Japanese brand Nissan is one of the giants of the global auto industry, whose history spans almost 90 years old. During this time, the company has produced hundreds of models: from compact city kids to monstrous SUVs and sports supercars. But how to make sense of this diversity? In this article we have structured all Nissan brands, dividing them by era, class and purpose - with an emphasis on key technical innovations and “tricks” that made the brand recognizable.

You will find out which models have become iconic (and why Skyline GT-R R34 still breaks records at auctions), how crossovers have evolved X-Trail And Qashqai, and what unique technologies Nissan was the first to introduce into production cars - for example, the system e-POWER or platform CMF-C. And for those who are planning a purchase, we have prepared comparative tables and checklists for choosing a used Nissan.

1. Legendary Nissans: models that have become icons of the auto industry

Some Nissan cars have outgrown the status of ordinary cars and become symbols of the era. Even those who are far from auto topics know them - thanks to movies, racing or revolutionary technologies. Here are the top 5 iconic models:

  • 🏁 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32–R34) — “Godzilla” of Japanese tuners. Winner 29 races in a row in the 1990s, the hero of the movie "Fast and Furious" and the object of hunting for collectors (price R34 comes to $500 000+).
  • ⚡ Nissan GT-R (R35) — “supercar killer” with the system ATTESA E-TS (electronically controlled all-wheel drive) and engine VR38DETT, which produces 600+ hp in stock.
  • 🚗 Nissan Silvia (S13–S15) — the queen of drift thanks to a perfectly balanced rear-wheel drive platform and engine SR20DET. Modification S15 Spec-S considered the best for tuning.
  • 🌍 Nissan Patrol (Y60–Y62) - an SUV that competes with Toyota Land Cruiser in the countries of the Middle East. In the UAE it is called the “desert tank” for its reliability and 5.6 liter V8.
  • 💡 Nissan Leaf — the first mass-produced electric car (2010). Sales exceeded 600,000 copies, and batteries Leaf used for energy storage systems.

Interesting fact: Skyline was originally a brand Prince Motor Company, which Nissan absorbed in 1966. That's why the first Skyline (For example, S50) had an emblem Prince, not Nissan.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing retro Nissan models (especially Skyline or Silvia) check body number for originality. Counterfeits of Japanese “classics” are a common scam, especially in the CIS countries.

2. Modern crossovers and SUVs: from Juke to Patrol

Nissan is one of the pioneers of the crossover boom. It was this brand that released Qashqai in 2006, which became the prototype of modern SUVs. Today the line includes models for any task: from urban Kicks up to full size Armada (analogue Patrol for the USA).

Model Class Engine (base) Drive Price (from, Russia, 2026)
Nissan Juke Subcompact crossover 1.0 DIG-T (117 hp) Front/Full from 1,890,000 ₽
Nissan Qashqai Compact crossover 1.3 DIG-T (140–160 hp) Front/Full from 2,350,000 ₽
Nissan X-Trail Mid-size crossover 1.5 VC-Turbo (163 hp) Front/Full from 2,890,000 ₽
Nissan Murano Premium crossover 3.5 VQ35DE (260 hp) Full from 3,990,000 ₽
Nissan Patrol Full-size SUV 5.6 VK56VD (405 hp) Full from 6,490,000 ₽

Stands apart Nissan Ariya — the brand’s first electric crossover with a range of up to 500 km (according to the WLTP cycle). His platform CMF-EV was developed jointly with Renault and allows you to install batteries with a capacity 63–87 kWh.

📊 Which Nissan crossover do you like best?
  • Qashqai
  • X-Trail
  • Juke
  • Ariya (electric)
  • Patrol

Selection advice: If you need a crossover for the city, pay attention to Juke or Kicks — they are more compact and more economical. Better for family Qashqai or X-Trail (in the latter you can order 7 seats). Only suitable for off-road use Patrol or Terrano (in some countries).

3. Sedans and hatchbacks: from Almera to Teana

Despite the global downward trend in demand for sedans, Nissan continues to produce several models in this class. They target markets where sedans are still popular (e.g. China, USA or Russia).

The most famous representatives:

  • 🚘 Nissan Almera - budget sedan on a platform B0 (joint with Renault). In Russia it is sold with a 1.6 engine (H4M, 114 hp) and CVT X-Tronic.
  • 💼 Nissan Teana — a premium sedan for the business class. Known as in Japan Cima, and in the latest generation received a hybrid installation e-POWER.
  • 🏙️ Nissan Sentra — global middle class sedan. In the USA it is sold with a 2.0 turbo engine (MR20DD, 149 hp), and in Mexico - even with diesel.
  • 🔋 Nissan Leaf — the only electric hatchback in the lineup. The second generation (2018+) received a battery for 62 kWh and system ProPilot (semi-autonomous driving).

Teana And Maxima - this is actually one model for different markets. For example, Teana L33 (2013–2019) in the US sold as Maxima A36 with a different front end design and engine VQ35DE (300 hp).

💡

When buying used Teana or Maxima check the condition of the variator JF011E. Its resource rarely exceeds 150,000 km without changing the oil.

4. Pickups and commercial vehicles: Navara, NP300 and others

Nissan is one of the leaders in the pickup truck market, especially in Asia, Africa And Latin America. The flagship of the line is Navara (aka NP300 or Frontier depending on the market), which competes with Toyota Hilux And Ford Ranger.

Key Features Navara D23 (latest generation):

  • 🔧 Frame with five-link rear suspension (unlike leaf springs of competitors).
  • 💪 Diesel YD25DDTi (190 hp, 450 Nm) with system Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).
  • 🔄 All wheel drive All Mode 4×4-i with reduction gear and rear differential lock.
  • 🛡️ Body with anti-corrosion treatment by technology Nissan Anti-Corrosion System.

For commercial use Nissan offers:

  • 🚐 Nissan NV400 - van at base Renault Master (in Europe).
  • 🚚 Nissan Cabstar - a light truck popular in Japan and Southeast Asia.
  • 🚌 Nissan Urvan — a minibus with 15–18 seats, which is often used as a minibus.
⚠️ Attention: During operation Navara with heavy trailers (over 2.5 tons) be sure to install additional transmission cooling radiator. Overheating of the CVT or automatic transmission is a common problem when towing.

5. Electric cars and hybrids: Leaf, Ariya and technology e-POWER

Nissan is one of the pioneers of electric mobility. More in 1947 the company released an electric car Tama, and in 2010 introduced Leaf — the first production electric car for the mass market. Today the brand is developing three directions:

  1. Clean electric cars: Leaf (hatchback) and Ariya (crossover).
  2. Hybrids with e-POWER: a system where the gasoline engine acts only as a generator for the electric motor (for example, in Nissan Note e-POWER).
  3. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): planned release X-Trail e-POWER PHEV with an electric range of up to 80 km.

Technology e-POWER is unique in that The wheels are always rotated by an electric motor, and the gasoline engine (HR12DE or MR20DD) only charges the battery. This allows you to achieve fuel consumption 3.5–4.5 l/100 km in the city.

Than e-POWER different from a regular hybrid?

In traditional hybrids (for example, Toyota Prius) the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to transmit torque to the wheels. B e-POWER gasoline engine never connected to wheels — it only generates electricity. This simplifies the design and makes the ride smoother, but reduces efficiency on the highway (due to the constant operation of the internal combustion engine).

Nissan announced a new platform in 2026 CMF-EV for electric vehicles, which will reduce the cost of batteries by 30% by 2026. The first model on this platform will be Nissan Hyper Urban — compact crossover with a power reserve 600+ km.

6. Sports cars and rare models: 370Z, Silvia and others

Nissan has a rich sports history, but in recent years it has been trimming its lineup of hot models. However, some legends are still in production or available on the secondary market.

Model Years of production Engine Features Status (2026)
Nissan 370Z 2009–2020 3.7 VQ37VHR (332 hp) Rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission Out of production
Nissan GT-R (R35) 2007–2026 3.8 VR38DETT (570–600 hp) Four-wheel drive ATTESA, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 2.7 sec Latest Special Edition T-spec
Nissan Silvia (S15) 1999–2002 2.0 SR20DET (250 hp) Iconic drift car with limited slip Secondary market only
Nissan Z Proto 2022–present 3.0 VR30DDTT (400 hp) Successor 370Z, design in style 240Z On sale

In 2023, Nissan presented a concept Hyper Force - electric supercar with 1,341 hp and the system e-4ORCE (electric all-wheel drive with vector torque distribution). The serial version is expected no sooner 2027.

Service history (especially oil changes in VR38DETT)|Condition of turbines (at GT-R there are two of them)|System performance ATTESA|Clutch wear (on models with manual transmission)|Presence of modifications (chip tuning reduces engine life)-->

7. How to choose a used Nissan: checklist and typical problems

Buying a used Nissan can be profitable, but each generation has its own “illnesses”. Here's what to look for:

Common problems for most models:

  • 🔋 CVTs JF011E And JF016E: require oil changes every 60,000 km. Signs of wear include jerking and delays during acceleration.
  • 🔥 Engines MR20DD And QR25DE: prone to oil burning after 150,000 km. Check the oil level!
  • 🔊 Suspension: y Qashqai J10 And X-Trail T31 Stabilizer struts and silent blocks often fail.
  • 🔌 Electronics: in Teana L33 And Murano Z51 Parking sensors and rear view cameras may fail.

Models with the least problems (according to 2023 statistics):

  • 🏆 Nissan Almera G15 (2012–2019) - a simple and reliable sedan with a motor HR16DE.
  • 🏆 Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) - a compact van with a CVT that rarely breaks down.
  • 🏆 Nissan Patrol Y62 (2010–present) — a reliable frame SUV, if you don’t drive it off-road at high speeds.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan with over 100,000 km mileage be sure to check timing chain condition (on engines MR20DD, QR25DE). Its breakage leads to bending of the valves and major repairs!

8. The future of Nissan: what models are expected in 2026-2026

Nissan is actively moving towards electrification and has announced several new models:

  • ⚡ Nissan Hyper Urban (2026) - compact electric crossover on a platform CMF-EV with power reserve 600+ km.
  • 🚗 Nissan Micra EV (2026) - a city electric car that will replace the current one Micra with internal combustion engine.
  • 🔋 Nissan X-Trail e-POWER PHEV (2026) - a hybrid with the ability to recharge from an outlet.
  • 🏎️ Nissan 400Z (2026) - updated version Z Proto with motor VR30DDTT (400 hp) and 6-speed manual transmission.

In addition, Nissan plans to 2030 do 40% of its European lineup is all-electric. In Asia and the USA, the emphasis will be on hybrids e-POWER.

💡

Nissan will focus on three key areas: electric vehicles (platform CMF-EV), hybrids e-POWER and crossovers. Sedans and sports cars will gradually leave the lineup, except for flagship models like GT-R or Z.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan models

🔹 Which Nissan is the most reliable for a family?

Best suited for families Nissan Qashqai (compact crossover) or Nissan X-Trail (if 7 seats are needed). Both are equipped with reliable motors HR16DE or MR20DD and have good safety ratings (5 stars Euro NCAP). Sedans worth considering Nissan Almera - it is easier to maintain and cheaper to repair.

🔹 Is it worth buying a Nissan with a CVT?

Yes, but only if two conditions are met: change oil regularly (every 60,000 km) and do not tow heavy trailers. CVTs JF011E (installed on Qashqai, X-Trail) when used correctly they go 200,000+ km. The main thing is to avoid sudden starts and overheating.

🔹 Which Nissan model is the most economical?

The most economical gasoline Nissan - Nissan Note e-POWER with consumption 3.5–4.0 l/100 km in the city. The leader among electric vehicles is Nissan Leaf (consumption ~15 kWh/100 km). If you need diesel, then Nissan X-Trail with motor R9M (1.6 dCi) consumes approx. 4.5 l/100 km.

🔹 Than Nissan GT-R better Toyota Supra?

GT-R wins against Supra according to several parameters:

  • 🔧 Four-wheel drive ATTESA against the back Supra.
  • 💪 Great power (600 hp at GT-R Nismo vs 382 hp at Supra A90).
  • 🏁 The best acceleration dynamics (2.7 sec to 100 km/h GT-R vs 3.9 sec Supra).

However Supra lighter, cheaper to maintain and has a more modern interior.

🔹 Where are Nissans produced for Russia?

Most Nissan models for the Russian market are produced at the plant "Nissan Manufacturing Rus"** in St. Petersburg. These are:

  • Nissan Qashqai
  • Nissan X-Trail
  • Nissan Almera
  • Nissan Terrano (until 2022)

Imported models (for example, Nissan Patrol or Nissan GT-R) are supplied from Japan or the USA.