Nissan models explained – a complete guide to the types of Nissan cars

Date Posted 29th January 2025
Read Time 15 min read

There are plenty of options to choose from if you’re looking for a reliable Japanese car. So, how about a manufacturer that’s well-established as a maker of sensible, economical family vehicles while also being something of a pioneer in some of the most important segments in the market?

Nissan is just that. The Yokohama-based manufacturer is one of the ten biggest carmakers on the planet. It’s responsible for the first ever mass-produced EV, the first modern crossover SUV and boasts a back catalogue that includes one of the most iconic hatchbacks of all time and some not-so-sensible-but-similarly-iconic sports cars.

These days, Nissan’s whittled its new car range down to a choice few SUVs, electric vehicles (EVs) and vans (LCVs). If you’re thinking of getting one, this guide will cover:

  • An overview of the Nissan brand and its history.
  • Why a Nissan might be the right choice for you.
  • A rundown of the important bits about each model available in Nissan’s current catalogue.

If you feel like you know your stuff already, you can always head over to our Nissan lease deals to find a great deal on your chosen motor.

Nissan brand overview

Nissan is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer based out of Yokohama, Kanagawa. The brand sells cars under two marques: Nissan and its luxury arm, Infiniti, and is currently the ninth biggest automotive manufacturer globally, selling over 3.3 million cars in 2023.

The brand has a storied 120-year history in the car market, during which time it’s released a number of pioneering models. The LEAF (2010) was the first mass-produced electric vehicle ever and is still going strong today, and the same goes for the Qashqai (2007), which was the first modern crossover SUV and is the brand’s current top seller. In its less sensible days, Nissan was responsible for several sports cars that have retained huge cult followings like the Silvia, 350Z and Skyline GT-R.

Today, in the UK at least, the Nissan range is relatively short but sweet, featuring a selection of affordable, practical, and tried and tested SUV and EV models, as well as a number of LCVs.

A brief history of Nissan

While the ‘Nissan’ name didn’t come about until the early 1930s, the brand’s history dates back to 1911 and the founding of the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, which made its first car in 1914, the DAT. This gave rise to DAT Motors, which became part of Nihon Sangyo – or Nissan for short – in 1933. Nissan Motor Co. was then formed to take over the operations of DAT, creating the Datsun 14 – one of Japan’s first mass-produced cars – in 1935.

Post-Second World War, Nissan focused on small passenger cars and trucks, and the manufacturer broke into America in 1958 under the Datsun brand with the Datsun 1000.  A merger with Prince Motor Company in 1966 acquired upmarket models in the Skyline and Gloria, and the company launched the first of its famed Z-Series sports cars in 1969. Nissan then enjoyed worldwide success in the 1970s via the Datsun 510, establishing its foothold in the global market.

The Datsun name was phased out in the 1980s, and Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti, was introduced at the end of the decade. After some financial struggles in the 1990s, Nissan entered into a strategic partnership with French manufacturer Renault in 1999 to form the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which became the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance in 2016 with the addition of another Japanese carmaker in Mitsubishi Motors.

Via that partnership and intermediate successes with the aforementioned Qashqai and LEAF, Nissan has developed a longstanding reputation as a producer of practical, reliable and affordable vehicles, with the brand’s current efforts focused on the SUV, LCV and electric markets.

Why go for a Nissan?

There’s nothing particularly spectacular about today’s Nissan lineup, but that’s not the point, nor why you’d want one. Each model in the current lineup is a proven performer in its respective segment and offers you a well-priced, well-built, well-equipped and practically minded vehicle.

You’ll find you generally get good equipment, technology features and performance for the money you’re paying, and the brand’s reputation for reliability is solid. That’s not to say they’re boring cars (as you’ll see from Nissan’s approach to styling) – they’re simply a known quantity. And when you’re looking for a car that you can trust to do the job, that’s a very reassuring benefit to have.

The Nissan model range

Nissan Juke

Compact crossover SUV

What is it?

A uniquely styled small crossover that’s been around since 2010. The first generation lasted about a decade due to its success, with the second-gen model offering similarly bold aesthetics – fresh from a 2024 facelift – with an updated interior set-up.

Why might you want one?

  • One of the original small crossovers that set the template for many to follow. The second-generation model improves on this concept, and it’s fresh off of a 2024 update.
  • Well-equipped interior with good levels of safety tech as standard. More practical than before, too.
  • Affordably priced.
  • Sharp handling and good to drive around town.

Body types

The Juke is available solely in its compact crossover build. Space has been improved inside, with the non-hybrid Juke providing a 422-litre boot, which drops to 354 litres if you go for the hybrid (PHEV).

Trims

Five to choose from: Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna, Tekna+ and N-Sport.

The base Acenta Premium gets a load of good stuff including 17” Sakura wheels, a NissanConnect 12.3” touchscreen entertainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rear-view camera and an electric parking brake with an auto-hold feature. Safety features like lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking are also standard. N-Connecta upgrades to 17” alloys, a built-in sat nav, automatic climate control, and front and rear parking sensors.

Tekna steps up to 19” alloys, a Bose sound system, a Heat Pack (seats, steering wheel and windscreen) and an Advanced Safety Shield Pack that features a bunch of useful safety tech. Tekna+ gets all of the above plus a range of aesthetic tweaks, including two-tone metallic paint, an interior personalisation pack and a 3D effect on the alloys.

Finally, the range-topping N-Sport is another styling upgrade, with 19” Akari alloys, black leather and yellow Alcantara seats, and an exterior personalisation pack among the highlights.

Engines

Two engines that are shared (along with the platform and some tech) with the Renault Captur. The first is a turbocharged 1.0-litre 112bhp petrol labelled the DIG-T 114. It’s pretty sluggish (10.7 seconds to 62mph) but offers excellent economy at 47mpg. The second, a 1.6-litre 141bhp petrol hybrid, improves the efficiency further at 56mpg and shaves 0.6 seconds off the 0-62mph time.

Where can you find one?

Take a look at our Nissan Juke lease deals.

Nissan Qashqai

Pioneering crossover SUV

What is it?

Not the first crossover SUV in the strictest terms, but the first modern crossover that launched the ludicrously successful segment we know today when it hit the market in 2007. It’s Nissan’s bestseller and, like the smaller Juke, has enjoyed a facelift in mid-2024 that’s given it a chunky front end.

Why might you want one?

  • Highly proven small family car that does everything well.
  • Bold styling via the recent facelift has brought it right up to date in design terms.
  • Well equipped across the trim levels – and well-priced for what you get.
  • Practicality, economy and reliability credentials are all solid.

Body types

The Qashqai is a five-door crossover SUV with more space than the Juke. The boot holds just over 500 litres with comfortable seating in the front and rear.

Trims

Five, like the Juke, but the Qashqai’s lineup is slightly different: Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, N-Design, Tekna and Tekna+.

A 12.3” NissanConnect display, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and dual-zone climate control are all included as standard with Acenta Premium. N-Connecta adds features like 18” diamond-cut alloys and a 3D surround view monitor.

N-Design and Tekna are similarly priced, but N-Design focuses on aesthetic upgrades like 20” alloys, two-tone paint and body colour bumpers while Tekna gets additional tech features like a 10.8” head-up display and a hands-free power tailgate. Tekna+ adds a host of luxury elements, including quilted leather seats, massage seats in the front and a Bose sound system.

Engines

Two mild-hybrid (MHEV) petrols and one full hybrid (PHEV). The two petrol MHEVs both use a 1.3-litre DIG.T with power outputs of 138bhp or 156bhp – the latter available in four-wheel drive, too. The e-Power PHEV has a unique front-driven electric motor and a 1.5-litre petrol engine for 187bhp and a 7.9-second 0-62mph time that’s two seconds faster than the 156bhp option and by far the most economical at 53mpg.

Where can you find one?

Take a look at our Nissan Qashqai lease deals.

Nissan Ariya

Flagship all-electric SUV

What is it?

Nissan’s new flagship electric vehicle (EV) that builds off the brand’s early electric success with the Leaf. Having only started production in 2022, the Ariya has much newer tech than its foundational forefather, boasting a new platform and faster charging, plus a standout aesthetic that you’ll probably feel strongly about, one way or the other.

Why might you want one?

  • Sharp, contemporary and future-ready EV styling gives it a premium appearance.
  • Interior is equally nicely styled – and well-equipped.
  • Refined EV that builds off Nissan’s pedigree in the electric market.
  • Quality drive is supported by respectable range capability.

Body types

The Ariya is a five-door electric SUV with a 466-litre boot (408 litres if you opt for an all-wheel drive (AWD) version). While that’s not massive for a family SUV, the Ariya’s smart flat floor and sliding centre console design make it a highly practical car that’s comfortable for all.

Trims

For the core Ariya lineup, you have the choice of Engage, Advance and Evolve.

Despite being the base trim, Engage is loaded with equipment. Standard kit includes 19” alloys, LED headlights, a rearview parking camera and a heat pump to keep the cabin temperature on point. That’s on top of a dual-screen infotainment and navigation setup made up of two 12.3” monitors.

Advance adds a collection of ‘Advance’ worthy driver and safety assists, headlined by Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist and 360-degree surround view monitor with moving object detection. Top of the range for the core lineup is Evolve, which offers an electric panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, a powered sliding centre console, an advanced windscreen heads-up display and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Engines

Two battery options are available – a 63kWh option with around 250 miles of range and an 87kWh powertrain that delivers a claimed maximum of 329 miles. You also have FWD and AWD to consider. FWD models are the standard option across both batteries, but you can up the ante to Nissan’s e-4ORCE 4WD for a notable boost in acceleration and speed.

Variants

For those looking to tap into Nissan’s racing pedigree, you can go for the Ariya Nismo performance model. This can be considered an additional trim upgrade, but it offers substantially more in performance terms, using a dual-motor setup to offer 429bhp and a five-second-flat 0-62mph time.

Where can you find one?

Take a look at our Nissan Ariya lease deals.

Nissan X-Trail

Flagship family SUV

What is it?

Nissan’s biggest SUV, in the UK at least. Now into its fourth-generation which brought a hybrid model with it. Offers similar benefits to the Qashqai but on a bigger, more family-suitable scale.

Why might you want one?

  • Loads of space for the family and a quality interior to go with it.
  • Good levels of equipment, including lots of safety kit.
  • Economical hybrid option.
  • Non-flashy, practical and refined option in the segment.

Body types

The X-Trail is a five-door SUV aimed at the active family lifestyle market. You can spec it up to have seven seats, and interior space levels enjoy a substantial uptick on the Qashqai – including a 585-litre boot (in a five-seat configuration).

Trims

Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna, Tekna+ and N-Trek.

Base Acenta Premium trim gets front parking sensors with a rearview camera and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. N-Connecta adds the 12.3” NissanConnect infotainment system with a few notable safety upgrades alongside. Tekna’s additional highlights include a 10.8” heads-up display, a smart rearview mirror and 19” diamond cut alloys, while Tekna+ enjoys all the aforementioned plus posh leather front seats and a premium Bose sound system. N-Trek boasts some rugged features like water-resistant upholstery, tri-zone air conditioning, front LED fog lamps and heated front and second-row seats.

Engines

Two 1.5-litre options, one a mild hybrid and another that uses Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid system. The latter is the star option, offering close to 50mpg. You can also add the e-4ORCE AWD system to the hybrid if you want to accelerate quicker – to 62mph in 7.2 seconds, in fact.

Where can you find one?

Take a look at our Nissan X-Trail lease deals.

Nissan Leaf

Pioneering electric hatchback

What is it?

The world’s bestselling EV – with over 650,000 sold to date. Nissan can proudly claim to be the creator of the first mass-produced EV thanks to the Leaf, which arrived on the market all the way back in 2010. Any concerns about it being a touch outdated compared to brand-new efforts are soon to be alleviated by the arrival of a third-gen Leaf – which is expected to ditch its old hatchback build in favour of becoming a concept-inspired SUV – very soon.

Why might you want one?

  • Being the original EV, the Leaf offers a great transition option if you’re looking to make a soft jump from combustion to electric.
  • Easy to drive thanks to Nissan’s e-Pedal system, which allows you to drive largely on a single pedal.
  • Loads of tech.
  • Very affordable against current alternatives.

Body types

Just the one, a five-door hatchback with a 435-litre boot. Change is afoot, however, with the new Leaf expected to join the Ariya in the e-SUV ranks, based on Nisan’s ‘Chill-Out’ concept car – which is a decidedly futuristic-looking family crossover.

Trims

There are three trims to look out for on the outgoing Leaf: Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna. Base Acenta gets 16” alloys, an 8” infotainment system, climate control, a rearview camera, cruise control, keyless start and loads of safety tech – so equipment levels are good from the off.

N-Connecta upgrades the wheels, upholstery and comfort levels, plus a few additional tech assists like a 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors. Tekna takes things up another notch with premium touches like a Bose sound system, leather/suede seats and the ProPILOT driver assistance system.

Engines

Two electric motors are available for the second-gen Leaf. There’s the standard option, which operates on a now tiny 40kWh battery, and the Leaf e+, which uses a more up-to-date 62kWh battery. Both are quick off the mark with sub-eight-second 0-62mph times, but the e+ far out-ranges the standard model at a claimed 239 miles to the standard’s 168.

The limited range of the standard model isn’t all doom and gloom, however, as the smaller battery makes it efficient to run and perfectly capable as a short-range everyday runner.

Where can you find one?

Take a look at our Nissan Leaf lease deals.

Nissan Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

If you’re interested in a van, Nissan’s LCV range is really worth a look. The Japanese manufacturer’s current catalogue offers three options: the Townstar, Primastar and Interstar.

The Townstar is Nissan’s smallest model and is based on the same platform as its highly regarded stablemate, the Renault Kangoo, and the Mercedes Citan. Nissan has gone to either end of the spectrum with the powertrain options – either pure petrol or pure electric, with the latter offering a tidy 183-mile range for day-jobbing around. Like the rest of the Nissan range, it comes loaded with tech, and the electric options have futureproofed it as one of the better small LCVs you can buy over the next few years.

The mid-range Primastar is a more traditional medium-size van, available exclusively with a range of dependable diesel powertrains. It was discontinued in 2016 but revived via a rebadging of the Renault Trafic in 2022. Like the Townstar, the cabin excels with all its tech features, and cargo space is better than rivals like the Mercedes Vito.

The Interstar is a large, heavy-duty van with three height and four length options to suit all heavy-duty operations. Nissan has opted again to go combustion or full electric with it, but this time, the combustion option is a diesel, which offers a whopping payload capacity of 1,934kg versus the electric’s still-massive 1,694kg. Based on the Renault Master, the largest battery option on the Interstar-e provides you with an excellent 285-mile range on a single charge.

It’s an impressive lineup and an undeniable feather in Nissan’s versatile cap. If you think you might want one, our van leasing team are on hand to help.

Get a sensible lease for a sensible car

If one of Nissan’s well-put-together cars or vans sounds like it might be your next vehicle, then why not get shopping for a great lease package today? You’ll find all our Nissan car lease deals and Nissan van lease deals on-site, with tailored new and used options available across all the models mentioned above.

Not sure where to start? Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right lease from all our car leasing offers and LCV leasing deals.


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