Nissan Qashqai in Tenerife: A First-Hand Driving Review

Arriving in Tenerife usually means a mix of excitement and a sudden realization that the island is basically one giant volcano. To explore it properly, you need a car that can handle a bit of everything. We recently spent a few days driving the Nissan Qashqai across the island to see exactly how it copes with the varied terrain, shifting climates and sometimes challenging infrastructure.

There is a reason the crossover segment is so popular here. You want a bit of height to see over the volcanic stone walls, enough comfort to survive long days out exploring, and dimensions that do not make you sweat when navigating old village streets. We took the keys and pointed the nose toward the mountains to find out how it really performs.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Cruising along the south coast on the TF-1 motorway is where the Qashqai feels most at home. The long fast sweepers between the airport and the major resorts are effortless. The cabin remains surprisingly quiet at highway speeds, and the suspension soaks up the occasional rough patch of tarmac with ease. It is a very relaxed cruiser when you are just trying to get from one side of the island to the other, offering a stable and predictable ride.

The real test comes when you leave the coast. We took the TF-21 climbing up to Mount Teide. Reaching an altitude of 2,100 metres means thinner air and a massive temperature drop. The turbocharged engine handles the climb well, though you do have to work it a little harder on the steepest gradients through the pine forests. The automatic gearbox drops gears smoothly when you need a sudden burst of power to overtake slower traffic on the climbing lanes.

Then there is the infamous TF-436 descending into Masca. This road is a spectacular ribbon of tarmac clinging to cliff faces with extremely narrow hairpins. Here, small cars usually have the advantage. The Qashqai feels quite wide on these sections. We had to slow right down and fold the mirrors in a few times when passing local buses coming the other way. The steering is light enough to make the constant lock-to-lock turning manageable, but you are always acutely aware of the car’s footprint on roads this tight.

Up in the north, the Anaga forest roads present a completely different challenge. They are often damp, twisty and shrouded in thick mist due to the local microclimate. The front-wheel-drive setup grips well on the slippery leaf-strewn corners. The raised ride height gives you great visibility through the fog, helping you spot oncoming traffic early, which is essential when the roads twist blindly through the ancient laurel trees.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The Qashqai is brilliant for long days of sightseeing. The seats are supportive, and the elevated driving position gives you a commanding view of the dramatic coastal drops. It is incredibly easy to drive, requiring very little mental effort on the main roads. The air conditioning system is powerful, which is a blessing when the sun is beating down on the southern coast.

However, it does have a few drawbacks and we want to be entirely honest about them. As mentioned, the width becomes a slight liability on the tightest mountain passes. On the twisty roads of Anaga, you will notice some body roll if you try to take corners too quickly. It is a car designed for comfort rather than spirited driving. If you want to carve through canyons with a sporty feel, this is not the vehicle for you. Furthermore, the engine can sound a bit strained when pushed hard up the steepest inclines of the TF-21.

Practical notes

Navigating the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas can be a real test of patience. Parking is notoriously tight. You will spend a lot of time looking for blue-line meters and trying to slot into spaces that seem designed for much smaller vehicles. Thankfully, the Qashqai has light steering at low speeds and excellent parking sensors, making it relatively easy to squeeze into small spaces once you actually find one.

Luggage space is generous. The boot easily swallows three large suitcases, along with a few day bags and beach gear. This makes it a fantastic option for families or groups of four adults travelling together. Rear legroom is ample, meaning passengers in the back will not be complaining during the long drive up to the volcano.

Fuel economy was respectable, even with the heavy mountain climbs. We averaged a very reasonable fuel consumption over our trip, which helps keep holiday costs down. If you are interested in trying our exact setup, we drove the Automatic, 1.3 L, 5-seat model which provided a great balance of efficiency and everyday usability.

Verdict

The Nissan Qashqai is a highly competent all-rounder for a Tenerife holiday. It will not set your pulse racing on a mountain pass, but it will get you to the top of Mount Teide in comfort and swallow all your luggage with ease. Just be prepared to take it slow and steady on the narrowest cliff roads around Masca. For the vast majority of visitors, it offers exactly the right mix of space, comfort and practicality for exploring this beautiful and rugged island.

Where to book the Nissan Qashqai in Tenerife

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