Nissan Qashqai to go hybrid-only

NISSAN has announced that its small segment Qashqai SUV will go all hybrid from 2026.

The change will come as the Qashqai range adopts Nissan’s latest e-Power petrol-electric hybrid technology, offering a more efficient electrified powertrain experience – and an electric-like driving experience without the need to plug in.

While Nissan Australia is yet to confirm pricing or model offerings for the updated Qashqai range, it says the all e-Power range will help it lower fleet CO2 emissions while at the same time offering Australian customers more of what they want.

“Australian drivers have spoken clearly through their purchasing decisions, particularly in higher-grade models – demonstrating clear preference for the smooth, efficient, and refined EV-like driving experience that e-Power delivers,” said Nissan Australia deputy director of product and retail campaigns Warwick Daly.

Currently offered only on higher grade Qashqai variants, Nissan’s innovative e-Power technology will be upgraded for 2026, offering what the importer says are real-world fuel economy improvements of up to 16 per cent, a 14 per cent reduction in highway cycle fuel consumption and a 12 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions (to 102 grams per kilometre).

Depending on the variant, the Qashqai e-Power is expected to offer a driving range of up to 1200km from a single tank.

In addition to those benefits, the powertrain is also said to be quieter (-5.6dB) and more powerful (+10kW) than the current offering, all while continuing to offer the “smoothness and instant response typically associated with electric driving”.

Currently available from $47,165 plus on-road costs, the Qashqai e-Power range is over $12,000 dearer than its petrol-powered counterpart.

The current Qashqai e-Power is powered by the combination of a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, inverter, 1.8kWh battery, and an electric motor to offer a system output of 140kW/330Nm.

Operating on 91RON regular unleaded petrol, the front-wheel drive Qashqai e-Power consumes a claimed 4.8 litres per 100km while emitting 112 grams per kilometre of CO2.

Nissan offers the Qashqai range with a 10-year/300,000km warranty including roadside assistance and flat price servicing bundle. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) and priced at $399 per visit.

The 2026 Nissan Qashqai e-Power range will be introduced in the first half of the new year with further details relating to the line-up’s specification, equipment, and pricing to be advised closer to launch.