The used Nissan SUV market covers any need an SUV driver could have, from the full-size Nissan Armada, to the thrifty and nimble Nissan Kicks — there’s little you can’t do with a Nissan. This article breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of every Nissan SUV, from largest to smallest.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nissan Armada: seats eight with extra cargo room, upscale interior, high cost but pure on and off road capability
- The Nissan Pathfinder: Seats eight with less bulk than the Armada, still pricer than smaller cars but a fair middle ground
- The Nissan Murano: Nice middle size, competent engine, upscale interior — The Rogue’s more luxurious counterpart
- The Nissan Rogue: The best of both worlds — competent on road, good pricepoint, decent storage room while seating five.
- The Nissan Kicks: Small but pure practicality. Best cost and mileage, with a respectable fuel economy. Easy to drive in close-quarters.
Largest: The Nissan Armada.
The largest of Nissan’s SUVs, the Armada is an excellent choice for the adventurous, or the family. Capable of seating eight and fitting cargo in the back, the Armada’s generous space allows the flexibility that full-size drivers appreciate so much. Its interior has an unmistakable luxury feel, and its performance is no slouch: a powerful V6 gives it all the power it needs to handle any path it finds — on or off road.
As with any large car, you can expect higher initial costs, less mileage, and more difficult driving in denser areas.
The Nissan Pathfinder
A step down from the full-size Armada, the Pathfinder keeps the three-row setup capable of eight passengers, but loses the extra cargo space in the back with the third row seats up. Regardless of this, it still maintains excellent legroom, comfort, and performance befitting a family vehicle. It is also a very capable towing car — able to move a best-in-class 6000lbs on newer models.
While somewhat more tame than the massive Armata, the Pathfinder is still a respectably-sized car. You can expect to struggle in tight quarters or if you’re on a tighter budget.
The Nissan Murano
The larger of Nissan’s two middleweight SUV’s, the Murano has two rows capable of seating five total, with extra room for storage in the back. This SUV balances capability and cost well, while maintaining a comfortable ride. Its interiors vary by model, but are typically upscale and well-fitted with amenities. With the rear seats down, it out-hauls many of its midsize peers comfortably. It’s considered more luxurious and powerful than the similarly-sized Nissan Rogue.
As a midsize SUV, you get the best and worst of both ends of the size spectrum: able to seat and store the family and their things, but not many more than that. The fuel economy and handling are middling, and the price won’t be eyebrow-raising affordable or eye-wateringly expensive.
The Nissan Rogue
Nissan’s bread and butter: the Rogue. Two rows capable of seating five with a bit of cargo room. The Rogue has earned its place at the top of Nissan’s roster through its unmatched practicality. It maintains the generous cargo room of the Murano, but without as much weight or fuel expense. It keeps decent pep with its 3 cylinder turbocharged engine, but saves on fuel cost.
At a similar size to the Murano, you’ll find it more practical and likely at a better price, but you’ll miss out on some of the upscale amenities that various Murano models have to offer. But if you’re looking for a safe, practical car, the Rogue will never let you down.
The Nissan Kicks
The smallest of Nissan’s SUV lineup, the Kicks is perfect for the cost-conscious, the environmentally-considerate, or just those that appreciate the beauty of a small car. Capable of seating five with a little extra room, the Kicks is still capable of handling grocery hauls and rides with the family without all the extra bells and whistles that have come over the automotive landscape. It starts at a deeply respectable price, and gives deeply thrifty fuel performance and the handling to handle dense areas with ease.
As a smaller car, expect to have less room in the back to work with. The performance isn’t awe inspiring either, but that’s not what the Kicks tries to do: it is a practical car for practical people.
Our thoughts
From the nimble Kicks to the adventurous Armada, if you’re looking for a used Nissan SUV, come down to Alan Jay Nissan for a test drive today.