Nissan SUV Models Up Close: Smallest to Biggest

From Kicks to Armada, a closer look at each model.

This guide is continuously updated for relevance, accuracy, and the most recent info.

Nissan streamlined their SUV and crossover lineup, ditching the quirky Juke and, more recently, discontinuing the short-lived Rogue Sport. But the Pathfinder lives on, over three decades strong, and the Rogue, Murano, and Armada remain in the mix. The 2025 Kicks is redesigned, too. We cover:


Nissan Kicks (Subcompact Crossover SUV)

2025-Nissan-Kicks-silver-front
2025 Kicks. Photo: Nissan

Key features:

AWD optional for the first time

Best ground clearance & cargo space in segment

More powerful 2.0L engine compared to 1.6L in 2024

Nissan’s smallest crossover gains a complete 2025 redesign. The outgoing model blended style and efficiency well with its 122-horsepower 1.6L engine and Xtronic transmission. Now, the Kicks gets a more powerful 2.0L inline-four engine rated for 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an updated Xtronic transmission. Plus, the small hauler finally gains all-wheel drive, though it’s optional along with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist system.

For 2025, the styling is sharper with a broader stance (“inspired by high-end sneakers,” says Nissan) and more premium interior details. Of course, there’s a bigger touchscreen now at 12.3 inches, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (all optional). Even before, the Kicks boasted decent cargo space, and now, it’s even larger, roomier, and more flexible inside the cabin.

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Nissan Ariya (Electric Compact Crossover SUV)

2023 Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE Platinum+ power
2023 Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE Platinum+. Photo: Jeff Wilson

Key features:

Up to 304 miles of electric range

Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assists comes standard

Futuristic styling

Nissan’s first all-electric crossover SUV, the Ariya first debuted in mid 2020. For 2023, the Nissan Ariya is all-new with an EPA estimated range of up to 304 miles for the Venture+ model, according to Nissan. Among the Ariya’s useful tech features will be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a voice command system programmed to recognize natural speech to operate the car’s secondary systems.

All Ariya trims will come standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assists, including familiar items like pedestrian detection with front and rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, and high beam assist. A ProPilot Assist 2.0 system will allow semi-autonomous highway driving, with Nissan’s e-Pedal providing one-pedal driving.

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Nissan Rogue (Compact Crossover SUV)

2024 Nissan Rogue. Photo: Nissan

Key features:

First Nissan with Google built-in

2023 Rogue SV added the new Midnight Edition package

2024 gains updated styling and improved connectivity

The 2024 Nissan Rogue presents a fresh look with new, bolder front and rear fascia designs—something we feel this compact hauler has been missing all these years. It’s the first Nissan to feature Google built-in, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more via Google Play (available on SL and Platinum grades). The compact crossover comes with an extended three-year trial of NissanConnect Services, providing added connectivity benefits.

In terms of performance and efficiency, the Rogue is powered by a standard 1.5L Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine paired with an Xtronic CVT. This engine boasts 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, while Standard Idle Stop/Start enhances fuel savings by turning off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Overall, with the most standard safety technologies in its class, according to Nissan, the updated Rogue combines more style and performance (finally, we say).

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Nissan Murano (Mid-Size SUV)

2024 Nissan Murano. Photo: Nissan

Key features:

V6 with 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque

Available all-wheel drive

Powered panoramic moonroof standard on SL trim

The mid-size Murano is an interesting one because it often gets cross-shopped with luxury competitors since its 2015 redesign. While it’s not technically a luxury SUV, its styling with chrome touches, the V-motion grille, C-shaped LED lighting, floating-roof look, and aerodynamically sculpted roof offer a more upscale vibe. The Midnight Edition package on the Murano SV steps is up even further.

The 2024 Murano lineup has been refined to include three versions: SV, SL, and Platinum. One notable addition is the powered panoramic moonroof, which now comes as a standard feature on the Murano SL. It’s powered by a 3.5L DOHC V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, all paired with an advanced Xtronic transmission, offering a choice of front-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The engine incorporates variable valve timing and variable intake technology to enhance power and efficiency. The Murano achieves up to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (FWD)9 for impressive fuel economy.


Nissan Pathfinder (Mid-Size SUV)

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek parked in the forest with mist
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek. Photo: Nissan

Key features:

Worthy off-road features with 2023 Rock Creek grade

Improved towing capacity and AWD with 2022 redesign

Available 12.3-inch full-colour digital dashboard

Nissan’s mid-size Pathfinder has been going strong for 35 years — for 2022, the Pathfinder hits the market hard with a rugged look and redesign, a more responsive 9-speed transmission paired with 4WD, better towing capabilities, seating for 8, and a massive 12.3-inch digital dashboard, to get things started. Nissan’s mid-size Pathfinder has been going strong for 35 years, gaining a complete redesign for 2022. So, not much has changed for 2023 and 2024 regarding updates. However, the 2023 Pathfinder added the new Rock Creek grade (adding to the S, SV, SL and Platinum lineup) with off-road-inspired features, including a lifted and tuned suspension, 18-inch beadlock-style wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, a tubular roof rack and more. This Pathfinder made our list of the best off-road family SUVs.

Under the hood is the same 3.5L Direct Injection V6 from the previous generation, making 248 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. But it’s now matte to an improved 9-speed transmission. Nissan promises this next-generation Pathfinder provides a smooth, robust, and direct vehicle response.

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Nissan Armada (Full-Size SUV)

2023 Nissan Armada fullsize SUV in white driving in the snow
2023 Nissan Armada. Photo: Nissan

Key features:

2023 model gains more standard tech and features

Burly V8 with 400 horsepower

Premium-looking 3-row SUV without the huge price tag

The largest SUV in Nissan’s lineup, the Armada received a hefty 2021 refresh inside and out, including worthy exterior styling changes, mainly up front. From a more rugged yet upscale exterior design to a simplified interior with additional tech and features. For 2023, the full-size SUV offers an improved list of premium features and technologies, including the addition of Amazon Alexa Built-in. The Armada SV entry-level model adds standard remote engine start, LED front fog lights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a universal garage door opener. At the same time, the mid-range SL now gets a heated steering wheel at no charge. 

An equally big engine powers the big hauler — the 5.6L Endurance V8 making 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching that above all helps with fuel economy. 

There you have it, the latest in Nissan SUVs and crossovers. Are you shopping for a new Nissan? Check out all our Nissan reviews here.

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News Editor
News Editor
Bringing the latest news including release dates, pricing announcements, product updates. With some glossy concepts and special edition rides in the mix.