Japanese automaker Nissan - one of the largest in the world, whose history goes back more than 90 years. During this time, the brand released more than 200 different models, from compact hatchbacks to legendary sports cars and SUVs. But how to make sense of this diversity? In this article we have collected all current and historical Nissan models with photos, names and brief characteristics - from cult Skyline And Patrol to modern electric cars Ariya and crossovers Qashqai.

Nissan Feature - a unique model naming system that varied depending on the market. For example, Almera in Europe known as Sentra in the USA, and Terrano - this is a rebranding X-Trail for some regions. We will analyze these nuances so that you can easily navigate the brand’s line. You will also find here rare concept cars, limited editions and models that never came to Russia.

Classification of Nissan models: how not to get confused by names

Before moving on to the list, it is important to understand how Nissan is organizing its models. The brand uses several approaches:

  • 🔹 Alphanumeric notations (For example, 350Z, GT-R R35) - typical for sports cars and historical models.
  • 🔹 Geographical names (Murano, Pathfinder, Navara) - often used for SUVs and pickup trucks.
  • 🔹 Abstract names (Juke, Kicks, Cube) is a modern trend for crossovers and city cars.
  • 🔹 Digital indexes (Micra K13, Teana J32) - indicate the generation of the model.

In addition, Nissan often renames models for different markets. For example, Nissan Sunny in Japan it was sold as Sentra in the USA and Almera in Europe. A Nissan Terrano - this is not an independent model, but a rebranding Dacia Duster (and Renault Duster) for India and Russia. To avoid confusion, we list all alternative names in the table below.

⚠️ Attention: Some Nissan models have the same names but belong to different classes. For example, Nissan Bluebird is both a 1980s sedan and a crossover Bluebird Sylphy 2020s. Always check the generation!
Model (main name) Alternative names Body type Years of production
Nissan Almera Sentra (USA), Sunny (Japan) Pulsar (Australia) Sedan, hatchback 1995–present
Nissan Qashqai Dualis (Japan, Australia), Rogue Sport (USA) Crossover 2006–present
Nissan X-Trail Rogue (USA), Terrano (Russia, 2014–2020) Crossover 2000–present
Nissan Patrol Safari (Japan, Australia), Armada (USA, from 2021) SUV 1951–present

Legendary Nissan models: from Skyline to GT-R

If we talk about the most famous Nissan cars, it is impossible to ignore sports models and SUVs, who have become icons of the auto industry. Here are the top 5 iconic cars of the brand:

  • 🏁 Nissan Skyline (1957–2002) - a legend of Japanese tuning, especially versions GT-R (R32, R33, R34). It was this model that became famous in films "Fast and Furious" and racing series.
  • 🚗 Nissan 240Z/350Z/370Z (1969–2020) - a series of affordable rear-wheel drive sports cars that competed with Toyota Supra And Mazda RX-7.
  • 🏜️ Nissan Patrol (since 1951) - one of the longest-lived SUVs in the world, rival Toyota Land Cruiser.
  • 💨 Nissan GT-R (since 2007) - “supercar killer”, capable of competing with Porsche 911 at a price 2–3 times lower.
  • 🔋 Nissan Leaf (since 2010) - the first mass-produced electric car, sold more than 500,000 copies.

Occupies a special place in history Nissan Silvia (1964–2002) - a compact rear-wheel drive sports car beloved by drifters. His last generation (S15) is still valued for its perfect balance and tuning potential. But Nissan Stagea (1996–2007) was a unique "Skyline station wagon" that combined practicality with sporting genes.

📊Which legendary Nissan model do you like best?
  • Skyline GT-R
  • 370Z
  • Patrol
  • GT-R (R35)
  • Leaf
  • Silvia

Modern crossovers and SUVs: Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke and others

Today, Nissan's main focus is on crossovers and SUVs, which account for more than 60% of the brand's sales. The flagships of the line are:

  • 🚙 Nissan Qashqai (since 2006) - a compact crossover that created a new class of cars. Released in 2021 Third generation Qashqai with a hybrid installation.
  • 🏔️ Nissan X-Trail (since 2000) - mid-size crossover, known as Rogue in the USA. The fourth generation (2021) received a hybrid version e-Power.
  • 🎨 Nissan Juke (since 2010) - an eccentric subcompact crossover with a striking design. The second generation (2019) has become more technologically advanced.
  • 🔌 Nissan Ariya (from 2021) - the brand’s first electric crossover with a range of up to 500 km.
  • 🛻 Nissan Kicks (since 2016) - a budget crossover for emerging markets, replacing Juke in some countries.

Interesting fact: Nissan Terrano, which was sold in Russia from 2014 to 2020, was actually restyled Renault Duster with modified suspension. But Nissan Murano (since 2002) is a premium crossover, which in the third generation received a hybrid version.

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When choosing between Qashqai And X-Trail pay attention to the dimensions: X-Trail 20 cm longer and offers the option of 7 seats, whereas Qashqai more compact and economical.

Sedans and hatchbacks: from Almera to Maxima

Although Nissan is known for its crossovers, the brand also offers sedans and hatchbacks for different markets. Here are the key models:

  • 🚗 Nissan Almera (since 1995) - a budget sedan, popular in Europe and Asia. Released in 2022 Almera new generation on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi platform.
  • 💼 Nissan Teana (2003–2020) - business sedan, known as Altima in the USA and Cefiro in some countries.
  • 🏎️ Nissan Maxima (since 1981) - flagship sedan for North America, competing with Toyota Avalon.
  • 🚘 Nissan Sentra (since 1982) - a compact sedan sold as Sunny in Japan and Almera in Europe.
  • 🚗 Nissan Tiida (2004–2019) - compact hatchback known as Versa in the USA.

It's interesting that Nissan Primera (1990–2008) was one of the first sedans with continuously variable transmission (CVT), which later became the hallmark of the brand. But Nissan Laurel (1968–2002) is a premium sedan that was positioned higher in Japan Skyline.

⚠️ Attention: Many Nissan sedans for different markets have the same platform, but different names. For example, Nissan Sylphy (China) and Nissan Sentra (USA) - this is the same third generation model.

Pickups and commercial vehicles: Navara, NP300, Elgrand

Nissan is also known for its pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, which are in demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Main models:

  • 🛻 Nissan Navara (since 1985) - a mid-size pickup truck known as Frontier in the USA. The current generation (D23) received a turbodiesel 2.3 dCi and a 7-speed automatic transmission.
  • 🚛 Nissan NP300 (since 2014) - budget pickup based on Renault Alaskan, sold in Africa and the Middle East.
  • 🚐 Nissan Elgrand (since 1997) - a premium minivan, popular in Japan and Australia. The fourth generation (2023) received a hybrid installation.
  • 🚚 Nissan Urvan (since 1973) - a cargo van known as Caravan in Japan.
  • 🚖 Nissan Serena (since 1991) - family minivan, competing with Toyota Sienna.

Stands apart Nissan Titan (since 2003) - a full-size pickup truck for North America, created specifically to compete with Ford F-150 And Chevrolet Silverado. But Nissan Cabstar is a light truck that is sold in Europe as Renault Master.

Why is the Nissan Navara so popular in Australia?

In Australia Navara valued for its frame strength, high ground clearance (225 mm) and ability to tow up to 3.5 tons. Local farmers and builders often choose it instead Toyota Hilux due to a more comfortable suspension and modern safety systems.

Electric cars and hybrids: Leaf, Ariya and technology e-Power

Nissan is one of the pioneers electric vehicles. First serial Nissan Leaf (2010) became the best-selling electric car in the world before the introduction Tesla Model 3. Today the brand is developing several “green” areas:

  • 🔋 Nissan Leaf (since 2010) - a compact hatchback with a power reserve of up to 385 km (version Leaf e+).
  • 🚗 Nissan Ariya (from 2021) - an electric crossover with a battery of up to 87 kWh and a range of 500 km.
  • ⚡ Nissan e-Power - a hybrid system where the gasoline engine works only as a generator (used in Note, Kicks, X-Trail).
  • 🔌 Nissan Sakura (from 2022) - a compact electric car for the Japanese market, created jointly with Mitsubishi.

e-Power technology is unique to Nissan and combines the benefits of an electric vehicle (instant torque) and a hybrid (no need to charge). For example, in Nissan Kicks e-Power gasoline engine 1.2 works exclusively to recharge the battery, and the wheels are always rotated by an electric motor.

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Nissan plans to make 40% of its model range fully electric by 2030, and completely abandon internal combustion engines by 2050.

Rare and limited models: what you didn't know about Nissan

In addition to production models, Nissan has produced many unique and limited carsthat few people know about:

  • 🦅 Nissan Pivo (2005–2011) - an experimental urban electric car with a rotating cabin (passengers always look forward, even when parking backwards).
  • 🏎️ Nissan IDx (2013) - a retro sports car concept that never went into production, despite high fan demand.
  • 🚀 Nissan DeltaWing (2012) - racing prototype for Le Mans with unusual aerodynamics and engine 1.6 300 hp
  • 🏝️ Nissan Xterra (1999–2015) - An off-road SUV popular in the United States, but never sold in Europe.
  • 🎭 Nissan Cube (1998–2019) - a compact van with an asymmetrical design that has become iconic in Japan.

One of the most unusual projects - Nissan Land Glider (2009), a concept for a narrow electric vehicle with a “motorcycle” stance and the ability to lean into corners. But Nissan Juke-R (2011) is Juke with engine and transmission from GT-R (545 hp!), released in only 23 copies.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan models

🔍 Why does Nissan have so many different names for one model?

Nissan adapts names to local markets for ease of pronunciation and marketing purposes. For example, Almera in Europe it sounds more "European" than Sunny (Japanese name). This is also due to the history of the merger between Nissan and Renault - some models were developed jointly and received different names.

🚗 Which Nissan model is the most reliable?

According to research J.D. Power And Consumer Reports, the most reliable are considered:

  • 🔹 Nissan Patrol (SUV with an engine life of 500,000+ km).
  • 🔹 Nissan X-Trail (especially diesel versions with a motor 2.0 dCi).
  • 🔹 Nissan Leaf (an electric vehicle with a minimum number of moving parts).

However models with variator (CVT) require more frequent maintenance than traditional automatic machines.

⚡ What is Nissan e-Power and why is it better than a regular hybrid?

E-Power - this is series-parallel hybrid, where the wheels are always rotated by an electric motor, and the gasoline engine only works as a generator. Benefits:

  • 🔹 No need to charge (unlike plug-in hybrids).
  • 🔹 Instant response to the gas pedal (like an electric car).
  • 🔹Simpler design than traditional hybrids (e.g. Toyota Prius).

The disadvantage is that fuel consumption is higher than that of plug-in hybrids on the highway.

💰 Which Nissan models are the most budget-friendly in 2026?

Among the new models, the most affordable are:

  • 🔹 Nissan Micra (from 15,000 € in Europe).
  • 🔹 Nissan Almera (from 18,000 € in Russia).
  • 🔹 Nissan Kicks (from $20,000 in the USA).

It is profitable to buy on the secondary market Nissan Note (2016–2020) or Nissan Juke first generation (2010–2019).

🔧 Which Nissan models have a variator transmission (CVT) and should you be afraid of them?

CVTs are installed on most modern Nissans, including:

  • 🔹 Qashqai (since 2014).
  • 🔹 X-Trail (since 2013, except diesel versions).
  • 🔹 Almera (since 2019).
  • 🔹 Juke (all generations).
CVT problems occur when driving aggressively or not changing the oil on time (every 60,000 km). With proper maintenance, the CVT resource is 150,000–200,000 km.