Date Posted: 27 October 2026

Qashqai triumphs as Best Family Car at RAC New Car Awards 2026

  • 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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