The 2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER has completed a 1300km-plus drive around Tasmania on a single tank, with Nissan showcasing the hybrid SUV’s efficiency in Australian driving conditions. According to Nissan, the hybrid SUV travelled from Geelong to Tasmania aboard the Spirit of Tasmania ferry before tackling a full lap of the island without stopping to refuel.
The route covered some of Tasmania’s best-known driving roads, including Launceston, Freycinet, the Bay of Fires, Hobart, the Huon Valley and the west coast, before returning to Devonport for the trip back to Victoria. By the time the vehicle returned to the ferry terminal, the trip computer displayed 1209.2km travelled with an indicated fuel economy figure of 4.5L/100km. Nissan says the 2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER ultimately travelled 1303km before refuelling.
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2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER price in Australia
| Variant | Price before on-road costs |
| Nissan Qashqai ST-L e-POWER | $45,640 |
| Nissan Qashqai Ti e-POWER | $49,640 |
| Nissan Qashqai Ti-L e-POWER | $53,640 |
| Nissan Qashqai N-Design e-POWER | $54,140 |
Why does Nissan’s Tasmania drive matter for Australians?
The Tasmania challenge is more than just a publicity exercise. It directly targets one of the biggest concerns among Australian buyers: balancing fuel efficiency with long-distance usability.
For many Australians, especially those in regional areas, switching to a fully electric vehicle can still feel impractical due to charging infrastructure limitations and long driving distances. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is positioned as a middle-ground solution.
E-POWER is a series-hybrid system where the electric motor drives the wheels, while the petrol engine generates electricity. That gives the SUV a more EV-like driving experience without requiring external charging. For Australian motorists facing rising fuel costs and congested urban commutes, the updated Nissan Qashqai e-POWER fits the bill.
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2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER fuel economy and range
The updated 2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER now delivers lower fuel consumption and emissions than before.
Claimed efficiency figures
| Specification | Figure |
| Claimed combined fuel consumption | 4.1L/100km |
| Claimed CO2 emissions | 92g/km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55L |
| Tasmania trip fuel economy | 4.5L/100km |
| Total distance travelled | 1303km |
The automaker says the Tasmania drive was completed in real-world conditions, including highways, city driving and steep hill climbs, while travelling at posted speed limits.
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What’s new in the 2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER?
The biggest update for the 2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is its revised hybrid powertrain.
Nissan has introduced a new ‘5-in-1’ powertrain architecture that combines the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser and reducer into a single compact unit. According to the company, this reduces weight and improves energy transfer efficiency.
The SUV also receives a redesigned 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine featuring Nissan’s proprietary STARC combustion technology.
2026 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER powertrain updates
| Component | Update |
| Hybrid system | New-generation e-POWER |
| Powertrain layout | New ‘5-in-1’ integrated system |
| Petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder |
| Engine technology | STARC combustion technology |
| Claimed thermal efficiency | Up to 42 per cent |
Nissan claims the revised engine improves thermal efficiency while lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
Nissan targets Australian buyers seeking lower fuel costs
“This trip isn’t laboratory testing, this is the real world and real conditions, completing a dream lap of Tasmania that so many Australians have either done, or would love to,” said Steve Milette.
“Now more than ever Australian drivers are looking for fuel efficiency that doesn’t compromise driving enjoyment, and this 1300km real-world journey shows that the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER delivers.”
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