2026 Nissan Qashqai goes e-Power only with a sharp price rise

Nissan Australia has confirmed pricing and initial details for the upgraded 2026 Nissan Qashqai, which will be offered exclusively with the brand’s latest e-Power series hybrid powertrain when it reaches local showrooms in March.

The move to an all-hybrid lineup has resulted in a substantial jump in entry pricing, with the new MY26 Qashqai range starting from $45,640 plus on-road costs, more than $10,000 higher than before, following the axing of petrol-only variants and the entry-level ST grade.

2026 Nissan Qashqai price and model range

The 2026 Qashqai range now opens with a new ST-L e-Power variant, priced from $45,640, which is $6975 more expensive than the outgoing MY25 ST-L petrol model.

Further up the range, Ti and Ti-L e-Power variants have received smaller increases of between $1300 and $2500, while the flagship N-Design e-Power is actually around $200 cheaper than its predecessor.

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2026 Qashqai powertrain and fuel economy

Headlining the MY26 update for the Qashqai compact SUV is the range-wide adoption of the upgraded e-Power drivetrain, which Nissan says reduces combined fuel consumption from 4.8 to 4.1L/100km and cuts CO₂ emissions by almost 18 per cent, to 92g/km.

The latest ‘5-in-1’ modular e-Power system integrates multiple components into a single unit, with high-pressure cast-aluminium parts manufactured at Nissan’s Australian casting plant in Dandenong, Victoria.

Nissan also claims the revised setup delivers a more refined driving experience, with the cabin measuring 5.6dB quieter than before, alongside a power increase of more than 10kW when Sport mode is engaged.

2026 Qashqai technology and safety upgrades

Alongside the powertrain changes, the MY26 Nissan Qashqai gains an enhanced Digital Around View Monitor as standard across the range, featuring new 3D views, a ‘Skeleton Hood’ function, and added T-junction support.

Driver assistance technology has also been updated, with Nissan’s ProPILOT+ system now able to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes to improve lane-keeping assistance, as well as refreshed display graphics. The enhanced ProPILOT+ features are standard from the Ti grade upwards.

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Standard features across the range

While a full specification breakdown is yet to be released, Nissan has confirmed a broad list of standard equipment across the range for the 2026 Qashqai, including:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless smartphone charging
• NissanConnect Services
• Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite
• Intelligent Key with approach unlock and walk-away lock
• Dual-zone climate control

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Warranty and servicing

The 2026 Nissan Qashqai continues to be backed by Nissan’s 10-year/300,000km conditional warranty, provided servicing is carried out within the brand’s dealer network. Buyers also receive up to 10 years of roadside assistance under the same conditions, plus a 5-year flat-price servicing program, with the first five services priced at $399 each for the MY25 range, including existing e-Power variants.

With improved efficiency, added technology, and a hybrid-only focus, the MY26 Qashqai marks a significant shift for Nissan’s popular small SUV, though one that comes with a notable price increase.

Why is the new Qashqai hybrid-only?

Nissan says the decision to fully electrify the Qashqai range in Australia is a direct response to the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which, from January 1, reduced the CO₂ target for Type 1 passenger vehicles from 141g/km to 116g/km. 

Despite the rising demand for electrified small SUVs in Australia over 2025, the demand for the Nissan Qashqai dropped notably with less than 4,500 units sold. The pricier hybrid-only update for 2026 is unlikely to change the model’s fortunes in light of increasing competition from value-packed Chinese rivals.