The 2016 model year Nissan Qashqai marked a turning point in the history of crossovers in the C-SUV segment. This is the second generation of the car, which received the J11 index, but with serious restyling that affected the design and technical content. It was during this period that the model finally cemented its reputation as one of the most balanced cars for city use and country trips.
When choosing a used one, it is important to understand what modifications were offered on the market. In 2016, buyers had access to various powertrain options, from economical diesel engines to powerful gasoline turbo engines. Understanding the nuances technical characteristics will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing and choose the option that is ideal for your needs.
In this material we will analyze in detail all aspects of operation, from body dimensions to transmission features. You will learn what to look for during inspection, what problems are typical for specific engines, and how to properly operate this car in Russian conditions.
Exterior and body dimensions
Updated appearance Nissan Qashqai 2016 has become more aggressive and modern. The designers redesigned the front optics, making them more elongated and “predatory”, and also changed the shape of the radiator grille, which is now visually combined with the bumper. The body lines have become smoother, which improves aerodynamics and reduces noise levels in the cabin at high speeds.
The overall dimensions of the car remained virtually unchanged compared to the pre-restyling version, but due to new bumpers and optical technology, the car looks larger. The length of the body is 4377 mm, the width is 1806 mm, and the height varies depending on the type of rims and suspension, but usually does not exceed 1590 mm. The wheelbase has increased to 2646 mm, which directly affects the space in the second row of seats.
The luggage compartment volume is one of the key arguments in favor of this model. With the second row seats folded, it reaches an impressive 1,585 liters, allowing you to transport large loads, including bicycles or furniture. In the standard position, the volume is 430 liters, which is enough for everyday shopping or luggage for a short trip.
Power units and acceleration dynamics
The range of engines for the Russian market in 2016 was represented by three main options. The 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated (115 hp) turbocharged gasoline engine was the most economical solution, but its dynamics left much to be desired when fully loaded. The more powerful 1.6-liter unit (115 hp) was reliable but slow, especially when paired with a manual transmission.
The flagship of the line was the HR16DE 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a power of 115 or 130 hp, depending on the settings and the market. However, the diesel engine has become the most popular Renault dCi volume 1.5 liters. It offered excellent low-end thrust and low fuel consumption, making it an ideal choice for long trails.
It is important to note that acceleration performance to 100 km/h is highly dependent on the type of drive and transmission. Front-wheel drive versions with a CVT accelerate faster than their all-wheel drive counterparts due to their lighter weight and lack of transfer case inertia. The top speed of the top versions reaches 188 km/h, which is an excellent indicator for a crossover of this class.
Transmission and all-wheel drive system
In 2016, Nissan offered buyers a choice of two types of transmissions: a 6-speed manual and an Xtronic CVT. The CVT is the most popular choice due to its smoothness and ability to adapt to driving style. However, it requires regular oil changes and careful handling under extreme loads such as towing or off-road driving.
The All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system ensures automatic torque distribution between the axles. In normal mode, the car operates as a front-wheel drive, which saves fuel. When the front wheels slip, up to 50% of the traction is redistributed to the rear axle. For difficult conditions there is a Lock mode, which locks the clutch and transmits 50/50, but only at speeds up to 30 km/h.
The manual transmission is available only for front-wheel drive versions and is equipped with short gears, which improves dynamics in the city, but increases the load on the engine on the highway. The CVT also has an imitation of fixed gears for a more familiar driving experience, which is especially important for drivers switching from classic automatic transmissions.
- Front
- Full
- Rear (not available)
- Doesn't matter
Suspension and handling
The suspension design of the 2016 Nissan Qashqai is time-tested and adapted to Russian roads. An independent MacPherson strut is used at the front, and a multi-link design at the rear. This combination provides an excellent balance between comfort and handling. The shock absorbers are tuned softly, which allows you to effectively absorb uneven asphalt and dirt roads.
The steering is equipped with an electric booster, which changes force depending on the speed. At low speeds, the steering wheel is light, which makes parking easier, and at high speeds it becomes more informative and rigid, ensuring stability on the highway. The kinematics of the suspension allows the car to confidently corner without significant body roll.
However, it is worth considering that when driving through deep snow or mud, a ground clearance of 200 mm may not be sufficient. Owners are often faced with the need to install protective elements for the crankcase and fuel tank to avoid damage when driving over rough terrain.
☑️ Checking the chassis
Interior configurations and equipment
The interior of the 2016 Nissan Qashqai is designed in a simple but functional style. The finishing materials are of high quality, especially in rich trim levels where soft plastic and genuine leather are used. Ergonomics are excellent: all controls are at the driver’s fingertips, and the multimedia system is intuitive even without studying the instructions.
Depending on the configuration (Comfort, Tekna, N-Connecta), the interior can be equipped with climate control, heated front and rear seats, as well as an electric driver’s seat. The Nissan Connect multimedia system offers navigation, Bluetooth support and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (with later updates).
Security is also at a high level. Airbags, ABS, ESP and tire pressure monitoring systems are standard. Top versions are available with all-round cameras, parking sensors and a blind spot monitoring system, which makes maneuvering in dense city traffic much easier.
Features of the multimedia system
The 2016 Nissan Connect system may have navigation problems if you don't update your maps. It is also worth checking the operation of your Bluetooth headset, as sometimes there is interference when making calls outside with a poor connection.
Fuel consumption and operating costs
One of the main advantages of the model is low fuel consumption, especially for diesel versions. In the urban cycle, the 1.5 dCi diesel consumes about 5.5–6.5 liters, and in suburban mode this figure drops to 4.5 liters. Gasoline engines, of course, are more voracious: a 1.2 turbo consumes about 7–8 liters, and a 1.6 naturally aspirated one consumes up to 9–10 liters in the city.
Engine oil consumption may be increased on engines with high mileage, especially if low-quality fuel was used. It is recommended to use only original oils or proven analogues with approval API SN or ACEA C3 for diesel engines. The oil change in the variator should be done every 60,000 km, even if the manufacturer claims “lifetime” filling.
Maintenance costs remain moderate due to the widespread availability of spare parts and the simplicity of the design. However, suspension components such as control arms and shock absorbers require replacement at around 100,000 km, which should be taken into account when planning your maintenance budget.
To reduce fuel consumption in winter, use the winter engine operating mode (if available) and warm up the car for no more than 3-5 minutes before driving to avoid excessive fuel consumption at idle.
Typical problems and malfunctions
Despite its overall reliability, the 2016 Nissan Qashqai does have a few weak points. The Xtronic CVT may suffer from overheating during long off-road driving or in traffic jams. There is also wear on the hub bearings, which manifests itself in a characteristic hum at speed. Diesel engines require high-quality fuel, otherwise injectors and particulate filters quickly fail.
Body corrosion is another point worth paying attention to. Although galvanizing is used everywhere, chipped paint on the hood and fenders can lead to rust, especially in the bumper areas and wheel arches. Regular washing of the bottom in winter is mandatory to prevent rotting.
In the electrical part, sometimes there are problems with parking sensors and rear view cameras. The multimedia system screen may freeze, requiring a reboot by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. This is not critical, but can annoy the driver.
Regular diagnostics of the variator and the use of high-quality fuel for diesel engines is the key to the long service life of the 2016 Nissan Qashqai without serious breakdowns.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used car, be sure to check the service history of the variator. The lack of records of oil changes in the gearbox can be a reason for bargaining or refusal to purchase, since repairing the unit is very expensive.
⚠️ Attention: Do not ignore the sounds of the suspension. A characteristic knocking sound when driving over speed bumps often indicates wear on the stabilizer bushings, which should be replaced immediately to avoid more serious damage to the arms.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that Nissan Qashqai 2016 remains one of the most attractive offers on the secondary crossover market. Its combination of comfort, reliability and economy makes it an excellent choice for families. The main thing is to carefully check the technical condition before purchasing and choose the version that suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which engine is more reliable: gasoline or diesel?
Both types of engines are reliable when properly maintained. The diesel 1.5 dCi is more economical and high-torque, but is demanding on fuel quality. Gasoline engines are easier to repair and less sensitive to gasoline, but consume more fuel.
Is it possible to drive the Nissan Qashqai 2016 in winter in Siberia?
Yes, the car is adapted to low temperatures. However, for severe winters, it is recommended to have a pre-heater and use winter tires with a high load index. All-wheel drive versions behave more confidently on ice.
What is the actual mileage of the variator without repair?
With regular oil changes (every 60,000 km) and a gentle driving style, the Xtronic CVT can travel more than 200,000 km without major intervention. Aggressive driving and overheating reduce this resource by half.
Is there an off-road 4WD version for 2016?
All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive is designed for light off-road and snow, but not for serious off-road. The car has no downshift and ground clearance is limited. For deep snow or mud, preparation will be required.