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The Nissan Qashqai has been named Best Family Car at the RAC New Car Awards 2026, recognising its outstanding combination of value, safety, practicality, comfort and hybrid efficiency. The award further cements the Qashqai’s reputation as one of the UK’s most popular family SUVs, ahead of its 20th anniversary celebrations later this year.
For drivers searching for a versatile, efficient and technology-packed family car in Scotland, the award-winning Nissan Qashqai continues to set the benchmark in the competitive family crossover market.
The RAC’s expert car review team assessed the Nissan Qashqai using a 10-point scoring system across seven key criteria: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance.
The Qashqai impressed the judges across these areas, earning praise as one of their favourite hybrid SUVs overall and the best option for UK families. Its well-rounded capabilities make it a compelling choice for everyday family life, from school runs and commuting to longer journeys and weekend adventures.
Since helping redefine the crossover market 20 years ago, the Nissan Qashqai has become one of the brand’s most successful models. More than four million Qashqai vehicles have been sold across Europe over the past two decades, while the model continues to rank among the UK’s best-selling cars.
The 2026 RAC New Car Award also takes the Qashqai’s global award tally to more than 110, including 20 Car of the Year accolades across different countries.
This latest recognition highlights the enduring appeal of a family SUV that combines everyday practicality with modern technology, refined driving characteristics and efficient hybrid powertrains.
The latest Nissan Qashqai builds on its established strengths with Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER hybrid technology. Designed to combine responsive performance with efficiency, e-POWER further enhances the Qashqai’s appeal to families looking for a refined and practical alternative to a conventional petrol SUV.
Its combination of space, comfort, technology and efficient driving makes the Qashqai well suited to a wide range of journeys, whether navigating urban streets or travelling further afield.
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."
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.''
The Nissan Qashqai’s success at the RAC New Car Awards 2026 reinforces its position as a leading choice for families seeking practicality, comfort and hybrid technology in one versatile SUV.
At Western & Barnetts Nissan, you can explore the Nissan Qashqai range and find out more about the available models, features and finance options. Whether you are considering your next family car or looking to upgrade to a hybrid SUV, our team can help you discover the right Qashqai for your needs.
Explore the Nissan Qashqai range at Western & Barnetts Nissan today and enquire about your next family SUV.
8 Westerton Road, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn
West Lothian EH52 5AU
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