Introduction to the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power
We had our very first taste of Nissan's 'e-Power' hybrid system in a prototype Qashqai back in 2022 in what is the third generation of this highly successful crossover-SUV. Since then, the Qashqai itself has had a midlife update (read Matt's detailed review from the international first drive here) and now it's available in Ireland, where we took a top-spec SVE version for an extended test.
Pros & Cons of the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power
Pros: Sharp new face, smooth driving manners, high-quality cabin
Cons: Not quite as economical as a diesel would be
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power
• New Qashqai starts at €39,900
• Higher price, but increased equipment
• The e-Power version is priced from €45,000
Unsurprisingly, the updated Qashqai is a little more expensive than the outgoing car, but in fairness, it comes with more equipment and features across the board. The entry-level powertrain uses a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine and mild-hybrid tech and costs from €39,900 with a manual gearbox, or €43,400 for the automatic. Meanwhile, the automatic-only e-Power hybrid is priced from €45,000.
Trim levels are SV, SV Premium, SV Tech and SVE, the latter effectively the same as the N-Design level sold in some markets, and all cars at a minimum gain the new Google-based infotainment system using a 12.3-inch touchscreen and featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are detail differences between e-Power and mild-hybrid cars even at the same trim level, so take a close look at the brochure when it comes time to ordering to fully understand what you're getting.
By any measure, the Qashqai is well-equipped, and in SVE specification as tested it's weighed down with niceties including quilted leather upholstery, tactile Alcantara trim, heated massage seats up front with electric adjustment, a heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. It's not cheap, at €54,400, but it feels worth the outlay. Metallic paint is €700 extra, though we'd be tempted by the two-tone finish with a black roof for €1,000.
Performance of the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power on Irish Roads
• Electric motor drives the wheels
• Up to 190hp
• No all-wheel-drive option
Nissan likens the e-Power driving experience to that of a full electric car and it really isn't wide of the mark at times. The front wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor, so response to pressing the accelerator is just the same as in an EV, with a motor's characteristic instant-on maximum torque. It makes the Qashqai feel pleasingly brisk and satisfying to drive, even though the peak figures are relatively modest at 190hp and 330Nm of torque.
The engine remains dormant for prolonged periods at slower speeds, but the drive battery is quite small, so it needs topping up regularly at a faster pace. If you're making the most of the Bose sound system you probably won't notice the engine kicking in, and even if you're not, it's a distant sound rather than one you'd associate with a traditional internal-combustion-engined car. The speed of the engine adjusts up and down as needs be, but not in the same way as it would if it were driving the wheels via a gearbox so it's smooth and unobtrusive.
That's backed up by good isolation from the road and unremarkable wind noise even at motorway speeds. Riding on 19-inch wheels and low-profile tyres as in our SVE test car, the Qashqai is comfortable at all times with great bump absorption. It's a polished chassis that's perfectly capable, too, though not a particularly engaging one at normal speeds. Our earlier test on a race circuit revealed it can be a lot of fun, but on the road it's best described as competent.
The driver can summon up a little more response from the system by using the Sport driving mode, though we found very little difference between the Eco and Normal settings.
There's no need to do anything in terms of gear changing as it's a fully automatic car, while Nissan has added a couple of features to enhance the electric car feeling. For example, there's a 'B' mode to increase the level of brake energy regeneration (charging up the battery by slowing down the car using the electric motor as a generator) and also an 'e-Pedal' button designed to allow one-pedal driving, particularly at slower speeds. I found the car more natural feeling without either of those activated, but some people like the sensation, and it can enhance efficiency depending on your driving style.
Running Costs of the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power
• Fixed-price servicing available
• No diesel Qashqai
• Average new-car warranty
Officially, the SVE-spec Qashqai e-Power uses 5.3 litres of unleaded every 100km of the standardised WLTP cycle. We couldn't quite replicate that figure in real-world driving, probably because, during our time with the car, we went to Limerick and back from Dublin in a day using mainly motorways.
In such conditions, a return of about 7.0 litres/100km was recorded. Not disastrous by any means, if likely to be beaten by an equivalent modern diesel. The e-Power system is at its best at lower speeds, as most hybrids are.
All versions of the Qashqai e-Power come with low CO2 emissions, meaning an annual motor tax bill of just €190.
The standard new-car Nissan warranty for a non-EV - including paintwork - is three years or 100,000km, whichever comes first. It is possible to pay for an extended warranty through Nissan dealers.
To spread the cost of servicing, Nissan offers fixed-price maintenance paid for by interest-free direct debit. Owners choose from two services paid over 20 months or three services over 30 months - and it's all arranged directly with a dealer.
How popular is the Nissan Qashqai in Ireland?
• Competes in most popular C-SUV category
• Nissan's best-selling car for many years
• Was once regularly in top three cars sold in Ireland
While the Nissan Qashqai might not have been the very first 'crossover' in the world, it certainly can be credited with popularising the body style, as there was little else like it on the market when it first launched, way back in 2006. It soon became a household name in Ireland and abroad and for years vied with traditional hatchbacks for the top few spots in the new-car sales charts. Thanks to a seemingly never-ending barrage of new rivals, the Qashqai hasn't scaled those heights in a while, but it has been Nissan's own best-selling model ever since 2008.
Verdict - Should You Buy the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power?
If you're in the market for a crossover or SUV-styled vehicle, and hybrid power suits you, then it would be foolish to ignore the Qashqai. Its e-Power system is notably different to most others on the market, giving it a particularly appealing driving experience married with palatable running costs, without the need to plug the car in.
Likewise, if you've already decided that you like the new look of the Nissan Qashqai, it's almost a no-brainer to go for the e-Power model, as it's only a little more expensive than the comparable automatic petrol alternative, but it comes with higher performance, lower running costs and an all-round more enjoyable drive.
FAQs About the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power
What is an e-Power hybrid?
The e-Power brand name hints at how it works, as an electric motor is responsible for turning the driven wheels. There is a petrol engine on board, but it has no physical connection to the wheels. Instead, it's used as an electricity generator for the on-board battery pack. The motor driving its wheels draws its energy from that battery.
How many child seats fit in the back of the Nissan Qashqai?
As is standard enough in this sector, the Qashqai has two ISOFIX locations, in the outer-rear seats. You might, depending on the size of seat you are using, be able to get three across the back bench, but that would depend on the middle seat being smaller and non-ISOFIX-mounted. A slender booster should squeeze in there.
The front airbag can be disabled by a switch, meaning a baby or child seat can be fitted in the front passenger seat using the seatbelt. It's worth noting that the Qashqai's rear doors open to an especially wide angle, which makes getting bulky seats and children in and out particularly easy.
Is there a diesel Nissan Qashqai?
No, and there hasn't been for several years. And in fact, there are no diesel-fuelled new cars sold by Nissan in Ireland anymore.
How safe is the Nissan Qashqai?
When this generation of Qashqai was introduced in 2021 it managed a strong Euro NCAP safety rating, the full five stars. Within that were individual scores of 91 per cent for adult and child occupant protection, 70 per cent for protection of vulnerable road users and 95 per cent for 'safety assist'. Read the full Euro NCAP report on the Nissan Qashqai here.
Want to know more about the Nissan Qashqai?
If there's anything about the Nissan Qashqai we've not covered, or you'd like help in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
