What is better to choose between the crossovers Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5

When choosing a crossover, there are a lot of questions and doubts about which brand and model is better to give preference to. The assortment is really huge, which makes life much more difficult for the buyer.

To dwell on one of the options, it would be logical to compare competing cars that potentially attract and satisfy the buyer according to the main criteria. By comparing the two cars, you can draw the appropriate conclusions and finally make a final decision.

There is no denying that there are SUVs available on the market that look equally attractive, have decent technical characteristics and rich equipment. It is difficult to determine the favorite between them, since each person pursues certain goals, has personal preferences and his own taste.

In this case, two Japanese crossovers, officially presented in Russia, will be considered. This is the CX-5 from Mazda and the Qashqai from Nissan.

General information

The new generation Nissan Qashqai officially debuted in 2014. This is the second generation of the model, which is a bestseller in Europe and Russia. In March 2017, a re-styled version was presented, within which the design was slightly changed, the interior was improved, the steering system was modernized and a number of other smaller adjustments were made.

Another update, but already technical, appeared in the fall of 2018. Alas, this did not affect Russian consumers in any way. Moreover, after restyling, a diesel engine is no longer offered in Russia. Only gasoline engines remained in the ICE line.

The basis for creating a new generation of Qashqai is the modular CMF platform. Moreover, Qashqai was the first model that was assembled on this cart.

The second generation Mazda CX-5 was presented in November 2016. Moreover, experts note that the change of generation is more like a deep restyling. Judge for yourself, because the new crossover is being built simply on a somewhat modernized platform. The car received more modern equipment, but there were no significant visual changes.

Mazda is based on the first generation platform, but with some modifications. The body is made on the basis of high-strength steel, which made it possible to increase the torsional rigidity.

Both crossovers are classified as compact SUVs. At the same time, the Mazda representative turned out to be somewhat larger than his opponent. This is confirmed by the corresponding dimensions.

The Nissan Qashqai has the following dimensions:

• length 4377 mm .;
• height 1590 mm .;
• width 1806 mm .;
• wheelbase 2646 mm.;
• ground clearance (clearance) 200 mm.

Mazda with its CX-5 crossover meets the following parameters:

• length 4555 mm .;
• width 1840 mm .;
• height 1670 mm .;
• wheelbase 2700 mm.;
• clearance (ground clearance) 215 mm.

If you are in doubt about which one is better to stop your choice, choosing between Mazda CX 5 or Nissan Qashqai, we recommend that you study the cars according to different parameters and draw appropriate conclusions.

Exterior

When comparing the new generation Nissan Qashqai after restyling with many competitors, the latter had no chance, since the Qashqai looks really cool, modern and European.

But it turned out to be much more difficult to compare such cars as Nissan Qashqai and Mazda СХ5. It is almost impossible to single out a clear favorite.

Mazda looks more brutal, has a solid size, muscular shape. It's more of a mid-size SUV than a compact crossover. This is the impression that is created when looking at this car.

The new global design of KODO has made the new Mazda vehicles one of the most striking and recognizable on the international stage. It is difficult not to notice such a car in the stream. Although there are those who consider such an exterior design unfortunate and ugly.

It is extremely difficult and practically impossible to objectively judge the appearance. Qashqai meets Mazda with no less muscular forms, stylish solutions, neat lines, original front and rear optics. Really modern and youthful car.

Here, everyone must rely on their own taste and personal design preferences. But it cannot be denied that the design of the Qashqai and CX-5 are distinctive, beautiful and unlike many other competitors in their class. The designers did their best, and here we put a confident equal sign.

Interior and luggage compartment

Inside, Qashqai looks European. Restrained in places, solid and bright in places. The balance between the quality of the materials used and the ergonomics is at a high level. Due to the use of large elements in the interior, the car looks richer.

The owners are attracted by a comfortable multifunctional steering wheel, a well-thought-out center console, and a well-designed dashboard. Sometimes it seems that there are too many buttons and controls. Moreover, each of them takes its place without interfering with the management of other nodes and systems.

The salon is five-seater, the back can accommodate three adults, although not with a huge margin of legroom. Much depends on the size of the passenger himself. The rear sofa has 3 headrests and 3 dedicated seats. Although the pillows themselves are flat, they are quite stiff. Here Nissan made a mistake, and the rear sofa should be redone after the next update.

There are absolutely no complaints about the Qashqai front seats. Wide range of adjustments, optimal rigidity, pronounced lateral support. Sitting on such chairs is a pleasure.

Mazda CX-5 responds with no less profitable solutions in the cabin. The dashboard is made in a minimalist style, which is due to the presence of a large multimedia touch screen in the center of 7 inches. In front of the driver is a stylish three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and behind it is a combination of devices, complemented by a 4.6-inch on-board computer screen. The central tunnel, which separates the driver and front passenger, looks harmonious as well.

The build level is extremely decent, the interior is based on high quality materials. With its dimensions and positioning as a 5-seater crossover, the rear sofa for some reason has a pronounced division into 2 seats, albeit with 3 headrests. That is, sitting in the middle is not very profitable.

The front and rear seats have good lateral support, the right stiffness and a wide range of adjustments. The stock of legroom is solid. Together on the back sofa, you can feel as imposing as possible. But even three adults will be accommodated here without any problems.

The luggage compartment in the second generation Mazda CX5 in the stowed position holds up to 403 liters of cargo up to the waist line. The back row can be lowered to create a level floor. As a result, the volume of the luggage compartment increases to 1560 liters. In the underground there is a niche with a full size spare wheel. The tailgate itself, if you pay extra, gets an electric drive and remote control.

Despite the slightly larger dimensions of Mazda, the trunk in the Qashqai was larger. Nominally, it has 430 liters, and when the rear row of seats is folded, 1585 liters are obtained. The floor is perfectly level, and underneath is a niche with a full-size spare wheel.

In both cases, the interior is thought out correctly, organically and has a high level of practicality. Outwardly, everything looks great, in line with European trends and traditional Japanese quality.

Despite the Qashqai's slightly superior trunk space, Mazda responds by providing more rear seat space. At the same time, the Mazda rear sofa is formatted for 2 passengers, while the Nissan has three seats.There is also the downside of the Qashqai's overly stiff filler, while the CX-5 has optimal stiffness and lateral support.

And if we sum up the results in terms of the interior and trunks, then we can give the preponderance to Mazda. Still, the level of comfort is higher, and the 27-liter difference in the luggage compartment is not as significant as the increased rigidity of the rear sofa. Ahead in both cases, everything is great.

Motors and gearboxes

In the confrontation between Mazda CX 5 VS Nissan Qashqai, it is impossible to determine the leader based only on the interior and exterior. Therefore, a logical continuation of the comparison will be the analysis of the proposed power units and gearboxes.

After the restyling of Russian buyers, Nissan Qashqai was deprived of the opportunity to take a diesel engine. This naturally upset many, since the engine had good dynamics and, at the same time, consumed very little fuel.

As a result, there were only 2 gasoline engines left to choose from.

• The base for Qashqai is a turbocharged 1.2-liter internal combustion engine with 4 cylinders. It generates 115 horsepower and 190 Nm. For such a motor, a six-speed manual box or a variator, devoid of steps, is offered.
• The older engine is naturally aspirated. There are also 4 working cylinders, but the volume is already 2.0 liters. Of these, 144 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque are squeezed out. Such an internal combustion engine can be equipped with a six-speed mechanics and the same variator. But the variator also allows you to take an all-wheel drive modification.

Comparing the Nissan Qashqai VS Mazda CX-5 will not be correct if you are initially looking for a crossover with maximum power. Here Mazda takes the lead, offering also only 2 petrol engines. Both are atmospheric and belong to the Skyactive G family.

1. The base engine is a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine. It gives out 150 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque. That is, the base engine of Mazda is superior to the top-end engine from Qashqai. A choice of six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. Also, the car can go with full or only front-wheel drive, regardless of the box.
2. The top engine for Russia is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder aspirated engine with a return of 194 horsepower and 256 Nm of torque. Here, in terms of gearboxes and drives, there is no need to choose. There is no alternative, such an engine is combined only with an automatic machine and all-wheel drive.

Purely in terms of power, Mazda looks like an obvious favorite. But power is not always the key to the consumer. Many are willing to sacrifice horsepower for lower fuel consumption.

Fuel consumption and dynamics

Let's start with the Nissan Qashqai, and look at its dynamics and fuel consumption:

• The junior engine with mechanics and variator accelerates from zero to hundred in 10.9 and 12.9 seconds, respectively. At the same time, fuel consumption is 5.6 and 6.2 liters per 100 km for the manual transmission and the variator in the combined cycle.
• The senior motor on mechanics reaches 100 km / h in 9.9 seconds, consuming an average of 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km. With a variator, acceleration takes 10.1 and 10.5 seconds with front and all-wheel drive, and the consumption varies between 6.9-7.3 liters per 100 km of distance traveled.

The maximum speed for the Nissan Qashqai depends on the engine, gearbox and drive. The slowest version accelerates to 173 km / h. This is a junior motor with a variator. And the maximum is given by a 2.0-liter internal combustion engine with mechanics, which develops 194 km / h.

The dynamics of the Mazda СХ5 are naturally better. Although the superiority was not as significant as some expected to see. The younger engine accelerates in about 9.4 seconds from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour. The top engine can accelerate in 7.9 seconds. The maximum speed is from 187 to 197 kilometers per hour.

On a combined cycle, a car consumes between 6.2 and 7.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers of road.

As a result, it turns out that the CX-5 goes faster, has superiority in top speed and dynamics. But what is most surprising is the fact that Mazda's gas mileage was lower, based on the passport data, than that of Qashqai with initially more powerful engines.

Many people rightly point out that the Qashqai lacks power for its weight. If you add at least another 20-30 hp. in the base engine, the situation will improve significantly. But we have what we have.

In terms of dynamics and fuel consumption, the favorite was a car made by Mazda. The CX-5 has good dynamics, optimal power for its size, and is fuel efficient. This is the great merit of modern Skyactive G engines, which, without the use of turbocharging, using conventional atmospheric technology, demonstrate exemplary performance.

Cross-country ability and handling

Mazda СХ5 behaves and feels superiority at any speed, including those that exceed the permitted limits. The suspension can be called elastic and rather knocked down. The actuation on serious obstacles is not perfectly smooth, but the driver, along with the passengers, feel a decent level of comfort.

When driving, people in front and behind feel equally well. Due to its high ground clearance, the Mazda runs well over small curbs and pits.

The steering is quite sharp and obedient, responds in time to the slightest changes in the position of the steering wheel. Thanks to numerous electronics, Mazda is easy, reliable and calm to operate.

The competitor's suspension, if we compare the capabilities of Mazda СХ5 and Nissan Qashqai cars, has some flaws and claims. Suspension tuning is clearly aimed at maximum comfort in urban conditions, and in this comparison Nissan is only slightly ahead of Mazda. As a result, the Qashqai is soft and quiet when passing through small bumps. But if the car turns out to be in deep holes, unpleasant knocks immediately appear. A sharp maneuver is followed by a noticeable roll, which negatively affects the sharpness of the steering. The ground clearance, although it has a solid 200 mm, is not enough for off-road conditions. Forced Nissan can drive through a difficult section, but deliberately should not go there.

Security options

Both crossovers from Japanese automakers have received an extensive list of systems and options that are responsible for active and passive safety. These include:

• airbags;
• ASR;
• ESP;
• ABS;
• EBD;
• HAC;
• Break Assist and more.

Even in the basic configuration, both cars have 6 airbags.

Naturally, both cars received 5 stars from the EuroNCAP laboratory. Therefore, in the context of safety, there is fair equality between the two crossovers under consideration.

Cost and configuration

Nissan Qashqai was initially positioned as a more affordable car than the Mazda CX5. This is due to the fact that the Mazda brand itself is more expensive, judging by the entire lineup. Plus the CX-5 is bigger, has more powerful motors and other reasons for raising the starting price tag.

For Russia, Qashqai is available in 10 trim levels. The simplest version will cost at least 1.3 million rubles. The minimum set of equipment (XE equipment) with all-wheel drive will cost from 1.6 million rubles.

Top-end versions, where there is a 2.0-liter engine, CVT and front-wheel drive, start at 1.9 million rubles. You won't be able to buy an all-wheel drive version for less than 2 million rubles.

In the case of the Mazda CX5, Russian consumers are offered 3 equipment options. These are the Drive, Active and Supreme trim levels. In the initial version, the car costs from 1.6 million rubles, that is, approximately as the average level of the competitor's equipment.

Top versions of the crossover from Mazda cost from 2.2 million rubles. A really rich and almost fully equipped version of an SUV can be taken for 2.5 million rubles.

Who to give preference to

At the end of this comparison, you need to answer the question of what is better when the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX5 are in front of you.

Both cars look decent and definitely qualify for your garage. But it is extremely difficult to name a favorite. Each crossover demonstrated a certain superiority over a competitor, and lost somewhere to him. To summarize, the more victories were on the side of Mazda.

The CX-5 has a striking design like the Qashqai. At the same time, the Mazda interior, albeit a little, turned out to be better. Mazda also offers more modern engines with excellent power output, decent dynamics and exemplary economy. The engine power for the Qashqai is less, the dynamics are worse, but there is still no superiority in fuel consumption.

Plus, the Mazda crossover has better cross-country ability, it copes more confidently with difficult road sections, feels good in off-road conditions, although it is positioned as a city SUV. It is not recommended to deliberately get into such conditions on Qashqai. The car will not go everywhere.

Yes, the cost of the CX-5 is higher. But there are a number of objective reasons for this. In terms of trim levels, Nissan did better by offering more equipment as standard. But this is not a reason to give the palm to Nissan's crossover. For all the advantages and disadvantages, the Mazda CX-5 is the winner in this comparison. Although Nissan Qashqai lost, it is a decent and very good car, showing enviable sales figures all over the world, including the Russian market.