Japanese automaker Nissan For more than a century, it has been surprising the world with its innovations - from affordable city cars to legendary sports cars and impeccable SUVs. The brand, whose name translates as “produced by the sun,” offers models for every taste and budget. But how to understand this diversity, if even experienced car enthusiasts sometimes confuse Qashqai with X-Trail, and Juke with Kicks?
In this article we have structured all current and discontinued Nissan models, dividing them by class and purpose. You will find out what is different Almera from Sentra in different countries, why Patrol called the "desert king", and what unique technologies the company uses in its electric cars Ariya And Leaf. And if you are just choosing a car, our comparative analysis will help you decide on your priorities.
Compact and sub-compact models: ideal choice for the city
For maneuverable driving in traffic jams and economical operation Nissan offers a line of babies with bright designs and modern options. These cars are ideal for novice drivers, students or as a second family vehicle.
The smallest model is Micra (sold as March), whose length barely exceeds 3.8 meters. Despite its modest dimensions, the car boasts 5-speed manual transmission or Xtronic CVT, as well as the system ProPILOT - semi-autonomous driver assistant. For 2023, the model receives an updated design with an aggressive front end and LED headlights.
- 🚗 Micra / March — basic hatchback with engines 0.9–1.5 l (71–98 hp)
- 💡 Note — compact van with a hybrid version
e-POWER(116 hp) - 🌟 Juke — cross-hatchback with a 1.0 l turbo engine (117 hp) and proprietary “cat eyes” optics
- 🔋 Sakura (Japan only) - electric car based on Micra with a power reserve of 180 km
⚠️ Attention: Models Note And Juke second generation are equipped with a systemNissanConnectwith supportApple CarPlayAndAndroid Auto, but to activate it you must be connected to the serviceNissan Services(paid after trial period).
- Micra
- Juke
- Note
- Other
- I don't like kids
Family sedans and station wagons: comfort and practicality
If you need a spacious interior, a large trunk and reliable suspension for long trips, pay attention to sedans and station wagons Nissan. These models combine Japanese build quality, economical engines and advanced safety systems.
The flagship of the line is Teana (known in Europe as Altima), which is offered with 2.5 liter or 3.5 liter V6 engine. A special feature of the model is the system Intelligent Cruise Control, which automatically maintains the distance to the vehicle in front. But Almera (aka Sentra in the USA and Pulsar in Australia) is positioned as a budget alternative with 1.5–1.6 liter engines and a CVT.
| Model | Body type | Engines | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almera / Sentra | Sedan | 1.5 l (109 hp), 1.6 l (118 hp) | CVT Xtronic, system Intelligent Mobility |
| Teana / Altima | Sedan | 2.5 L (182 hp), 3.5 L V6 (270 hp) | Four-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS, leather interior |
| Primera | Sedan/Wagon | 1.6 l (130 hp), 2.0 l (150 hp) | System ProPILOT Park for automatic parking |
| Sunny | Sedan | 1.5 l (100–110 hp) | Budget model for emerging markets |
Interesting fact: Primera third generation (2007–2014) was equipped with an innovative system for its time Lane Departure Warning, which warned about unintentional departure from the lane. Today this technology can be found even in the brand’s compact models.
When buying used Teana with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, be sure to check the condition of the variator - replacing it can cost 30–50% of the cost of the car.
Crossovers and SUVs: from city dudes to serious SUVs
It was the crossovers that made Nissan one of the leaders in the global car market. Models like Qashqai And X-Trail have become standards in their classes, combining cross-country ability, comfort and advanced technology. But how to choose among such a variety?
Let's start with the most popular - Qashqai. This compact crossover, which debuted in 2006, became the founder of the new urban SUV segment. Third generation (from 2021) offers hybrid powertrain e-POWER (190 hp), where the gasoline engine works exclusively as a generator for the electric motor. But X-Trail (aka Rogue in the USA) is larger and more practical: the cabin seats 7 passengers, and the all-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4-i automatically distributes torque between axles.
- 🏙️ Qashqai - compact crossover with hybrid
e-POWERand the systemProPILOT - 🌲 X-Trail / Rogue — family SUV with the option of 7 seats and drive
All-Mode 4x4-i - 💎 Murano - premium crossover with
V6 3.5 l(260 hp) and panoramic roof - 🚙 Kicks — urban crossover on a platform Juke with ground clearance 200 mm
- ⚡ Ariya — an electric crossover with a power reserve of up to 500 km and a interior
Zero Gravity
How is it different? X-Trail from Rogue?>
In the USA the model is sold under the name Rogue and has some differences: a different front end design, different suspension settings, and there is no diesel version available in Europe. In addition, the American version is equipped with a system Nissan Safety Shield 360 in the basic configuration, whereas in Russia it is an option.
For true off-road fans Nissan offers legendary Patrol - frame SUV with 5.6-liter V8 (405 hp) and reduction gear. This model is very popular in the Middle East, where it is called the “desert king”. But Pathfinder, despite the external similarity, is built on a monocoque body and is oriented more towards asphalt.
CVT mileage (resource ~150,000 km)
Air suspension condition (if installed)
System operation Around View Monitor
Traces of corrosion on the thresholds (typical problem)
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Electric cars and hybrids: the future is here
Nissan became one of the pioneers of mass electric transport, releasing in 2010 Leaf - the first production electric car with lithium-ion batteries. Today, the brand offers a whole line of “green” cars, from compact hybrids to full-fledged electric crossovers.
New for 2023 is Ariya — an electric crossover with a range of up to 500 km (on the WLTP cycle) and an ultra-modern interior Zero Gravity, where there is no traditional dashboard. Instead, there are two 12.3-inch screens combined into a single panel. But Leaf second generation (from 2017) boasts technology e-Pedal, allowing you to drive the car with almost one accelerator pedal.
| Model | Type | Power reserve (WLTP) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariya | Electric crossover | 320–500 km | Twin-engine version (394 hp), saloon Zero Gravity |
| Leaf | Electric hatchback | 270–385 km | Technology e-Pedal, system ProPILOT |
| Note e-POWER | Hybrid | — | Gasoline generator + electric motor (116 hp) |
| Qashqai e-POWER | Hybrid | — | System e-4ORCE with all-wheel drive |
It is important to understand that e-POWER hybrids from Nissan fundamentally different from classic hybrids (for example, Toyota Prius). There's a petrol engine here never spins wheels directly — it works exclusively as a generator for an electric motor. This solution allows you to achieve the smooth ride characteristic of electric cars, without the need to recharge the battery from an outlet.
⚠️ Attention: During operation Nissan Leaf in severely cold conditions (below -20°C), the actual range may be reduced by 30–40%. The manufacturer recommends using the function Pre-conditioning (pre-heating of the interior from the mains) to save battery energy.
Sports models and legends: adrenaline from Nissan
For those who value dynamics and thrills, Nissan offers a line of sports cars with a rich racing history. These models not only delight in appearance, but are also equipped with advanced technologies, many of which come straight from the world of motorsports.
An absolute legend GT-R - a supercar nicknamed "Godzilla" for its power and affordability. The latest generation (R35) has been produced since 2007 and is equipped 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 (up to 600 hp in Nismo version). But 370Z (successor to the famous 350Z) is a classic sports car with rear wheel drive and 3.7 liter V6 (332 hp), which is perfectly balanced for the track.
- 🏁 GT-R (R35) - supercar with all-wheel drive system
ATTESA E-TSand 6-speed robotic gearbox - 🔥 370Z - rear-wheel drive sports car with coupe or roadster body
- 💨 Silvia (S15) - iconic drift car with a turbo engine
SR20DET(250 hp) - 🏆 Skyline - a sedan with racing genes (in some countries it was sold as Infiniti Q50)
Interesting fact: Nissan GT-R held the Nürburgring lap record for a production car from 2008 to 2010, with a time of 7:29 minutes. And in 2022 a special version was presented GT-R Nismo Special Edition with unique aerodynamics and lightweight wheels RAYS.
All-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS in GT-R capable of redistributing up to 100% of torque to one wheel, which makes the car incredibly controllable on the track.
Commercial vehicles and pickups: reliability for business
For entrepreneurs and farmers Nissan offers a line of trucks and pickups that are valued for their simplicity, reliability and low cost of ownership. These models are especially popular in countries with developed rural infrastructure.
The flagship of the line is Navara - pickup truck with frame structure and diesel engines 2.3 l (160–190 hp). A special feature of the model is the system Utili-track, allowing you to attach the load directly to the body without drilling. But NP300 (aka Hardbody in some countries) is a more budget version with a simple design and 2.4–2.5 liter engines.
| Model | Type | Engines | Load capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navara | Pickup | 2.3 l diesel (160–190 hp) | Up to 1 ton |
| NP300 / Hardbody | Pickup | 2.4 l (140 hp), 2.5 l (170 hp) | Up to 800 kg |
| NV200 | Minibus/van | 1.6 l (109 hp) | Cargo volume: 4.2 m³ |
| Urvan | Minivan | 2.5 l (126 hp) | Up to 12 passengers |
Ideal for urban transport NV200 - a compact van, which in some countries is used as a taxi (for example, in New York under the name NV200 Taxi). But Elgrand is a premium minivan with V6 3.5 l (272 hp), which in Japan is positioned as an alternative to business sedans.
Rare and discontinued models: nostalgia and collectible value
Over its more than century-long history Nissan released dozens of models, many of which became cult favorites. Some cars are considered rare today and are highly prized by collectors.
For example, Terrano (also known as Mistral or Pathfinder first generation) was one of the first affordable body-on-frame SUVs in Europe. A Laurel - a luxury sedan of the 80s and 90s, which in Japan competed with Toyota Crown. Stands apart Cube is an unusual minivan with an asymmetrical design that became a style icon in the early 2000s.
- 🕰️ Terrano (1986–2005) - frame SUV with diesel
2.7 TD - 👑 Laurel (1968–2002) - premium sedan with engines up to
3.0L RB26DETT(like Skyline GT-R) - 🎨 Cube (1998–2019) - minivan with a unique design and asymmetrical interior
- 🚐 Serena (1991–2022) - family minivan with all-wheel drive option
- 🏎️ Stagea (1996–2007) - “sedan based on Skyline” with a turbo engine
RB25DET
Of particular interest are models with engines of the series RB (For example, Skyline R32–R34 or Laurel latest generations). These motors are known for their reliability and tuning potential. For example, RB26DETT from Skyline GT-R capable of withstanding power up to 800–1000 hp. with proper preparation.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used one Terrano or Pathfinder first generation, pay attention to the condition of the frame - these models are prone to corrosion at the rear suspension mounting points. Repairs will cost 50–100 thousand rubles.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Nissan models
What is the difference between Qashqai And X-Trail?
Qashqai — compact crossover (length ~4.4 m) on a platform Renault-Nissan CMF-C, city-oriented. X-Trail larger (~4.7 m long), offers 7 seats and is built on a platform CMF-CD. U X-Trail also higher ground clearance (210 mm versus 190 mm for Qashqai) and an all-wheel drive system is available All-Mode 4x4-i with center differential lock.
Which Nissan is better for a family with two children?
Optimal options:
- X-Trail — if you need 7 seats and a large trunk.
- Qashqai — for the city, with a hybrid
e-POWER. - Teana — if you prefer a sedan with a premium interior.
- Serena (on the secondary market) - a spacious minivan with sliding doors.
For safety, choose configurations with Nissan Safety Shield 360 (automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, etc.).
Is it worth buying Nissan Leaf in 2026?
Depends on your priorities:
- ✅ Pros: low cost of operation, quiet operation, system
e-Pedal. - ❌ Cons: short range in cold weather, battery degradation (loss of ~2–3% capacity per year), limited network of charging stations in the regions.
For the city and short trips - an excellent choice. For long trips it is better to consider Ariya or hybrids e-POWER.
How is it different? Almera from Sentra?
These are the same model, but with different names for different markets:
- Almera - name for Europe, Russia, Middle East.
- Sentra - name for the USA, Canada, Mexico.
- Pulsar - the name for Australia and some Asian countries.
Technically, the cars are identical, but may differ in equipment and suspension settings.
Which Nissan models are equipped with a CVT Xtronic?
CVT Xtronic Installed on most modern models:
- Qashqai (since 2014)
- X-Trail (since 2013)
- Almera / Sentra (since 2019)
- Murano (since 2015)
- Teana / Altima (since 2013)
- Juke (since 2019)
The service life of the variator with proper operation is 150–200 thousand km. Main rule: change oil every 60 thousand km (despite the manufacturer's claims of a "maintenance free" transmission).