Nissan Qashqai 2022: what has changed, is it worth buying and what to pay attention to

In 2022 Nissan Qashqai The third generation continued to conquer the European market, offering customers updated design, improved technology and proven reliability. This crossover has become one of the best-selling in its class, combining the comfort of a hatchback and the cross-country ability of an SUV. But what exactly makes it so popular? And what pitfalls are hidden behind flashy advertising?

We analyzed the technical characteristics, studied reviews from owners and compared Qashqai 2022 with main competitors - Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan And Hyundai Tucson. In this review you will find honest answers to questions about fuel consumption, reliability, maintenance costs and the real capabilities of the crossover. And also - exclusive data on typical problems that owners encounter after 30,000 km.

Design and exterior: revolution or evolution?

Third generation Qashqai (codename J12) debuted in 2021, but the 2022 model received a number of cosmetic improvements. Designers Nissan abandoned the rounded shapes of previous versions in favor of more aggressive lines: a sharp hood, narrow headlights with LED optics and a massive radiator grille in the style V-Motion. The crossover has become visually longer (+35 mm) and wider (+32 mm), although the wheelbase remains the same - 2666 mm.

Key exterior changes include:

• 🔥 New LED headlights with adaptive light (optional for top trim levels), improving visibility by 20% compared to halogen
• 🎨 6 new body colors, including exclusive Ceramic Grey (matte gray) and Akazie Orange (metallic)
• 🚗 19- and 20-inch wheels depending on the configuration (basic versions are equipped with 17-inch)
• 🔄 Rear bumper with integrated reflectorsimproving aerodynamics (Cx coefficient reduced to 0.31)

However, not all changes were successful. For example, the plastic trim on the wheel arches in the basic versions looks cheap, and the chrome elements on the side mirrors quickly fade. Owners also note that the front bumper hangs low, which leads to frequent scratches when parking.

Interior: comfort or economy?

Salon Qashqai 2022 has undergone major changes - the manufacturer announced the use of premium materials and improved ergonomics. In practice, the picture is twofold: on the one hand, soft plastic on the dashboard and lighting Ambient Lighting (in versions Tekna+), on the other hand, there are hard plastic panels on the doors and thin seat upholstery in the basic trim levels.

Among the key advantages:

• 🪑 Ergonomic seats with improved lateral support (optional Nissan Zero Gravity)
• 📱 9" touch screen with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto (wireless only in Tekna)
• 🔊 Bose audio system with 10 speakers (optional for top versions)
• 🧊 Dual zone climate control with function Nanoe X (air ionization)

But there are also serious drawbacks. For example, trunk volume has decreased to 504 liters (vs. 585 l for the previous generation) due to the installation of a lithium-ion battery for the system e-Power. And the rear row of seats remained cramped for passengers taller than 180 cm - legroom is only 890 mm.

What is Nissan hiding about interior materials?

In basic configurations Visia And Acenta Cheap plastics are used, which begin to creak after 10,000 km. Owners complain about the rapid abrasion of the steering wheel upholstery and gearshift lever, as well as poor sound insulation of the wheel arches.

Technical characteristics: engines, transmission, suspension

Qashqai 2022 offered with three types of powertrain: petrol turbo engine, diesel and hybrid system e-Power. The latter has become the main feature of the model, but is not without its drawbacks. Let's look at each option in detail.

Engine	Power, hp	Torque, Nm	Consumption (mixed), l/100 km	Transmission
1.3 DIG-T 140 (gasoline)	140	240	6.2	6-speed manual / CVT
1.3 DIG-T 160 (gasoline)	160	260	6.5	variator
1.5 dCi 115 (diesel)	115	260	4.9	6-speed manual
e-Power 1.5 + electric motor (hybrid)	190	330	5.8	variator

System e-Power works according to the “serial hybrid” scheme: gasoline engine 1.5 HR15DE rotates the generator, which powers the electric motor. This reduces fuel consumption, but does not provide movement on electricity alone — unlike classic hybrids like Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. But torque is available from the first revolutions, which improves acceleration dynamics (0–100 km/h in 9.8 sec).

The suspension remains the same - McPherson front and multi-lever rear, but engineers have redesigned the shock absorber settings. Now the crossover holds the road better at high speeds, but on rough roads it becomes excessively stiff. Owners note that after 20,000 km a knock appears in the front suspension - a typical problem for Qashqai with 17-inch wheels.

Options and prices: what is included and what to pay extra for?

In 2022 Nissan Qashqai in Russia it was officially offered in 5 trim levels: Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna And Tekna+. Prices started from 2 399 000 ₽ for the basic version with a manual transmission and reached 3 450 000 ₽ for a top hybrid. However, after leaving Nissan Official deliveries from the Russian market ceased in March 2022, and now the car can only be purchased secondhand or through parallel imports.

Let's look at what is included in each package:

• 🔘 Visia: 16" wheels, fabric upholstery, air conditioning, 5" screen, ESP, 6 airbags
• 🔘 Acenta: +17" wheels, climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay
• 🔘 N-Connecta: +18" wheels, leather steering wheel, 360° camera, ProPilot (lane assist)
• 🔘 Tekna: +19" wheels, leather/Alcantara, heated steering wheel, Bose, wireless charging
• 🔘 Tekna+: +20" wheels, Ambient Lighting, wood paneling, premium audio system

Is it worth overpaying for top versions? If driver assistance systems are important to you (ProPilot, Blind Spot Warning), then yes - they really make life easier in traffic jams. But many options (for example, Ambient Lighting or 20-inch wheels) are purely decorative and do not justify the price difference.

Real fuel consumption and dynamics: honest numbers

The manufacturer declares fuel consumption for Qashqai 2022 within 5.8–6.5 l/100 km in a mixed cycle. But according to the owners, the real figures differ by 15–25%. For example, hybrid version e-Power consumes in the city 7.0–7.5 l, and gasoline 1.3 DIG-T 160 - up to 8.2 l during active driving.

Acceleration dynamics also depend on the type of transmission:

• 🚀 1.3 DIG-T 160 + CVT: 0–100 km/h for 9.5 sec (stated 9.2 sec)
• ⚡ e-Power: 0–100 km/h for 9.8 sec (but pulls better from the bottom)
• 🐢 1.5 dCi 115 + manual transmission: 0–100 km/h for 11.9 sec (slowest option)

It is important to consider that the variator Xtronic does not like sudden starts and towing. If it overheats, it goes into emergency mode, which can lead to expensive repairs (changing the oil costs 12 000–15 000 ₽, and major repairs - from 200 000 ₽).

Reliability and typical problems: what to be afraid of?

Qashqai 2022 built on a platform CMF-C, which is also used Renault Arkana And Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The platform is reliable, but there are a number of “childhood diseases” characteristic of the first batches:

⚠️ Attention! Owners are complaining en masse about variator oil seal leak after 40,000–50,000 km. Symptoms: oil stains under the car and jerking when shifting. Repair costs 25 000–35 000 ₽, but under warranty (if it is still valid) they will replace it free of charge.

Other common problems:

• 🔋 Rapid battery drain in the hybrid version (especially in winter). The cause is often a faulty generator.
• 🎵 Whistle from under the hood when cold - a sign of wear on the alternator belt (replace every 60,000 km).
• 🚪 Door creaks due to poor lubrication of the guides (solved by processing WD-40 or silicone grease).
• 📡 Malfunctions ProPilot in bad weather (the cameras become dirty, the system turns off).

According to the services, the most reliable versions are considered to be those with a manual transmission and a diesel engine. 1.5 dCi. But the hybrids e-Power require more careful attention - especially to the battery cooling system.

Comparison with competitors: who is better?

Main rivals Qashqai 2022 — Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan And Hyundai Tucson. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter	Nissan Qashqai	Toyota RAV4	VW Tiguan	Hyundai Tucson
Price (base), ₽	2 399 000	2 699 000	2 899 000	2 549 000
Trunk volume, l	504	580	615	551
Consumption (city), l/100 km	7.5 (e-Power)	6.8 (hybrid)	8.2 (1.5 TSI)	7.9 (1.6 T-GDi)
Warranty, years	3 (up to 100,000 km)	3 (unlimited mileage)	3 (100,000 km)	5 (150,000 km)

Qashqai wins in price and design, but loses in reliability (Toyota) and practicality (Tiguan). Hybrid version e-Power more interesting than classic gasoline engines, but inferior RAV4 Hybrid in terms of efficiency. If comfort and guarantee are important to you, it’s better to take a closer look at Hyundai Tucson with its 5-year warranty.

⚠️ Attention! Upon purchase Qashqai 2022 through parallel import, check whether the car is adapted to the Russian climate. Some "gray" versions do not have a heated steering wheel and seats, and may also have problems with operation ProPilot due to software mismatch.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on a Qashqai 2022 with a CVT?

Yes, but with restrictions. Maximum trailer weight - 1,500 kg (for versions with 1.3 DIG-T 160). However, the CVT Xtronic not intended for long-term loads: when towing it is recommended:

• Use mode Manual for fixed gears.
• Every 500 km stop for 30 minutes to cool.
• Check the oil level in the variator after each trip with a trailer.

For regular towing, it is better to choose a version with a manual transmission.

❓ How often do you need to change the oil in the Qashqai 2022 variator?

Official regulations - every 90,000 km, but in practice it is better to reduce the interval to 60,000 km, especially when driving in the city. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KE909-99932). Service replacement cost - 8 000–12 000 ₽.

Signs that it's time to change the oil:

• Jerks during acceleration.
• Rumble or vibration at speeds of 60–80 km/h.
• Burning smell from under the hood.

❓ Which tires are best for Qashqai 2022?

Factory sizes:

• 17": 215/65 R17
• 19": 235/55 R19
• 20": 235/50 R20

For winter we recommend:

• 🏔️ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 (soft, good for snow).
• ❄️ Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 (optimal for the city).
• 🛑 Continental IceContact 3 (best price/quality balance).

Suitable for summer Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 or Pirelli P Zero (for sporty driving style).

❓ How to activate hidden media features?

B Qashqai 2022 There are undocumented options that can be enabled through the engineering menu:

1. Hold down the buttons Menu + Back for 10 seconds.
2. Enter code 3210 (for European versions) or 1234 (for Asian).
3. Go to section Debug Mode → Vehicle Settings.

Here you can:

• Disable automatic screen turning off when moving.
• Activate tire pressure display (if sensors are installed).
• Change the brightness of the instrument lighting.

⚠️ Caution: incorrect settings may cause system failure!

❓ Is it worth buying Qashqai 2022 today?

Depends on your priorities:

• ✅ Worth it, if you need a stylish crossover with good equipment at an adequate price (on the secondary market).
• ✅ Worth it, if you prefer hybrid technology and are willing to put up with a small trunk.
• ❌ Not worth it, if you need a trouble-free car for many years, it’s better to look away Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5.
• ❌ Not worth it, if you plan to drive off-road - ground clearance 188 mm and the lack of all-wheel drive make Qashqai purely urban crossover.

When buying a used one, pay attention to the service history and condition of the variator. Optimal mileage for purchase - up to 50,000 km.