Nissan Qashqai J11: complete guide to body colors (2014–2021)

Nissan Qashqai J11 is one of the most popular crossovers in Russia, and its appearance is largely determined by the color of the body. From the classic black pearls to bright orange metallic - palette J11 offers more than 15 official shades, each with its own characteristics in care, perception and even impact on resale value.

The choice of color is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of practicality. For example, white "Blanc" (code QAB) retains up to 30% more heat in the cabin in summer compared to dark colors, and metallic shades like «Bronze Graphite» (KH3) require special polishes to maintain shine. In this guide we will look at all the official colors Qashqai J11, their codes, pros and cons, and also give advice on selection and care.

Official color palette of Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2021)

During production (from 2014 to 2021) Nissan Qashqai J11 was proposed in 17 basic colors, including 5 metallics, 3 pearlescent and 9 regular (non-metallic) shades. Some colors e.g. «Energy Orange» (E16), were available only in top trim levels or in limited quantities.

All colors are divided into three categories according to the type of coating:

• 🔘 Solid (non-metallic) - matte colors without glitter (for example, Blanc QAB or Black R99). Cheaper to repair, but less resistant to fading.
• 🌟 Metallic - with the addition of aluminum powder for the effect of “sparks” (for example, Grey KH3 or Blue B18). Requires 3-layer application when painting.
• 💎 Mother of pearl - multi-layered colors with a shimmering effect (for example, Pearl White KV6 or Dark Metal Grey KAD). The most expensive to repair.

Below is a complete table with color codes, years of availability and type of coating:

Color name	Code	Type	Years of Availability	Notes
Blanc (White)	QAB	Solid	2014–2021	Basic color, cheapest to repair
Black	R99	Solid	2014–2021	Gets very hot in the sun, scratches are visible
Gray (Metallic Gray)	KH3	Metallic	2014–2021	Popular in corporate fleets
Energy Orange	E16	Solid	2017–2021	Limited edition, fades quickly
Pearl White	KV6	Mother of pearl	2015–2021	Expensive to repair, but hides minor defects

⚠️ Attention: Colors «Energy Orange» (E16) And «Vivid Blue» (B18) officially discontinued in 2019. If you are offered Qashqai J11 these shades released later than 2020 - check the VIN for original paint.

What color is the most practical Nissan Qashqai J11?

The practicality of color depends on three factors: burnout resistance, visibility of dirt And repair cost. According to the experience of owners and body repair experts, the best options for Russian conditions are:

1. Metallic gray (KH3) - the optimal balance between style and care. Dirt is less visible than on black, and scratches are less noticeable than on white.
2. Dark blue (B13) — masks dust well, but requires frequent washing in winter (salt on the roads spoils the varnish).
3. White mother of pearl (KV6) — does not heat up in the sun, but is expensive to repair (3-layer application required).

Worst options in terms of practicality:

• 🚫 Black (R99) — every scratch and speck of dust is visible, in the summer the interior heats up to +60°C.
• 🚫 Orange (E16) — fades quickly, making it difficult to choose paint for local repairs.
• 🚫 Metallic green (GH2) — a rare color, parts for repairs have to be ordered from Europe.

If you frequently drive on dirt roads, avoid light metallics (For example, Silver K23) - every grain of sand is visible on them. Better suited for the city dark gray (KAD) or graphite (KH3).

Rare and limited Qashqai J11 colors

Some shades Nissan Qashqai J11 were produced in limited quantities or only for certain markets. For example, «Energy Orange» (E16) was only available in 2017–2019 for the European market, and «Vivid Blue» (B18) - exclusive to Japan and UK.

List of rare flowers:

• 🟠 Energy Orange (E16) - bright orange, quickly fades to a pinkish tint.
• 🔵 Vivid Blue (B18) — deep blue metallic, similar to color Nissan GT-R.
• 🟢 Forest Green (GH2) — dark green metallic, rarely found in Russia.
• ⚪ Pearl White (KV6) - pearlescent white, expensive to repair, but very stylish.

If you get caught Qashqai J11 in one of these colors, please note:

⚠️ Attention: Paint for rare shades (for example, E16 or B18) costs 2–3 times more than standard. In the event of an accident or scratches, you will have to wait for paint to be delivered from abroad or agree to selection from a catalog, which may give an inaccurate shade.

How to check the originality of a color?

To make sure that the body color is not overpainted, inspect:

1. The inner surfaces of the doors and hood - there should be the same shade.

2. A color code sticker on the driver's door pillar (for example, KH3 for metallic gray).

3. Paintwork under the headlights - these areas are often overlooked when repainting.

The influence of color on the cost of a car

Color Nissan Qashqai J11 can affect its resale market value by 5–15%. According to Avito And Auto.ru for 2023, the most “liquid” colors:

1. Metallic gray (KH3) — +8% to the price compared to the market average.
2. White (QAB/KV6) — +5%, especially in demand in taxis.
3. Blue (B13) — +3%, popular among female drivers.

Colors that are harder to sell (and 5-10% cheaper):

• 🖤 Black (R99) - quickly loses its presentable appearance.
• 🟠 Orange (E16) — not everyone likes it, it’s difficult to choose accessories.
• 🟢 Green (GH2) - rare, but not in demand.

When buying used Qashqai J11 Please note that:

• 🔹 Cars white (QAB) And gray (KH3) colors sell 10-15% faster.
• 🔹 Black (R99) And orange (E16) often reduced in price during urgent sale.
• 🔹 Mother of pearl colors (eg KV6) can add 20–30 thousand rubles. to the cost, but only if the paintwork is in perfect condition.

How to care for different colors of Qashqai J11?

Each color requires its own approach to care. For example, dark colors (black, blue, green) attract dust more strongly and require more frequent washing, and metallics need special polishes to maintain shine.

General care rules:

• 🧼 Wash your car at least once every 2 weeks (in winter - weekly to wash off the salt).
• 🧴 Use shampoo with pH 5-7 (for example, Karcher or Sonax).
• 🛡️ Apply wax or ceramic coating 2 times a year (spring and autumn).

Features of care by color:

Color	Problems	Recommendations
Black (R99)	Visible scratches, fades quickly	Polishing once every 3 months, non-contact washing
White (QAB)	Turns yellow from the sun, road dirt is visible	Use a whitening shampoo (eg. Poorboys White Diamond)
Metallic gray (KH3)	Glitter fades over time	Polish with abrasive no more than once a year
Orange (E16)	Burns to pink, difficult to choose paint	Park in the shade, use UV protection

For mother-of-pearl flowers (eg KV6) You cannot use abrasive polishes - they destroy the layers of mother-of-pearl. Instead use clay bar for cleaning and synthetic wax for protection.

Which Qashqai J11 color should you choose in 2026?

The choice of color depends on your priorities:

If practicality is important:

• 🔹 Metallic gray (KH3) - universal, hides dirt, easy to sell.
• 🔹 White (QAB) — does not heat up, cheap to repair.

If you want style and individuality:

• 🔥 Energy Orange (E16) - bright, but requires careful care.
• 💙 Vivid Blue (B18) - rare, but difficult to find spare parts.

If you plan to sell in 2-3 years:

• 💰 Gray (KH3) or white (QAB) - the most liquid.

Before buying, be sure to look at the car in daylight - some colors (for example, Dark Metal Grey KAD) look different in artificial and natural light.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Qashqai J11 colors

Is it possible to repaint the Qashqai J11 in a different color?

Yes, but this will require changes to the PTS. The cost of high-quality repainting is from 80 to 150 thousand rubles. (depending on color). The most difficult ones to repaint are: mother-of-pearl shades (eg KV6), as they require 3–4 layers.

What color is the rarest Qashqai J11?

Energy Orange (E16) And Vivid Blue (B18) — they were produced in limited quantities. Also rare Forest Green (GH2), as it was only available in some European countries.

Which color hides scratches better?

Metallic gray (KH3) And dark blue (B13) better mask minor defects. Worst option - black (R99) And white (QAB), every scratch is visible on them.

Is it possible to order original paint for Qashqai J11?

Yes, by color code (for example, KH3 for metallic gray). Original paint Nissan costs from 3 to 8 thousand rubles. per 1 liter (depending on type). For rare flowers (for example, E16) may require a 2-4 week wait.

What color is the Qashqai J11 most popular in Russia?

According to Autostat, in Russia most Qashqai J11 in colors:

1. Metallic gray (KH3) - 35% of sales.
2. White (QAB) — 25%.
3. Black (R99) — 15%.

Orange (E16) and green (GH2) occupy less than 1% of the market.