- Nissan's segment-defining crossover beats rivals over key criteria such as value, safety and practicality
- Over 4 million Qashqai have been sold across Europe over the past 20 years, and it remains a UK best-seller
- Award is 110th for Qashqai globally, cementing its position as one of Nissan's most successful models
LONDON – Ahead of its 20-year anniversary celebrations later this year, the Qashqai continues to prove itself as a market-leader, winning Best Family Car at the RAC New Car Awards 2026.
Nissan's famous crossover was assessed by RAC's expert car review team, who evaluated the car using a 10-point scoring system across seven key criteria: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance. The RAC team praised Qashqai as being one of their favourite hybrid SUVs overall and the best option for UK families.
James Taylor, Managing Director Nissan Motor GB said:
"We are delighted Qashqai has been named 2026 Best Family Car by the experts at the RAC. 20 years after it redefined the shape of family transport, it continues to be incredibly popular with families right across the country, and it remains one of the UK's best-sellers.
"Its unique blend of practicality, technology and efficiency – now enhanced even further by Nissan's third-generation e‑Power hybrid system – make it an ideal family car, so it's fantastic to see its appeal recognised once more.
"Huge thanks to the RAC for this accolade, which is greatly appreciated by everyone involved in designing, engineering and building the Qashqai right here in the UK."
This latest prize takes Qashqai's international award tally to more than 110, including 20 Car of the Year accolades across different countries, confirming its continued success and popularity globally as well as in the UK.
Dan Powell, RAC Drive Editor said:
''The British-built Nissan Qashqai is the most accomplished car in its class. All versions are easy to drive and spacious, while its e‑POWER hybrid technology blends performance and efficiency exceptionally well.
"The Qashqai surges ahead of its rivals in hybrid form, raising the bar for family car refinement, comfort and quality.''
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About Nissan in the UK
Designed. Built. Loved. By Britain: Nissan employs around 7,000 people across the UK, including at its design centre in Paddington, London, and its R&D engineering centre in Cranfield, while Sunderland is home to the UK's biggest single car plant, which builds two of the nation's best-selling cars – the Juke and Qashqai.
These models were recently joined by the All-New 100% electric MICRA, designed by the team in Paddington, as well as the European version of the new LEAF, which is now in production in Sunderland alongside the Qashqai and Juke as part of Nissan's EV36Zero project.
EV36Zero is Nissan's vision for the future of sustainable manufacturing: a blueprint that will transform Sunderland Plant into a flagship EV hub, bringing together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production. This is part of Nissan's goal to become a truly sustainable company and usher in a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world.
Press Contacts:
Nic Shaw
Head of Communications
M: (+44) 07785 609956 / E: nic.shaw@nissan.co.uk
Qudrat Khan
Corporate Communications Manager
M: (+44) 07721 741032 / E: qudrat.khan@nissan.co.uk