Although Nissan may not be one of the more popular names people think of when they are shopping for an SUV, they do have some vehicles that are worthy of consideration. Whether you are looking for a smaller crossover with the convenience of a little extra cargo room, or if you need a vehicle that can haul the whole clan through mud and over rough terrain to the campsite, Nissan has you covered.
Starting with a vehicle that just looks like it would be a ton of fun to drive, Nissan Juke... (full review continues below)
Although Nissan may not be one of the more popular names people think of when they are shopping for an SUV, they do have some vehicles that are worthy of consideration. Whether you are looking for a smaller crossover with the convenience of a little extra cargo room, or if you need a vehicle that can haul the whole clan through mud and over rough terrain to the campsite, Nissan has you covered.
Starting with a vehicle that just looks like it would be a ton of fun to drive, Nissan Juke's attractive and funky styling and low MSRP of $19,990, makes this oversized hatchback a worthy competitor against Mini Cooper Countryman, Ford Fiesta and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Juke is available in an S, SV and a very nicely loaded SL trim. The Sport Accessory package is a terrific add-on, as it gives you unique wheels, a rear spoiler and a stainless steel exhaust outlet. Of course, one of the most attractive qualities about Juke is its ability to return 32 mpg on the highway.
Next in line is the 2013 Nissan Rogue. For a small crossover at a low starting MSRP of $22,550, this vehicle has a lot to offer. There are no significant changes for the model year, but Nissan has made a lot of features that were optional in the past to now be standard.
Rogue gives you an upscale interior that you won’t see in other vehicles in this segment. Plus, its agile road handling and sharp exterior styling add to the attraction. Although there are a lot of great choices in this segment this year, Rogue will certainly hold its own against Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Ford Escape. This five-passenger vehicle is available in two trims, with plenty of options and packages to add on for customization.
The 2013 Murano will turn a lot of heads on the road, also keeping with Nissan’s theme of futuristic styling. Its powerful 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard in all four trims. The S trim is nicely loaded at $30,340, but SV, SL and LE all give you their own added extras. Plus, on the higher trims, luxury features become optional, such as a rear seat DVD player, navigation system, digital music storage, nine-speaker Bose audio system and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Next is the most popular vehicle in the lineup of Nissan SUVs for 2013. Nissan Pathfinder offers a welcoming cabin, a mature but sporty exterior, compliant ride and good fuel economy. Plus, it is priced right to be a strong competitor in the midsize to large crossover SUV segment. Starting at $28,270, Pathfinder competes against Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex, Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer.
The 3.5-liter V6 returns better than average fuel economy, with a combined total of 22 mpg. It is available in S, SV, SL and Platinum trims, with the Platinum offering way more features than you would think that you need to receive at under $40,000, including a DVD player, 13-speaker Bose surround sound, navigation system, cooled front seats, multi-view parking camera and 20-inch wheels.
Finalizing the line is the 2013 Armada, a phenomenal looking full size SUV capable of seating up to eight passengers. This is a vehicle that can haul the entire family plus luggage while towing 9,100 pounds and delivering a smooth and comfortable ride. Armada is available in three trims, all powered by the same fierce 317 horsepower 5.6liter V8 engine. It competes against Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Traverse.