Ford Explorer vs Nissan Qashqai
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Nissan Qashqai | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 400 | 190 | +110.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 563 | 330 | +70.6% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 8.5 | 18.9 | -55.0% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $57,200 | $49,464 | +15.6% |
- Ford Explorer makes about 111% more power (400 vs 190 hp).
- Nissan Qashqai is the more economical, at 18.9 km/L against 8.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and EU); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Explorer or Qashqai?
Ford Explorer advantages
- Engine power (+53%)
- Pulling torque (+41%)
Nissan Qashqai advantages
- Fuel economy (+55%)
- Affordability (+14%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Ford Explorer if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Nissan Qashqai if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Ford Explorer if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Ford Explorer delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Ford Explorer vs Nissan Qashqai: which should you choose?
Ford Explorer (2026 ST AWD) — petrol suv with 400 hp and 563 Nm, rated at 8.5 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $57,200 in the US market.
Nissan Qashqai (2026 1.5 e-Power N-Connecta) — hybrid hybrid (hev) with 190 hp and 330 Nm, rated at 18.9 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $49,464 in the EU market.
Ford Explorer vs Nissan Qashqai: Ford Explorer is more powerful. Ford Explorer makes about 111% more power (400 vs 190 hp). Nissan Qashqai is the more economical, at 18.9 km/L against 8.5.
Performance
The Ford Explorer is the more powerful, at 400 hp against 190 hp, with 563 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Nissan Qashqai is more economical at 18.9 km/L against 8.5 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Ford Explorer is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and Nissan Qashqai 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Nissan Qashqai lists lower at about $49,464 (USD-converted from the EU market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer better than the Nissan Qashqai?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Ford Explorer makes about 111% more power (400 vs 190 hp).
What is the main difference between the Ford Explorer and the Nissan Qashqai?
Ford Explorer makes about 111% more power (400 vs 190 hp). Nissan Qashqai is the more economical, at 18.9 km/L against 8.5.
Which is better value?
Ford Explorer delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Nissan Qashqai if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.