All Nissan SUV models: from <em>Juke</em> to <em>Patrol</em>

SUVs Nissan For decades now they have been associated with reliability, maneuverability and innovation. The Japanese brand offers one of the widest ranges of jeeps - from urban crossovers to serious frame SUVs capable of conquering off-road terrain. In this article we will look at all current and discontinued models, their technical features, advantages and disadvantages, and we will also help you decide on the choice for specific tasks.

Feature Nissan is a combination of time-tested technologies (for example, all-wheel drive system ALL-MODE 4×4 or diesel engines YD25) with modern solutions such as hybrid powertrains or driver assistance systems ProPILOT. At the same time, the brand’s pricing policy remains more affordable compared to its European competitors. But how not to get lost in this diversity? Let's sort it out in order.

Classification of Nissan SUVs: from crossovers to frame jeeps

Before diving into models, it is important to understand how Nissan structures its line. The brand's SUVs are divided into 4 main categories:

• 🚗 Urban crossovers - compact models with increased ground clearance, but without a frame structure (Juke, Kicks).
• 🏙️ Mid-size crossovers — station wagons for families and light off-road (Qashqai, X-Trail, Ariya).
• 🌲 Classic SUVs - models with a monocoque body, but with improved geometry and all-wheel drive (Murano, Pathfinder).
• 🏔️ Frame SUVs — serious jeeps for extreme off-road (Patrol, Navara, Terrano in some generations).

The main difference between frame models is ability to tow heavy trailers (up to 3.5 tons) Patrol) and overcoming serious off-road conditions thanks to the rigid connection of the body to the frame. While crossovers like Juke designed for asphalt and primers, but lose in load capacity. This classification will help narrow down your search: for example, for a city there will be enough Kicks, and for hunting or fishing in the wilderness you will need Patrol.

Interesting fact: Nissan one of the few manufacturers who still produces diesel engines for their SUVs (for example, X-Trail with motor 1.7 dCi). This is relevant for regions with poor gasoline or for those who value efficiency on the highway.

Compact crossovers: Juke, Kicks And Ariya (electrician)

If you need a stylish and maneuverable car for the city with a slight touch of “off-road”, pay attention to compact models. They are ideal for parking in tight yards, but still have clearance 170–210 mm and all-wheel drive in top versions.

Nissan Juke — the most extravagant crossover in the lineup. Its memorable design (especially the “eye” headlights) and compact dimensions (4.2 m in length) make the model popular among young people. Under the hood is a petrol turbo engine 1.0 DIG-T (117 hp) or more powerful 1.6 DIG-T (200 hp). However Juke criticized for the cramped interior and stiff suspension on uneven surfaces.

• ✅ Pros: unique design, economical consumption (5.5–7 l/100 km), affordable price (from 1.8 million rubles).
• ❌ Cons: small trunk (284 l), noisy cabin at speed.

Nissan Kicks - a more practical alternative Juke. It is longer by 20 cm, which gives more legroom for rear passengers, and is equipped with a hybrid installation e-POWER (140 hp). This system combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption by up to 4.5 l/100 km in the city. Kicks also offers all-wheel drive Intelligent AWD, which automatically engages the rear axle when slipping.

New to the line - Nissan Ariya, the brand's first all-electric crossover. With battery 87 kWh he drives to 460 km according to the WLTP cycle, and acceleration to 100 km/h takes 7.5 s in the version with two motors. Ariya stands out for its futuristic interior with two screens 12.3" and the system ProPILOT 2.0, allowing you to drive on the highway almost autonomously.

Family crossovers: Qashqai And X-Trail — bestsellers

These two models are flagships of the Nissan line, which have long won the love of Russian buyers. They combine a spacious interior, reliability and moderate cross-country ability, making them ideal for families with children or active recreation.

Nissan Qashqai (3rd generation) built on a modular platform CMF-C, which improved body rigidity and handling. In Russia, the model is offered with a gasoline engine 1.3 DIG-T (140 or 158 hp) and CVT Xtronic. Ground clearance is 190 mm, and the system Intelligent 4WD automatically distributes torque between axles. Inside there is a digital dashboard 12.3" and multimedia screen 9" with support Apple CarPlay.

Nissan X-Trail (4th generation) larger and more practical: length 4.69 m, trunk 565 l (up to 1.98 m³ with the seats folded), as well as the option 7 seats in version X-Trail 7-Seater. Under the hood - the same 1.3 DIG-T, but with 158 hp output, or a hybrid installation e-POWER (213 hp). The latter is especially relevant for the city, where the electric motor takes on the main load.

Characteristics	Qashqai (2023)	X-Trail (2023)
Length, mm	4425	4690
Ground clearance, mm	190	210
Trunk volume, l	504	565 (1980 with seats folded)
Minimum price, rub.	2 100 000	2 800 000

Both crossovers are equipped with the system ProPILOT, which at speeds up to 60 km/h can independently maintain a lane, brake in front of obstacles, and even change lanes at the driver’s command. However hybrid X-Trail costs more to maintain due to the complexity of the system e-POWER.

What is the difference between an e-POWER hybrid and a classic hybrid?

In the system e-POWER the gasoline engine only works as a generator for the electric motor, whereas in classic hybrids (for example, Toyota) it can directly drive the wheels. It does e-POWER smoother in the city, but less efficient on the highway.

Classic SUVs: Murano, Pathfinder And Terrano

These models occupy an intermediate position between crossovers and frame jeeps. They are built on a monocoque body, but have improved geometry, crankcase protection and, often, reduction gearing. Their main advantage is comfort on asphalt while maintaining moderate cross-country ability.

Nissan Murano — premium crossover with a coupe-like silhouette and engine 3.5 V6 (260 hp). It is equipped with a variator Xtronic and all-wheel drive Intelligent AWD, which distributes thrust between the axles in the ratio 100:0 to 0:100. The interior features leather trim, ventilated seats and Bose with 11 speakers. However Murano criticized for high consumption (11–13 l/100 km) and the absence of a diesel version.

Nissan Pathfinder (5th generation) returned to the platform D-Platformwhich is shared with Qashqai, but offers a more powerful motor 2.5 VR30DDTT (300 hp) and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Off-road capabilities are limited by the lack of a reduction gear, but the ground clearance 203 mm and departure/approach angles (20°/23°) allow you to cope with light off-road conditions. In the cabin there are 3 rows of seats and a trunk 450 l (up to 2.2 m³).

Nissan Terrano (in Russia it was sold as refaced Renault Duster) is a budget option for those who want a frame jeep at the price of a crossover. It is equipped with motors 1.6 (114 hp) or 2.0 (143 hp), all-wheel drive Part-Time with reduction gear and ground clearance 210 mm. The main advantage is the price from 1.5 million rub., but the interior and finishing are noticeably inferior to the “native” models Nissan.

Frame SUVs: Patrol And Navara - off-road legends

If you need real jeepcapable of overcoming serious off-road conditions, towing a trailer or working in extreme conditions, then the choice is obvious - frame models Nissan. They are built on a rigid frame, have a dependent rear suspension and, often, limited slip differential.

Nissan Patrol (6th generation, Y62) is the flagship of the line, which in some countries is sold under the name Armada. This is a full-size SUV with a motor 5.6 VK56VD (405 hp) and a 7-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped with an all-wheel drive system All-Mode 4×4 with reduction gear, rear differential lock and ground clearance 273 mm. Patrol can tow up to 3.5 tons and overcome the deep ford 70 cm. In the cabin - 7 or 8 seats, leather trim and multimedia with screen 8".

• ✅ Pros: legendary reliability, huge engine life (up to 500,000 km), high status.
• ❌ Cons: consumption 16–18 l/100 km, high price (from 6 million rub.), dimensions (5.1 m in length).

Nissan Navara - a pickup truck that is often used as a base for expeditionary projects. It is offered with a diesel engine 2.3 YS23DDTT (160 or 190 hp) and a 7-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive system ALL-MODE 4×4 includes downshift and rear differential lock. Load capacity - 1 ton, and towing capacity - 3.5 tons. In Russia Navara popular among hunters, fishermen and owners of country houses.

I wonder what Patrol And Navara share many technical solutions, including the platform F-Alpha and an all-wheel drive system. However Navara cheaper to maintain due to a simpler design.

Frame condition (corrosion, deformation)|

Downshift and locking operation|

Oil level in axle and transfer case|

Turbine condition (for diesel engines) Navara)|

Electronics (ABS, ESP, 4WD sensors)-->

Discontinued models: Xterra, Rogue and others

For its history Nissan has produced many SUVs that are no longer produced, but remain in demand on the secondary market. Some of them have become iconic, and parts for them are still available.

Nissan Xterra (2000–2015) - frame SUV built on the basis Frontier. It was equipped with motors 2.4 (143 hp) or 4.0 V6 (265 hp), all-wheel drive Part-Time with reduction gear and ground clearance 220 mm. Xterra was popular among extreme sports enthusiasts due to its simple design and reliability, but in 2015 its production ceased due to stricter safety standards.

Nissan Rogue (in Russia known as X-Trail until 2014) is a compact crossover, which in the USA was sold with engines 2.5 (170 hp) and a variator. It did not have a frame structure, but offered all-wheel drive Intelligent AWD. On the secondary market Rogue valued for its reliability and low price (from 1 million rub. for copies 2015–2017).

Also worth mentioning:

• 🚙 Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2005–2012) - frame predecessor of the modern Pathfinder, with motor 2.5 dCi (174 hp) and reduction gear.
• 🏜️ Nissan Safari (outside Russia - Patrol GR) - the legendary jeep of the 1980s–1990s with a diesel engine TD42, which is still in use in Africa and the Middle East.

Why Xterra banned in Russia?

The model was not officially certified for the Russian market due to non-compliance with emissions standards (Euro-5) and passive safety. However, many specimens are imported “gray” from the USA.

How to choose a Nissan SUV: expert advice

Choosing a jeep Nissan depends on your tasks. Here are the key criteria to focus on:

1. Budget:
   • Before 2 million rub. - used Qashqai, X-Trail (2015–2018) or new Kicks.
   • 2–4 million rubles. - new Qashqai, X-Trail or used Pathfinder.
   • From 4 million rub. — Patrol, Navara or premium Murano.
2. Patency:
   • Enough for the city and primers Juke or Qashqai.
   • For light off-road (forest, field) - X-Trail or Terrano.
   • For serious offroading - only Patrol or Navara.
3. Fuel type:
   • Gasoline is easier to maintain, but more expensive to consume (Qashqai, Murano).
   • Diesel is more economical on the highway, but is sensitive to fuel quality (Navara, old Pathfinder).
   • Hybrid - optimal for the city (X-Trail e-POWER, Kicks).

Attention! When buying used Nissan with mileage > 150,000 km be sure to check:

⚠️ Condition of the variator (especially on Qashqai And X-Trail until 2017) - its resource rarely exceeds 200,000 km without changing the oil.

⚠️ Corrosion on frame models (Patrol, Navara) - rust often appears at the suspension mounting points.

If you choose between X-Trail And Qashqai, please note that the first one is larger and more practical, but more expensive to maintain. And if you need maximum reliability, take it Patrol with petrol V8, but be prepared for high consumption.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan SUVs

Which Nissan SUV is the most reliable?

According to repair statistics and owner reviews, reliability leaders are:

1. Nissan Patrol Y62 (gasoline V8) — engine life up to 500,000 km.
2. Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) with motor QR25DE - simple design, little electronics.
3. Nissan Navara D40 (diesel YS23DDTT) - reliable transmission and frame.

The most problematic models - Juke first generation (variator) and Murano Z51 (variator + complex suspension).

Is it possible to put gas on Nissan Qashqai or X-Trail?

Technically you can, but there are nuances:

• 🔧 For motors HR16DE And MR20DE (until 2017) HBO is installed without problems.
• ⚠️ For turbo engines DIG-T (since 2017) required ECU flashing, otherwise there is a risk of detonation.
• 💰 Savings on fuel pays for the installation of LPG only during mileage > 30,000 km/year.

Important: Nissan officially does not recommend HBO on cars with a CVT, since changing the dynamics can reduce its life.

What is the ground clearance Nissan X-Trail and can it be increased?

Standard ground clearance X-Trail T33 (2021+) — 210 mm. It can be increased:

• 🔧 Spacers into the springs (+20–30 mm, cost ~15,000 rub.).
• 🔧 Replacing springs/shock absorbers to reinforced ones (+40–50 mm, from 50,000 rub.).
• ⚠️ Please note that the elevator > 40 mm will require wheel alignment adjustments and may affect the life of the CV joints.

For serious offroading it is better to consider Patrol — its ground clearance 273 mm even in stock.

How is it different? Nissan Terrano from Renault Duster?

Despite the external similarity, there is key differences:

Parameter	Nissan Terrano	Renault Duster
Engines	1.6 (114 hp), 2.0 (143 hp)	1.6 (114 hp), 2.0 (143 hp), 1.5 dCi (110 hp)
Four-wheel drive	Part-Time with reduction gear	Easy-R (connected automatically) or Lock Mode
Price (new)	From 1.5 million rub.	From 1.3 million rub.

Terrano positioned as a more “off-road” version Duster due to downshifting and a different design, but in essence it is the same car, assembled at the factory Renault in Moscow.

How long does a variator last? Nissan Qashqai?

CVT resource Jatco JF011E/JF016E (installed on Qashqai J11 And X-Trail T32) depends on operating conditions:

• 🔧 With careful driving and regular oil changes (every 60,000 km) - up to 200,000–250,000 km.
• ⚠️ When driving aggressively or ignoring maintenance - fails already 100,000–150,000 km.
• 💰 The cost of replacing a variator is from 250,000 rub. (with work).

Advice: avoid towing And sharp starts — this greatly shortens the life of the variator. Also keep an eye on the oil level (it should be NS-2 or NS-3).