THE NISSAN QASHQAI HAS BEEN a mainstay of the small SUV segment since its debut (under the name Dualis) in 2007 and for 2026 arrives in its most efficient and technologically advanced form yet, with Nissan’s innovative ‘hybrid re-invented’ e-POWER system now the sole powertrain across the entire Qashqai range.

Key highlights include:

• All-electrified e-POWER lineup
• Improved fuel economy of 4.1L/100km (vs. MY25 4.8L/100km)
• Improved CO₂ emissions reduced from 112g/km to 92g/km (17.8 percent reduction)
• 5.6dB quieter cabin – delivering EV-like refinement
• +10kW boost in Sport Mode for more responsive performance
• New 5-in-1 powertrain with high-pressure cast aluminium componentry manufactured at Nissan Casting Australia Plant in Dandenong (Vic)
• New ST-L e-POWER entry grade broadens appeal from $45,640
• Enhanced Digital Around View Monitor with 3D 8-point views, Skeleton Hood and T-Junction support
• NVES-focussed, supporting CO2 emission reduction objectives of the Federal Government

Nissan’s decision to transition the QASHQAI to an all e-POWER lineup reflects both strong customer demand for the electrified variants and the brand’s commitment to delivering the latest technologies to Australian customers.

“The new QASHQAI delivers the real-world efficiency of e-POWER to Australian consumers in a right-sized package that’s further optimised across multiple fronts,” said Nissan Oceania Managing Director, Andrew Humberstone.

“Qashqai has been elevated to sit as the new class standard once again. Only now, thanks to our new 5-in-1 modular e-POWER system featuring locally produced componentry, it’s more Australian than ever.”

e-POWER: Hybrid Re-Invented

e-POWER is Nissan’s innovative electrified system that delivers an EV-like driving experience without the need to plug in. Unlike traditional hybrids, 100 percent of driving power comes from an electric motor, while a highly efficient petrol engine generates electricity on demand.

The result is instant acceleration response, smooth power delivery and a quiet driving sensation – with no compromise on range or convenience.

The e-POWER advantage:

• 100 percent electric motor drive – wheels are only powered by the electric motor
• No plug-in required – the advanced 1.5L turbocharged engine generates electricity on-demand
• Refuel at any petrol station
• Instant acceleration – no gear changes, no power lag
• Regenerative braking – converts kinetic energy back to electrical energy

New Generation e-POWER: Better Than Ever

The new generation e-POWER system in the MY26 Qashqai represents a significant evolution, with Nissan engineers achieving improvements across efficiency, refinement and performance through the all-new 5-in-1 powertrain architecture.

In this case, the ‘5-in-1’ designation refers to the integration of five powertrain components – the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser and reducer – into a single compact, highly efficient unit.

This innovation reduces weight and complexity while improving energy transfer efficiency between components.

Paired with Nissan’s completely redesigned 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, featuring proprietary Strong Tumble and Appropriately stretched Robust ignition Channel (STARC) combustion technology, the new powertrain achieves an exceptional 42 percent thermal efficiency, allowing the engine to convert more of each unit of fuel into mechanical power and less into wasted heat – improving fuel economy, reducing emissions, and increasing overall power output.

New generation e-POWER improvements include:

• Improved fuel economy: 4.1L/100km combined (improved from 4.8L/100km)
• Improved CO₂ emissions: 92g/km (reduced from 112g/km) – 17.8 percent reduction
• Enhanced refinement: 5.6dB quieter cabin – delivering EV-like quietness
• Boosted performance: +10kW boost available in Sport Mode for more responsive driving

The MY26 Qashqai’s impressive range capability was recently demonstrated when Nissan UK engineers completed the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats journey – a distance of over 1300km – on a single tank of fuel, with range to spare. Down Under that translates to driving from Melbourne to Coffs Harbour without topping up!

Australian Engineering Excellence Powers Global Innovation

A key highlight of the MY26 Qashqai’s new e-POWER system is that its revolutionary 5-in-1 powertrain features critical high-pressure cast aluminium componentry proudly engineered, prototyped and manufactured in Australia.

Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) in Dandenong South serves as the global sole supplier for these powertrain componentry, demonstrating Australia’s integral role in Nissan’s electrification strategy.

This local manufacturing capability not only supports Australian jobs and expertise but ensures that every new MY26 Qashqai e-POWER globally is powered by Australian-made technology carrying the iconic kangaroo symbol.

“Nissan has a proud history in Australia and a long-standing place in this nation’s motoring landscape. For decades, we’ve delivered trusted, high-quality vehicles such as Navara, X‑Trail and Patrol; supported world-class local conversion programs through Premcar; and continued to invest in our extensive dealer network nationwide,” said Managing Director for Nissan Australia, Andrew Humberstone.

“Importantly, Australia also plays a unique role in Nissan’s global development – feeding local technical insights and engineering expertise back into our worldwide product programs to help shape vehicles for customers everywhere.”

MY26 Qashqai Grade Lineup Pricing:

A key development for MY26 is the introduction of the new ST-L e-POWER as the entry grade. The new entry-grade model broadens Qashqai’s appeal by making the acclaimed e-POWER technology accessible to an even wider customer base.

• ST-L e-POWER: $45,640 (new entry grade)
• Ti e-POWER: $49,640
• Ti-L e-POWER: $53,640
• N-Design e-POWER: $54,140

All plus on road costs

Enhanced Technology Features

Beyond the powertrain improvements, the MY26 Qashqai introduces enhanced technology features designed to make parking and manoeuvring even easier.

Enhanced Digital Around View Monitor (standard across all grades):

• 3D 8-Point Around View: Virtually rotate the vehicle and select from eight different camera angles for improved parking and manoeuvring
• Skeleton Hood View: Provides visibility of obstacles at wheel and ground level, ideal for navigating narrow spaces where precise positioning is essential
• T-Junction View: Wide-angle forward view that increases visibility at intersections with poor sightlines or blocked visibility

The MY26 Qashqai Ti grade and above also receive enhanced ProPILOT+ driver assistance with the ability to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, updated lane keeping assist functionality, and improved display graphics.

Standard Equipment Highlights

The MY26 Qashqai retains the comprehensive standard specification that has made it a favourite with Australian buyers:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Digital Around View Monitor (3D 8pt fixed) with Skeleton hood and T-Junction views
• Wireless smartphone charging
• NissanConnect Services
• Comprehensive Nissan Intelligent Mobility Safety suite
• Intelligent Key with Walk Away Lock and Approach Unlock
• Dual-zone climate control

Supporting Australia’s Electrification Goals

The transition to an all e-POWER Qashqai lineup ensures Australian customers have maximum access to Nissan’s latest electrified technologies, while supporting the objectives of the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

The MY26 Qashqai’s improved emissions profile of 92g/km CO₂ delivers NVES-focussed outcomes, demonstrating Nissan’s commitment to providing lower CO2 emitting, more efficient vehicles for Australian roads.

Availability

The MY26 Nissan Qashqai will be available through Nissan’s national dealer network from March 2026.

All Qashqai variants are backed by Nissan’s 10-year/300,000km warranty when serviced at a Nissan dealership.

About e-POWER Technology

e-POWER is hybrid re-invented and Nissan’s unique approach to electrified driving, delivering an electric motor-powered drive experience without plug-in requirements. The system combines a high-efficiency petrol engine that generates electricity, an electric motor that drives the wheels, and intelligent energy management for optimal performance and efficiency. Since its introduction, e-POWER has proven popular with Australian drivers seeking the benefits of electric driving without changing their driving habits or daily routines.