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Wiper Blades
| Wiper Spec | Ford Kuga | Nissan Qashqai |
|---|---|---|
| Front — longer blade | See guide | 650 mm / 26 in |
| Front — shorter blade | See guide | 475 mm / 19 in |
| Rear | 280 mm / 11 in | 300 mm / 12 in |
| Fitting Type | Pinch tab | Hook (9×3 / 9×4) |
Full Ford Kuga wiper guide · Full Nissan Qashqai wiper guide
Headlight Bulbs
| Bulb Position | Ford Kuga | Nissan Qashqai |
|---|---|---|
| Low Beam | N/A | N/A |
| High Beam | N/A | N/A |
| Front Indicator | N/A | N/A |
| Sidelights | LED | W5W |
Engine Oil
| Oil Spec | Ford Kuga | Nissan Qashqai |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | 5W-30 | 5W-30 |
| Manufacturer Spec | Ford WSS-M2C913-D | ACEA C4 / Renault RN17 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.0L | 5.2L |
| DPF-Safe | No | No |
Cabin Filter
| Filter Spec | Ford Kuga | Nissan Qashqai |
|---|---|---|
| Part Ref | MANN CUK 28 009 | MANN CU 22 034 |
| Type | Particle or activated carbon | Particle only — no carbon version exists |
| Change Interval | See the handbook — no figure published | See the handbook — no figure published |
Full Ford Kuga filter guide · Full Nissan Qashqai filter guide
Car Battery
| Battery Spec | Ford Kuga | Nissan Qashqai |
|---|---|---|
| Group | 096 | 096 (027 e-Power) |
| Type | EFB | standard/EFB |
| Ah | N/A | N/A |
| Start-Stop | Yes | No |
Full Ford Kuga battery guide · Full Nissan Qashqai battery guide
Spark Plugs
| Spark Plug Spec | Ford Kuga | Nissan Qashqai |
|---|---|---|
| Plug | 2 plugs by engine | 2 plugs by engine |
| Type | See the full guide | See the full guide |
| Gap | Varies by engine | Varies by engine |
| Quantity | Varies by engine | Varies by engine |
Full Ford Kuga spark plug guide · Full Nissan Qashqai spark plug guide
Estimated Annual Consumable Costs
Both the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai have similar consumable costs, but here’s roughly what to budget for DIY maintenance:
| Item | Typical Cost | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper Blades (set) | £15–30 | Annual |
| Headlight Bulbs (pair) | £8–30 | As needed |
| Engine Oil + Filter | £30–50 | Annual / 10K miles |
| Cabin Filter | £8–15 | 12–15K miles |
| Battery | £60–150 | Every 4–6 years |
| Spark Plugs | £15–40 | Every 30–80K miles |
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain?
For routine consumables like wipers, bulbs, and filters, the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai are very similar in cost. The key differences come down to:
- Oil spec — the Ford Kuga uses 5W-30 while the Nissan Qashqai uses 5W-30. Some specs require pricier oil.
- Battery type — start-stop cars need EFB or AGM batteries which cost more than standard ones.
- Spark plugs — iridium plugs cost more but last much longer than standard copper.
In practice, both cars cost roughly £80–150 per year in consumables when you do the work yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ford Kuga parts more expensive than Nissan Qashqai?
For routine consumables (wipers, bulbs, oil, filters), costs are very similar between the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai. Both use widely available, competitively priced parts.
Can I use the same wiper blades on a Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai?
Not necessarily. The Ford Kuga uses 28″ driver / 28″ passenger blades while the Nissan Qashqai uses 26″ / 17″. Always check the exact sizes for your model.
Which car is easier to maintain at home?
Both the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai are straightforward for DIY maintenance. Changing wipers, bulbs, and cabin filters requires no special tools. Oil changes and spark plugs are also manageable with basic equipment.
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How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →