Salon Nissan Qashqai has always been one of the key reasons for the popularity of the crossover - the combination of Japanese practicality, European design and thoughtful ergonomics makes it attractive to family buyers and city drivers. But what exactly does the interior of the latest generations look like? from the inside? In this article we have collected current photos of the salon (including rare angles), sorted out the finishing materials and showed what to look for when inspecting before purchasing.
From classic fabric upholstery of basic versions to premium leather Nappa in top trim levels - salon Kashkaya transformed along with generations. We will compare unique interior details J11 (2014-2021) and J12 (from 2021), which are often overlooked even by experienced car owners. We’ll also tell you how to properly photograph the interior when inspecting a used car, so as not to miss hidden defects.
Photo of the interior of the Nissan Qashqai J12 (2021-2026): what has changed inside
Second generation Qashqai (index J12) received a revolutionary interior design, where Japanese engineers relied on minimalism and digitalization. The main difference from its predecessor is a completely redesigned front panel with two-tier arrangement of screens. The upper display (up to 12.3 inches) is responsible for multimedia, the lower one (9 inches) is for climate control and car settings.
The photo below shows how seamlessly they fit in touch buttons under the climate screen - their reaction to touch has become one of the most discussed topics among owners. Please note backlight around the air ducts: in top versions it can be adjusted to 10 colors via the menu Settings → Interior lighting.
- 🔹 Materials: soft plastic on the dashboard, leather steering wheel (even in basic versions), aluminum or wood inserts (optional).
- 🔹 Ergonomics: steering wheel with heating and electric adjustment, armrest with adjustable length.
- 🔹 Storage: wireless charging for a smartphone, illuminated cup holders, a 6-liter box under the armrest.
Critical point: in versions before the 2023 restyling, owners complained about glare on screens in bright sunshine. The problem was partially solved by updating the firmware (version 2.0.4+), but it completely disappeared only with the advent of frosted protective glass in the package Tekna+.
- Two-tier screens
- Air duct lighting
- Wireless charging
- Leather seats with memory
Comparison of J11 (2014-2021) and J12 salons: “before and after” photos
First generation Qashqai in the back J11 looks more modest, but has its advantages - for example, physical climate control buttons, which many drivers find more convenient than touch sensors. The photo below shows how different the layout of the center console is: in the J11, the multimedia screen is “recessed” into the dashboard, and in the J12 it protrudes forward.
| Characteristics | Qashqai J11 (2014-2021) | Qashqai J12 (2021-2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5-7 inches (optional) | 9-12.3 inches (standard) |
| Seat material | Fabric/leather (optional) | Leather/Alcantara (standard in Tekna) |
| Interior lighting | Single color (white/blue) | RGB customizable (10 colors) |
| Trunk volume | 430 liters | 504 liters (+17%) |
Life hack for used buyers J11: check status plastic inserts around the gearshift lever - they often creak due to wear. B J12 This problem was eliminated due to soft pads, but a new nuance appeared: touch buttons under the climate screen require regular cleaning (use spray for electronics without alcohol).
⚠️ Attention: In salons Qashqai J11 before 2017 release there is often a problem with steering column switch contacts - they oxidize due to moisture. Check the operation of the cruise control and multimedia control buttons on a test drive.
Photo of the back row: space and hidden functions
Back row Nissan Qashqai - that's a different story. B J12 engineers increased the knee space by 28 mm due to modified body geometry, but the ceiling remained low (only 95 cm at the highest point). The photo below shows how they are located air ducts for rear passengers - they can be closed with a rotary control if the wind is too strong.
Hidden back row chips:
- 🔌 220V socket (optional on Tekna) under the front passenger seat - allows you to connect a laptop.
- 📱 Back pockets front seats with rubber inserts - do not allow the phone to fall out.
- 🪑 Back angle adjustment (3 positions) even in basic versions.
- 🚗 Easy Slide seats — move forward with one lever to access the trunk.
Important nuance: in versions with panoramic roof rear passengers can be hot in summer - a sunshade is only included in the package Tekna. In other cases you will have to buy additional awning (original art. 999T6-VN000).
How to check the condition of the rear row when buying a used one?
1. Check the play of the backs - they should not “walk” when pressed.
2. Inspect the plastic lining on the sills - they often crack when passengers board.
3. Make sure that the heated rear seats (if equipped) work in all zones (the button under the armrest).
Finishing materials: what to choose - leather, Alcantara or fabric?
Choice of interior materials Nissan Qashqai depends on the configuration and year of manufacture. In basic versions (Visia, Acenta) is used high density fabric with antibacterial impregnation, which repels dirt well, but over time can be wiped off on the edges of the seats. The photo below shows typical wear areas - check them when buying a used car.
In top trim levels (Tekna, Tekna+) is offered:
- 🐄 Genuine leather (optional Nappa) - soft, but requires care (cleaning once every 3 months with a special conditioner).
- 🧵 Alcantara + leather - a practical mix, not slippery and not easily soiled.
- 🌿 Eco-leather (from 2023) - vegan and UV resistant.
Critical moment: in salons with fair skin (beige, gray) marks from jeans often appear - this is not a defect, but a feature of the dye. To avoid the problem, use protective covers or apply hydrophobic coating (For example, Leather Shield).
☑️ Qashqai interior care checklist
Photo of the trunk: volume and hidden compartments
trunk Nissan Qashqai J12 has become 74 liters more spacious (504 liters versus 430 liters in the J11), but there are some nuances. The photo below shows that two-level trunk floor — under the main compartment there is additional space for storing documents or small items. To open it, pull the loop under the mat.
Hidden trunk features:
- 🔌 12V socket on the left - allows you to connect a refrigerator or compressor.
- 📦 Fastening system LATCH for child seats (4 points).
- 🚘 Flex Board Mode — removable partition for cargo separation (optional).
- 🔦 Trunk light with motion sensor (turns on when the lid is opened).
Important: in versions with all-wheel drive (4WD) located under the trunk floor transfer case - this reduces the depth of the compartment by 5 cm. If you plan to transport high loads (for example, a bicycle), consider this point.
To avoid squeaks in the trunk, treat the plastic latches with silicone lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist). This will eliminate unpleasant sounds when driving over uneven surfaces.
How to photograph the interior when inspecting a used car
Upon purchase Nissan Qashqai With mileage, high-quality photos of the interior will help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Here step by step instructions, how to take pictures that will reveal all the defects:
- General plan — remove the interior from the driver's threshold at an angle of 45°. This will show the condition of the plastic and the symmetry of the parts.
- Steering wheel and dashboard — bring the camera closer so that you can see scratches on the plastic or abrasions on the buttons.
- Seats — take photographs of the side bolsters and seams (this is where tears most often appear).
- Ceiling - turn on the interior lighting and shoot in the light: this will show the leak stains.
- trunk — take a picture with the lid closed and open (check the seals).
Use macro mode for shooting small defects (for example, cracks in the plastic around the gearshift lever). If the seller does not allow photography, this is a reason to be wary. Please note smell in the cabin: The lingering aroma of the freshener can mask mold or tobacco odors.
⚠️ Attention: In the photo of the salon Qashqai with mileage over 100,000 km often not visible pedal wear — they need to be checked separately. A worn rubber lining on the clutch pedal (if the car has a manual transmission) indicates the aggressive driving style of the previous owner.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Qashqai interior
Is it possible to install wireless charging in Qashqai J11?
Yes, but the lower center console panel will need to be replaced. Original kit from Nissan (art. 285B0-JM00A) costs ~15,000 ₽, but there are also universal solutions (for example, from Baseus). Important: J11 does not have a regular place for the module, so you will have to sacrifice a cup holder.
Why do plastic panels creak in the Qashqai J12 interior?
The problem is for cars produced in 2021-2022 - creaking occurs due to insufficient fixation of clips on the dashboard. The official service will eliminate the defect free of charge under warranty (bolt T30 under the glove compartment needs to be tightened). If the warranty has expired, joint treatment will help silicone grease.
How to turn off the duct lighting at night?
On the menu Settings → Interior lighting → Panel lighting select Motion Off mode or set the timer to 10 seconds. In versions up to 2023, this option is only available in the configuration Tekna.
Which covers are best to protect the interior of a Qashqai?
For fabric seats, covers from Covercraft (art. CF10226), for leather - Wet Okole (neoprene, prevent slipping). Important: covers should not overlap side airbags in the seats!
The interior of the Nissan Qashqai J12 is superior to its predecessor in terms of ergonomics and technology, but requires more careful care of sensory elements. When buying a used car, pay attention to the condition of the plastic around the screens and check the operation of all the lights - these are the first signs of a “tired” car.