Nissan Qashqai+2 2021 review

Model review

Nissan more-or-less created the crossover segment today we know today with its Sunderland-built Qashqai. Introduced at the end of 2006, it appealed to those wanting something that looks like a 4x4, but with little need for any extra off-roading ability. The segment has continued to grow since, and it’s now one of the biggest in the UK.

To expand the success of the regular five-seat Qashqai, though, Nissan decided to introduce a slightly larger seven-seater model – simply called the ‘+2’. Measuring 21cm longer than the standard car and 4cm wider, it introduced two extra seats in the boot, with Nissan saying at the time it was aimed for those ‘looking for a car which has the space, convenience and utility of a traditional MPV, but who want a more attractive, sophisticated design’. It hit that brief rather well, too. 

Like the standard crossover, it was produced in Sunderland, while to accommodate the slight changes in size, it’s actually different to the regular model from the A-pillar backwards – including with its restyled doors, larger side windows at the rear, a new grille at the front. All +2 models also come with a full-length panoramic glass roof with an electric sunblind.

Latest model

Just a couple of years after its introduction, the Qashqai+2 was updated in-line with its regular sibling. Changes included a new bonnet, front bumper, wings and headlights, while new colours Magnetic Red and Mineral Grey were introduced. 

Other edits included additional insulation providing better refinement, along with retuned suspension for a more comfortable ride. 

Despite the +2 proving quite popular with buyers, Nissan discontinued it at the same time as the second-generation Qashqai. With the Japanese firm’s X-Trail evolving from being a 4x4 into more of a crossover – and with a seven-seat option – this essentially replaced the +2. 

Value for money

Nissan’s Qashqai has always represented great value for money, and even when new the +2 was the same, with a £17,595 starting price at the time, which represented around a £1,400 increase in the regular model. 

Today, though, the only option is a used example, with the cheapest available from £2,500, though this will buy a high-mileage version. You’ll need to spend around £4,500 before you can get something with less than 80,000 miles on the clock. Meanwhile the tidiest examples can still be worth more than £10,000. The ‘+2’ models do command slightly higher prices than the regular Qashqai, too.

Looks and image

Despite being a seven-seater, the Qashqai+2 actually is one of the better-looking cars in this market, with the same appealing design as the regular car, and despite its stretched shape, it largely hides its size well. With alloy wheels versions fitted across the range, it’s certainly not a bad-looking model. We reckon the 2010 updates are the most eye-catching, though, with their more modern look. 

Though the Qashqai+2’s interior might now look a bit dated by modern standards – especially the dials and steering wheel – it’s certainly not a bad cabin, particularly on the higher-spec cars that get more luxuries. With all versions coming with a panoramic glass roof (typically an expensive feature), it helps to give the inside a more premium feel. 

It’s also pleasant to drive, too, feeling just as good behind the wheel as the regular crossover. It’s no hot hatchback, but handles well for a model of this bulk, while a comfortable ride and limited road noise make it very respectable in this area. Rear visibility could be better, though, so it’s worth finding a high-spec car that features a reversing camera if you struggle with parking. 

Space and practicality

Space is really the key draw to the ‘+2’ over the standard Qashqai, and it’s certainly a roomier and far more versatile choice than its five-seat rivals. That said, the third row of seats are actually quite cramped, and only really suitable for children – something Nissan was even happy to admit at the model’s launch.

The boot also isn’t really that much bigger, measuring 450 litres with five seats in position, which is only actually 40 more than the standard car. 

Engines

Nissan offered a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines on the +2, with four-wheel-drive also available on selected models. 

Starting the range is a 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol, which comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, and it’s followed by a 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol option. This comes with front-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, though by choosing a CVT automatic transmission you also get four-wheel-drive. 

Moving to diesel, a turbocharged 108bhp 1.5-litre unit kicks off the line-up – using a six-speed manual gearbox – with a 148bhp 2.0-litre option being the quickest model in the range, thanks to a sub-10 second 0-60mph time. A manual two-wheel-drive version is the standard setup, though you can have either a manual or six-speed automatic with four-wheel-drive.

Running costs

Where running costs are concerned, the diesel options are the best, with Nissan claiming the 1.5-litre can return up to 53.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The petrol models will be thirsty, though, and specifically the more powerful 2.0-litre option, which will struggle to get more than 30mpg, along with CO2 emissions as high as 194g/km. 

Things to look out for

The first-generation Nissan Qashqai has a decent reliability reputation, though there are various things to be aware of when buying. 

For starters, many of these +2 models will have been bought as a family car, so look out for any excessive wear and tear, and that no trim is loose or missing. Diesel models also use a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that is used to try and clean the exhaust. However, if models have only done shorter trips, this can become clogged and blocked. If you predominantly drive shorter trips, it could be worth choosing a petrol model to avoid any problems further down the line. 

Rivals

When it comes to seven-seat crossover rivals, the number of rivals is actually quite slim – the best bets are probably a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, which are both noticeably larger in terms of size. If you just want seven seats, consider a more conventional MPV, including the Renault Grand Scenic and Volkswagen Touran.

Depreciation

With the Qashqai+2 not being on sale since 2013, depreciation is less of a worry now given most models will only lose money gradually these days. That said, the bonus of seven seats with this car means it’s likely to always be more in-demand than a regular Qashqai.