If you’re going to swear by an automaker, Nissan isn’t a bad choice. Notoriously reliable, wonderfully affordable and with something for everyone, Nissan models are a gold standard in the automotive industry. But there are a lot of different Nissans to choose from.
What models does Nissan make?
- Altima: $24,300 – $34,100
- Leaf: $31,600 – $43,900
- Maxima: $27,325 – $37,510
- Pathfinder: $28,110 – $39,368
- GT-R: $113,540 – $210,740
If you want a GT-R, then you know you want a GT-R. But if you’re still deciding between an Altima or a Maxima or a Pathfinder or a Leaf, then you’re probably looking for some key specs to help you make the choice. Here’s what you need to know.
Altima: $24,300 – $34,100
Front-wheel drive with a fun and intuitive CVT transmission, the Altima is one of those nameplates that many drivers make their car for life. When the 2005 Altima gives up the ghost, you just buy a 2021.
The Altima is just a solid all-around car. It comes with all the modern conveniences like steering wheel controls for cruising and NissanConnect internet access, it’s easy to drive, it’s low maintenance, and it’s versatile. A difficult car to complain about.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 28/39
- Engine: 188 horsepower 2.5L DOHC 16
- Transmission: 1 Speed CVT w/OD
- 0-60: 5.9 seconds (Platinum VC Turbo)
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: 5-Stars
- IIHS: Good
Leaf: $31,600 – $43,900
We’ll miss the classic muscle cars, but there’s a lot to love about the new all-electrics which seem to set new 0-60 records without breaking a sweat. With a quarter-mile time of 15.2 seconds, cars like the Leaf hatchback may well be the new kings of the drag strip.
Far from a novelty car, the Leaf looks, feels, and drives like a Nissan hatchback with front-wheel drive, ABS and brake assist, and 2 LCD monitors up front. It’s everything you want from a Nissan, it just happens to be all-electric.
Basic Specs:
- MPG: 123 miles to the charge
- Engine: All-electric 110kW AC Synchronous Motor
- Transmission: 1-speed automatic
- 0-60: 6.5 seconds
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: 4-Stars
- IIHS: Good
Maxima: $27,325 – $37,510
If Nissan were McDonald’s, the Maxima would be the Big Mac. This is their flagship car, a front-wheel-drive sedan with FOB controls, electro-hydraulic power-assist speed-sensing steering, and remote keyless entry. Everything you want in a modern Nissan sedan.
Nissan has always focused on delivering a totally balanced driving experience. They have their racers and their off-roaders, but most of their output is designed to be functional and versatile, and the Maxima fits that description to a T.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 20/30
- Engine: 300 horsepower 3.5L DOHC 24
- Transmission: 1-speed CVT w/OD
- 0-60: 5.7 seconds
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: 5-Stars
- IIHS: Good
Pathfinder: $28,110 – $39,368
A crossover SUV that drives like a zippy little compact. At 198.5 by 77.3 by 69.5 inches long, wide and tall, this 5,986 pound SUV won’t leave you wanting for space, but the continuously variable transmission will have you wondering how such a big car moves so neatly.
Inside you’ll find everything you want from a modern SUV: seating for seven, proximity key and push-button start, voice-activated HVAC, and all the right safety features like driveline traction and stability control.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 20/27
- Engine: 284 horsepower 3.5L DI V6
- Transmission: 1-speed CVT w/OD
- 0-60: 7.4 seconds
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: 5-Stars
- IIHS: Good
GT-R: $113,540 – $210,740
Okay, electric cars have a lot of get up and go, but let’s not take gas-powered cars out of the running just yet. The 2020 GT-R hits the quarter-mile in just 11.2 seconds and accelerates within less than a second of the record-holding Dodge Demon.
This is a sports car, and it’s built like a sports car, but it still features some of the comforts you expect from a Nissan like heated front seats, dual-zone AC and NissanConnect, plus Emergency SOS, rearview camera, and remote keyless entry.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 16/22
- Engine: 565 horsepower 3.8L DOHC Twin Turbo V6
- Transmission: 6-speed Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
- 0-60: 2.9 seconds
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: Not yet rated
- IIHS: Not yet rated
Photos: Nissan
