Hybrid-only 2026 Nissan QASHQAI priced

The 2026 Nissan QASHQAI is just months away from landing in Australia, with affordable petrol offerings given the boot in favour of Nissan’s e-POWER system. Hybrid will now power the entire small SUV line-up, with a new ST-L e-POWER to kick off proceedings from $45,640 (plus on-road costs), increasing entry into the updated QASHQAI range by $11,000.

The QASHQAI range has been whittled down from seven to four variants, now comprising ST-L, Ti, Ti-L and N-Power grades, with the Toyota Corolla Cross and Kia Seltos rival now exclusively powered by an updated version of Nissan’s hybrid e-POWER powertrain.

The new five-in-one e-POWER unit integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser and reducer to cut weight and improve energy transfer, promising improved emissions.

Paired with Nissan’s redesigned 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, the system targets EV-like smoothness without plug-in charging and contributes to New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) aligned emissions outcomes.

Meanwhile, key components – namely, high-pressure cast aluminium components for the e-POWER system – are produced at Nissan Casting Australia Plant in Dandenong (Victoria).

The new QASHQAI is claimed to use 4.1-litre/100km on the combined cycle, down from 4.8-litre/100km, while CO2 emissions are said to have dropped by nearly 18 per cent.

Enhanced tech includes a digital 360-degree view monitor with 3D eight-point views, a see-through bonnet mode and T-Junction support.

Save for the base ST-L e-POWER, all grades will come with Nissan’s enhanced ProPILOT+ driver assistance, which can detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and brings improved display graphics and lane keep assist functionality.

Nissan Oceania managing director Andrew Humberstone said embracing this new tech will give Aussies more day-to-day efficiency.

“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,” Humberstone said.

The Road Ahead

Nissan was one of several legacy car-makers to post underwhelming sales results in 2025, dropping out of the top 10 and sliding to 12th position.

Now, increased pricing and less choice for consumers could make the QASHQAI a tough sell, particularly given its key hybrid-only rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross, is priced from around $10,000 less.

Even still, Nissan executives are confident that although petrol “isn’t dead”, a hybrid-only line-up is the right choice, given increasing hybrid (and plug-in hybrid) demand in Oz.

How much does the 2026 Nissan QASHQAI e-POWER cost?
ST-L e-POWER – $45,640
Ti e-POWER – $49,640
Ti-L e-POWER – $53,640
N-Design e-POWER – $54,140
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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