The 2021 Nissan Qashqai vs 2021 Kia Sportage

Posted on June 17, 2021

Small crossovers are popular for both individuals and families that like the higher driving position and increased capacity compared to a sedan. With so many vehicles available in the class, it is hard to determine which models offer the best features and value.

The 2021 Nissan Qashqai and 2021 Kia Sportage are small crossovers available for drivers in Calgary and across Canada that offer stylish design, high-tech features, and more.

Price and Value

The 2021 Nissan Qashqai is offered in seven model configurations in Calgary and across Canada. Starting at $21,998, the base Qashqai will offer front-wheel drive (FWD) and a manual transmission to drivers, as well as a 9.0-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, remote smart, and Nissan's Full Safety Shield 360 driver-assist technologies. An automatic transmission raises the price to $24,498, and all-wheel drive (AWD) increases it to $25,998.

Starting at $25,795, the 2021 Kia Sportage is offered in six model varieties to meet the needs of drivers. The base model comes in FWD; AWD will cost buyers $27,795. Standard features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and dual-level cargo floor.

The 2021 Nissan Qashqai offers the best value to drivers in Calgary with its pricing and included standard features, including Nissan's driver-assist technologies. On the Sportage, those are only available for an additional cost or at a higher-priced trim level.

Design

The 2021 Nissan Qashqai features crisp lines, slim LED headlights, and the option of having a contrasting roof colour and body colour. Its unique design continues through the interior with a large 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is the focus of the sleek dashboard.

While the exterior footprint is compact enough to slip in and out of traffic, the interior of the Qashqai is surprisingly spacious. Flexible seating options provide room for five adults, and 648 litres of cargo space is provided behind the two rows.

On the other hand, the 2021 Kia Sportage is not as unique as the Qashqai with a look comparable to other SUVs in its class. It blends more into the crowd than it stands out. The interior is much of the same, not doing anything to distinguish itself from the competition.

Safety

Nissan includes its Full Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assist technologies on all models of the 2021 Qashqai. Drivers in Calgary will feel safe while driving a Qashqai that features blind spot warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

In contrast, drivers will need to move up several trim levels and pay a higher price in order to get similar safety features on the 2021 Kia Sportage. The EX Premium S model provides similar features but at a price that is over $10,000 more than the Qashqai.

2021 Nissan Qashqai vs 2021 Kia Sportage

Drivers in Calgary will find great value in the 2021 Nissan Qashqai with its list of better standard features, driver-assist technologies, and much lower price when compared with the 2021 Kia Sportage.