What are the differences between the 2017 and 2016 Nissan Qashqai models?
3 Answers
The differences between the 2017 and 2016 Nissan Qashqai models lie in their exterior and interior designs. Below is an introduction to the distinctions between these two Qashqai models: Exterior Differences: The 2017 Qashqai features a fashionable design with a comfortable texture, incorporating the V-motion family language, which gives it a more refined and trendy appearance. The 2016 Qashqai offers a stronger sense of ride comfort, with just the right balance of support and softness, providing a more comfortable driving experience. Interior Differences: The 2016 Qashqai has slightly weaker power and an outdated interior, making its design appear overly conservative. The 2017 model, while maintaining a trendy steering wheel design, still retains a central console style from several years ago.
I've driven both the 2016 and 2017 Nissan Qashqai models, and the biggest difference lies in their exterior design. The 2017 version features a wavy front grille instead of the more angular one on the 2016 model, giving it a sportier look. The headlight assembly was also redesigned, offering slightly higher brightness, which makes nighttime highway driving more noticeable. The interior saw significant changes: the 2017 model upgraded its central display from 5 inches to 7 inches, added CarPlay support for easier smartphone navigation connectivity, and improved sound system quality. The chassis tuning was slightly adjusted, making rides over speed bumps less bumpy and rear-seat comfort better. While the powertrain remained largely unchanged, the ECU tuning in the 2017 model made acceleration smoother and more responsive. Space-wise, both models comfortably accommodate five passengers. The tire tread pattern was slightly modified in the 2017 version for better wet-road grip. Maintenance costs are similar, but the 2017 model holds higher resale value due to being newer, making it a more cost-effective purchase in the used car market.
The 2017 Nissan Qashqai has made significant improvements in safety compared to the 2016 model. As someone who has driven for many years, I appreciate that the 2017 version added a blind spot monitoring system, which provides alerts when changing lanes, greatly reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. In city traffic jams, the automatic braking function reacts faster, ensuring timely stops if pedestrians suddenly appear. The wheels and suspension have been fine-tuned, resulting in less vibration on bumpy roads, so kids in the back seat don’t complain. The infotainment system has been upgraded with more accurate voice recognition—just say the navigation destination aloud, a feature the 2016 model lacked. The fuel tank capacity remains the same, but the 2017 model’s optimized aerodynamics save about 0.5 liters per 100 km in real-world driving. The steering system is lighter, making turns easier. There are new exterior color options, with a brighter blue standing out. Maintenance parts are interchangeable, but the 2017 design has fewer minor issues. Overall, the driving experience feels more stable and reassuring.
