Nissan has given the Nissan Qashqai a mid cycle shuffle for the 2026.5 model year, and buyers get less choice for slightly more money. The flagship N-Design grade is gone, every remaining grade is up $210, and a few features have quietly disappeared.
What changed
The range now runs the carryover ST-L, Ti and Ti-L, all using Nissan's e-Power hybrid system, in which a petrol engine acts as a generator for an electric drive motor. The entry ST-L now starts at $45,850 before on road costs. The optional Platinum paint is no longer offered. Nissan Australia told media the increases mostly reflect production and logistics pressures rather than added kit.
Cartell Assessment
Trimming the flagship and nudging prices up is a defensive move, and the numbers explain why: Qashqai sales fell by more than 70 percent across the first seven months of 2026. e-Power is genuinely smooth to drive in town, but at these prices the Qashqai is bumping up against roomier rivals and a wall of sharp Chinese hybrids.
AU Outlook
The slimmed range is on sale now. Nissan is banking on the refinement of e-Power to hold loyal buyers, but it needs the next Qashqai, and keener pricing, to stop the slide. Worth shopping against the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona hybrids.
