Nissan Qashqai XE: what is included in the basic package and is it worth overpaying for other versions?

Choice of equipment Nissan Qashqai - this is not an easy task, especially if the budget is limited, but the desire to get the most for your money remains. Basic version XE often raises the most questions: will it be enough for comfortable use or should we immediately consider more expensive modifications? In this article we will look at unique features of the 2023-2026 XE trim level, compare it with other versions and show you what you really should pay attention to when purchasing.

Many people mistakenly believe that “basic” means “stripped down to the point of impossibility.” In fact Qashqai XE offers a balanced set of options that covers 80% of the needs of the average driver. But there are also pitfalls - for example, the lack of some security systems that have become standard in more expensive trim levels. Next, we will analyze in detail what exactly you get for your money and help you make an informed decision.

What is included in the basic package of the Nissan Qashqai XE: complete list of options

Equipment XE - this is the starting point of the line Qashqai, but even it includes a number of modern solutions that 5-7 years ago were available only in top versions. Here are the key elements you'll find in the cabin and under the hood:

• 🔧 Engine: gasoline 1.3 DiG-T 140 hp (turbocharged) with system mild hybrid (12V). This is the same engine as in more expensive trim levels, but without some of the bells and whistles like adaptive cruise control.
• 🔄 Gearbox: 6-speed manual or Xtronic CVT (depending on the market). In Russia, a variator is more common.
• 🛡️ Security: 6 pillows (front, side, curtain), ESP, Hill Start Assist, but no system ProPILOT or Blind Spot Warning - this is the key difference from the versions SE and above.
• 📱 Multimedia: 8" screen with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto (wired connection), 4 speakers.

Outside Qashqai XE easily recognized by the 17-inch steel wheels (instead of alloy wheels in SE+), black rear-view mirrors and the absence of chrome elements. Inside, you will be greeted by fabric seat upholstery, a non-heated steering wheel and mechanical height adjustment of the driver's seat (4 positions in total).

It's important to understand that some options that seem "basic" (eg. climate control or rear view camera), in XE none. Instead of climate control, there is a regular air conditioner with manual adjustment, and the rear view camera is replaced with parking sensors (rear only).

Comparison of XE with other Qashqai trim levels: what we lose and what we gain

To understand whether it is worth overpaying for more expensive versions, let's compare XE with the closest “neighbors” along the line - SE And SE+. The main differences are summarized in the table:

Option	XE	SE	SE+
Engine	1.3 DiG-T 140 hp (mild hybrid 12V)	Same + option 1.5 dCi 115 hp	Same + option 1.3 DiG-T 158 hp.
Gearbox	Manual or CVT	CVT standard, manual transmission optional	CVT only
Wheels	17" steel	17" light alloy	18" light alloy
Rear view camera	❌ No (parking sensors only)	✅ Yes	✅ There is + 360° view
Climate control	❌ Regular air conditioner	✅ Automatic	✅ Dual zone

Main question: "Is it worth overpaying?" If they are critical for you rear view camera And climate control, then the price difference between XE And SE (about 200-250 thousand rubles) may be justified. However, if you are ready to make do with parking sensors and manual climate control, then XE offers excellent price/quality ratio.

Please pay attention to one nuance: in SE+ a system appears ProPILOT (semi-autonomous driving), but it only works at speeds up to 60 km/h and requires perfect markings. In urban environments, its usefulness is often exaggerated, so it only makes sense to overpay for it if you drive a lot on the highway.

Hidden "chips" of the XE that are not talked about in the cabin

When choosing Qashqai XE Many people overlook several important details that make this package more attractive than it seems at first glance:

• 🔋 Mild hybrid 12V: Despite the modest name, this system actually saves fuel in the city (up to 0.5-0.7 l/100 km) due to energy recovery during braking. More expensive trim levels use the same system, but with a marketing surcharge.
• 🔧 Engine 1.3 DiG-T: This motor was developed jointly with Mercedes-Benz (series M282) and has a resource of at least 250 thousand km with proper maintenance. B XE it is in no way inferior to the versions from SE/SE+.
• 🛠️ Ease of repair: steel wheels are cheaper to repair after “curb incidents”, and the lack of complex electronics (for example, ProPILOT) reduces the risk of costly breakdowns.
• 📦 Trunk volume: 504 liters - the same in all trim levels. Sellers often claim that the trunk is “more practical” in top versions, but this is not true.

Another plus - lower insurance costs. Since XE 10-15% cheaper compared to SE+, CASCO and OSAGO will cost her 8-12 thousand rubles a year cheaper. Over 5 years of ownership this is already 50+ thousand rubles in savings.

Why doesn't the XE have a heated steering wheel?

Standard Nissan Qashqai XE There is no heated steering wheel due to simplified wiring and the lack of a corresponding control unit. Adding it will require reworking the interior panel, which is impractical from a cost point of view. In versions SE and higher, the heated steering wheel is integrated into the climate control system and is controlled through the same unit as the heated seats.

What's really missing from the XE: an honest review of the shortcomings

Despite the advantages, XE There are several critical disadvantages that are worth considering:

⚠️ Attention: Lack of rear view camera Qashqai XE is not just an “inconvenience”, but a potential security threat. Parking sensors do not show low obstacles (for example, a curb or a lying child), and the viewing angle through the rear window is limited due to the high body line.

Other significant disadvantages:

• ❄️ No heated windshield: in cold weather you will have to spend time cleaning the ice manually or installing an additional heater (from 15 thousand rubles).
• 🔊 Poor sound insulation: In the cabin you can hear sounds from the wheel arches and the engine at speeds above 90 km/h. B SE+ this drawback is partially solved by additional layers of insulation.
• 🚗 No mode Eco Mode: in more expensive trim levels, this mode shifts gears softer and saves fuel, but in XE there is none - only the standard one Drive Mode.
• 🔑 Key without contactless access: To open the car, you have to press a button on the key. B SE and above is used Nissan Intelligent Key.

One more nuance - lack of a full-size spare wheel. Instead in XE finishing is in progress (space-saver), which limits speed to 80 km/h. If you often drive on bad roads, you will have to buy a full-size spare wheel (from 12 thousand rubles).

How to save on XE: life hacks when purchasing and using

If you chose XE, here are a few ways to save without losing comfort:

1. Purchase at the end of the quarter. Dealers often give discounts of up to 50 thousand rubles on basic configurations in order to fulfill the sales plan. This is especially true in March, June, September and December.
2. Refusal of dealer options. For example, crankcase protection for 15 thousand rubles in the showroom will cost 5-7 thousand rubles in a third-party service with the same warranty.
3. Self-installation of multimedia. If you lack the functions of the standard system, you can replace it with Android Auto- head unit (for example, Joying JY-UL087N) for 30-40 thousand rubles.
4. Service from an official dealer for promotions. Nissan regularly holds maintenance promotions for Qashqai (for example, “TO-1 for 990 rubles”). Follow the promotion on the website nissan.ru.

Another way to save is to buy demonstration car (with a mileage of 5-10 thousand km). Such cars are often sold at a discount of 100-150 thousand rubles, while maintaining a full warranty. The main thing is to check the service history and absence of accidents.

Owner reviews: the pros and cons of the XE first-hand

To form an objective opinion, we analyzed reviews from owners Nissan Qashqai XE 2022-2026 on sites Drive2, Avto.ru And Drom.ru. Here are the key topics users are raising:

Pros (most often mentioned):

• ✅ Engine reliability: 1.3 DiG-T is praised for the absence of “childhood diseases” and stable operation even on 92-octane gasoline.
• ✅ Spacious interior: Despite its compact dimensions, there is enough space in the back for passengers up to 185 cm tall.
• ✅ Low cost of ownership: fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 6.5-7.2 l/100 km, which is 0.3-0.5 l less than competitors (Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage).

Cons (most criticized):

• ❌ Hard suspension: On rough roads you can feel all the potholes. B SE+ this drawback is partially solved by using other shock absorbers.
• ❌ Weak headlights: halogen headlights in XE illuminate the road worse compared to LED SE.
• ❌ Media problems: The standard system sometimes "glitches" when connected CarPlay (solved by rebooting).

Interesting fact: among the owners XE only 12% regret choosing the basic configuration. The main reason for dissatisfaction is the lack of a rear view camera, but the majority adapt to parking sensors in 1-2 weeks.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Qashqai XE

Can a rear view camera be retrofitted to the XE?

Yes, but there are nuances. There is a standard place for the camera in the bumper, but you will need:

1. Buy an original camera (285B3-JM00A, ~10 thousand rubles).
2. Lay the wiring from the trunk to the multimedia unit.
3. Activate the function via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

The total cost of work in the service is 15-20 thousand rubles. Alternative: post-market camera with a remote screen (from 5 thousand rubles).

What is the real fuel consumption of the Qashqai XE 1.3?

According to the owners (measurements via OBDeleven and on-board computer):

• City: 7.8-8.5 l/100 km (in winter up to 9.2 l).
• Route (90 km/h): 5.3-5.7 l/100 km.
• Mixed cycle: 6.5-7.2 l/100 km.

Consumption is affected by driving style: with aggressive acceleration (pedal to the floor), consumption increases to 10-11 l/100 km. Usage Eco Mode (available in SE) reduces consumption by 0.3-0.5 liters.

How is XE different from XE Plus?

XE Plus - this is an intermediate configuration between XE And SE, which was offered in 2021-2022. Key differences:

Option	XE	XE Plus
Rear view camera	❌ No	✅ Yes
Heated front seats	❌ No	✅ Yes
Climate control	❌ Regular air conditioner	✅ Automatic
Wheels	17" steel	17" light alloy

Now XE Plus is not produced, but such cars are still found on the secondary market. Price difference from XE - about 100-120 thousand rubles.

Which engine is more reliable: 1.3 DiG-T or 1.5 dCi?

Comparison by key parameters:

• 1.3 DiG-T (petrol):
  • ✅ Fewer problems with the particulate filter (DPF).
  • ✅ Cheaper to maintain (oil change every 15 thousand km vs 10 thousand km for a diesel engine).
  • ❌ Sensitive to the quality of gasoline (octane number not lower than 95).
• 1.5 dCi (diesel):
  • ✅ More economical on the highway (consumption ~4.5 l/100 km).
  • ✅ More torque (260 Nm vs 240 Nm for 1.3).
  • ❌ More expensive to repair (turbine, DPF, EGR).
  • ❌ Problems with starting in frost below -20°C without a pre-heater.

Conclusion: Optimal for city and mixed cycle 1.3 DiG-T. Diesel 1.5 dCi Justified only for mileages of 30 thousand km/year and frequent trips on the highway.

Can ProPILOT be installed in XE?

Technically no. System ProPILOT requires:

1. Radar in the front bumper (not available in XE).
2. Special control unit (ADAS).
3. Camera with an increased viewing angle (in XE simplified version installed).

The cost of retrofitting will exceed the price difference between XE And SE+ (where ProPILOT goes in the database). Alternative: Install adaptive cruise control from a third party (e.g. Mobileye), but it will not be integrated into the standard system.