Integrated
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Digital Cockpit
USB Ports
-
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Not Available
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
LED Headlamps
Matrix LED
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
Not Available
Roof Rails
Silver
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
19-inch Alloy
16-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Approach Angle
19
-
Departure Angle
24
-
Wading Depth
350
-
Terrain Modes
Normal Sport Eco
-
Locking Differential
Electronic
-
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Tyre Size
235/45 R19
205/60 R16
Wheel Type
Diamond Cut Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Steel
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Height Adjustable
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R4,800
Battery Warranty
2 Years
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
90000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
Qashqai
T-Cross
CO2 Emissions
142
118
Start Stop System
Yes
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
67
Final Verdict
🏆Nissan Qashqai
wins with 66 pts
vs 59 pts for T-Cross
In structured scoring, Qashqai emerges as the stronger overall package. However, T-Cross may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.