The market for sub-compact SUVs is in full expansion, as consumers continue to show their love for a vehicle type that weds the qualities of a small car (fun and agile handling, fuel economy) with those of a utility vehicle (higher seating position for increased feeling of safety, larger cargo capacity, available all-wheel drive).
Virtually all the auto manufacturers offer a vehicle in this segment—or will soon, when Ford’s EcoSport, Hyundai’s Kona, Volkswagen’s T-Roc and possibly Kia’s Stonic hit the market as well. Currently, the category includes prominent entries like the Jeep Renegade, Chevrolet Trax and Subaru Crosstrek. We’ve also already offered you a head-to-head comparison of the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 .
Among the new entries in the category, two Japanese rivals have attracted positive attention, albeit for different reasons: The 2018 Toyota C-HR and 2017 Nissan Qashqai. The former is brand-new, while the latter is actually the newest generation of a vehicle that has been popular and well-regarded in Europe for several years.
The team at Auto123.com tried both of them out, and we present a comparative overview that should help you make an informed buying decision.
By the numbers…
| 2018 Toyota C-HR | 2017 Nissan Qashqai | |
| Power (hp) | 144 | 141 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 139 | 147 |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed man./CVT |
| L/100km, FWD | 8.7 city - 7.5 hwy | 8.8 city - 7.3 hwy |
| L/100km, AWD | N/A | 9.1 city - 7.5 hwy |
| Trunk (L) | 538 - 1,031 | 623 - 1,727 |
| Wheels (in) | 17 or 18 | 16, 17 or 19 |
| Warranty | 3 yrs/60,000 km | 3 yrs/60,000 km |
2018 Toyota C-HR – Technical specifications – Review – Photo gallery
- XLE - $24,690
- XLE Premium - $26,290
Strong points
- A dream come true for fans of design (available 2-tone exterior colour scheme)
- Great roster of standard equipment
- Strong safety capacities with the Toyota Safety Sense P (also standard)
- Quiet, relatively spacious and comfortable interior
- Toyota’s usual reliability and reputation for quality
Weak points
- No all-wheel drive as an option
- Mediocre acceleration
- Inadequate rear visibility
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility or navigation system
- Less cargo space (trunk is hindered by a steeply inclined hatch)
2017 Nissan Qashqai – Review – Photo gallery
- Qashqai S AWD M6 - $19,998
- Qashqai S FWD CVT - $21,998
- Qashqai S AWD CVT - $24,198
- Qashqai SV FWD CVT - $24,598
- Qashqai SV AWD CVT - $26,798
- Qashqai SL AWD CVT - $29,498
- Qashqai SL AWD CVT Platinum Package - $32,198
Strong points
- Modern and well-proportioned contours sure to please consumers
- More practical format
- Well-balanced, agile and especially quiet on the road
- 4WD system that can be locked 50/50
- Very competitive pricing
Weak points
- Similar look to the Rogue, nothing fancy
- Timid performance (though less so than the C-HR)
- Infotainment system could use updating (no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto)
- Slightly bargain-basement plastics
- Certain buttons are difficult to access