- Nissan New Zealand has announced local pricing for the 2026 Qashqai SUV.
- The Qashqai will feature an all-hybrid line up and start from $53,990.
- The 2026 Qashqai will be a Nissan dealerships from April this year.
Nissan New Zealand has confirmed the pricing and technical specifications for the upcoming 2026 Qashqai, which is scheduled to arrive in the local market in April this year. The updated crossover will be offered exclusively with the brand’s e-Power hybrid powertrain across all available grades, representing a shift toward electrification for the range.
Integrated Powertrain and Efficiency Gains
The 2026 Qashqai features a "5-in-1" powertrain architecture that integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser, and reducer into a single compact unit. Key components of this system are manufactured at the Nissan Casting Australia Plant in Victoria.
Unlike traditional hybrids - and more inline with the current crop of "super hybrid" PHEVs - the wheels are powered entirely by the electric motor, while a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acts as an on-demand generator to provide electricity.
Nissan says the petrol engine uses proprietary combustion technology to achieve 42 percent thermal efficiency, allowing the Qashqai to return a combined average fuel economy of 4.1L/100km under WLTP testing. This represents a 23 percent improvement compared to the old model, while carbon dioxide emissions have also been reduced by 26 percent, dropping from 124g/km to 92.7g/km. Additionally, the Qashqai's Sport Mode can now access a 10kW boost for increased responsiveness.
Exterior and Interior Design Updates
The exterior of the Qashqaihas undergone several visual changes, most noticeably a redesigned front grille featuring high-gloss, three-dimensional elements that are mirrored in the daytime running lights. At the rear, the lighting system now uses "super red" individual elements within clear lenses to improve "visual precision".
Inside the cabin, Nissan has introduced new materials, with upper-spec models featuring synthetic suede on the dashboard, door inserts, armrests, and knee pads. Starting from the Ti grade, ambient lighting with various colour options is standard. A new N-Design grade will be available as a launch limited edition, distinguished by body-coloured wheel arches and lower body trim, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels.
Driver Assistance and Technology Features
Technology updates include an upgraded 12.3-inch central touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range, while a major new addition is the Enhanced Digital Around View Monitor, which is standard on all grades. This system includes a 3D 8-Point View for rotating the virtual vehicle, a "Skeleton Hood" View to see obstacles at the wheel level, and a T-Junction View for better visibility at intersections with blocked sightlines.
The Ti grade and higher models are equipped with Nissan's ProPilot+ driver assistance suite that includes lane-keeping functionality and the ability to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. Other standard equipment across the range includes wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control, and the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite.
New Zealand Pricing and Grade Availability
Nissan has introduced the ST-L as the new entry point that is set to retail for $53,990, while the mid-spec Ti e-Power will cost $56,990. Both the Ti-L and N-Design will land at $62,990, and Nissan says the new Qashqai will be available at dealerships starting in April 2026.
