Range extender overhaul: Nissan Qashqai goes all e-POWER for 2026 as pricing shifts upward

January 8, 2026January 7, 2026 EV Central team 1921 Views 0 Comments e-Power, nissan, Qashqai

Nissan Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for the 2026 Qashqai, which arrives in Australian showrooms from March 2026 with every variant now using the brand’s latest e-POWER electrified powertrain.

The update marks the end of petrol-only Qashqai variants locally, with Nissan positioning the small SUV as an exclusively electrified offering aligned with the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) CO2 reduction scheme.

With the switch to an all-e-POWER range, pricing has been restructured. The Model Year 2026 (MY26) line-up introduces a new ST-L e-POWER entry grade priced from $45,640 before on-road costs, making it the most affordable electrified Qashqai to date.

While that places the Qashqai roughly in parallel with the Toyota RAV4 hybrid on pricing, it also lifts the overall entry point compared with the outgoing petrol range.

That’s going to make Qashqai’s life even harder against a slew of cheaper primarily Chinese rivals. In 2025, its sales dipped 31.7 per cent.

For context, the MY25 Qashqai started at $34,665 for the 1.3-litre turbo petrol ST, with petrol variants extending up to $48,165 for the Ti-L.

Those petrol models have now been discontinued.

Compared directly with the outgoing e-POWER variants, pricing changes are:

Ti e-POWER rises from $47,165 to $49,640 (+$2,475)
Ti-L e-POWER increases from $52,365 to $53,640 (+$1,275)
N-Design e-POWER drops slightly from $54,365 to $54,140 (-$225)

While buyers now pay more than before to get into a Qashqai, Nissan argues the standardisation of e-POWER brings tangible efficiency, refinement and technology gains.

The MY26 Qashqai adopts Nissan’s latest-generation e-POWER system, featuring an all-new “5-in-1” powertrain that integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser and reducer into a single compact unit.

Fuel consumption improves to 4.1L/100km combined, down from 4.8L/100km, while CO₂ emissions fall from 112g/km to 92g/km, a reduction of almost 18 per cent. Nissan also claims a 5.6dB reduction in cabin noise, delivering a more EV-like driving experience.

As before, the front wheels are driven solely by an electric motor, with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acting only as a generator. A temporary 10kW boost in Sport Mode is new for MY26, aimed at sharper throttle response.

A notable element of the updated powertrain is its local connection. Key high-pressure cast aluminium components for the new e-POWER system are manufactured at Nissan Casting Australia Plant in Dandenong, which now supplies these parts globally for Qashqai production.

Alongside the mechanical changes, MY26 Qashqai gains an enhanced Digital Around View Monitor across the range, adding 3D eight-point camera views, a Skeleton Hood view for low-speed manoeuvring, and a T-Junction view to improve visibility at intersections.

Higher grades also receive updated ProPILOT+ driver assistance with improved lane-keeping functionality and revised graphics.

Standard equipment continues to include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control and Nissan’s full Intelligent Mobility safety suite.

There appear to be no substantial exterior design changes compared to the update launched in Australia early in 2026.

The MY26 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER range goes on sale nationally from March 2026, backed by Nissan’s 10-year/300,000km warranty when serviced through its dealer network.

The full MY26 Qashqai e-POWER pricing is:

ST-L e-POWER: $45,640 (new entry grade)
Ti e-POWER: $49,640
Ti-L e-POWER: $53,640
N-Design e-POWER: $54,140