NISSAN IS FINALLY ON AN UPWARD TRAJECTORY THANKS TO THESE FOUR MODELS

Nissan is in the midst of a revival. After several challenging years marked by internal issues and an outdated vehicle lineup, the Japanese automaker is once again making waves with a renewed range of vehicles. Four models in particular, the Armada, Kicks, Frontier, and Nissan Z, are driving this resurgence, showcasing that Nissan isn't content to rest on its laurels and let its competitors pass it by.

Four compelling models can do a lot for a company, but despite their success, there's still concern looming in the background that the company could fall back into its old ways if it doesn't push its lineup further. It only has two EVs on sale, with the Leaf well past its expiration date and the Ariya EV crossover not setting any sales records. Furthermore, its lack of hybrid offerings is a glaring issue that it hopes to resolve. The company is seeing a change of fortune it hopes will catapult it to the front of the pack by 2030, so let's take a look at the current models that can help get it there.

Nissan Armada: Power and Luxury for a New Generation

The 2025 Nissan Armada is set to be a massive step forward for Nissan, representing a new era of power, luxury, and capability never before seen. Now entering its third generation, the Armada ditches the old, burly V8 for a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that cranks out 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque - an upgrade that not only improves performance but also significantly improves fuel efficiency, thanks to the nine-speed automatic transmission and stop-start technology.

What sets the new Armada apart is the adventurous Pro-4X trim, which gives this large SUV impressive off-road capability. With 9.6 inches of ground clearance, advanced off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential, and drive modes for various terrains, the Pro-4X is a capable machine that should cater well to the outdoor enthusiast who needs a little more room. Meanwhile, the luxury-filled cabin with dual 12.3-inch screens, massaging seats, and high-end materials will have some luxury buyers reconsidering their high-class rides.

The model hasn't officially gone on sale yet, but it shows the company was paying attention to the criticisms the previous model has had for years. Moving to a twin-turbo V6 from the V8 is sure to ruffle a few feathers, but at least the company didn't just jump head-first into a complicated hybrid setup, something we see appealing to customers.

Nissan Kicks: Urban Efficiency and Tech-Savvy Appeal

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is a pivotal part of Nissan’s push to revitalize its brand, offering a well-rounded and affordable option for young drivers and small families. Now featuring a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, and, for the first time, all-wheel-drive, the Kicks is more versatile and capable, stacking up nicely against rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross and redesigned Hyundai Kona.

It maintains its reputation for being fun to drive, with smooth handling and great fuel efficiency, while its larger size and bold design make it a much more compelling option than before. Just like the company has done with the Versa, the new Kicks proves that just because a car is dirt cheap, doesn't mean it can't still be nice.

Inside, the Kicks is more spacious with Zero Gravity seat technology enhancing comfort and improved rear legroom, making it practical for longer trips. Key tech features like dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose sound system in the higher trims offer modern conveniences well below $30,000. Starting at $21,830, the Kicks delivers exceptional value, and there really aren't too many competitors that will be able to compete with the package offered at this price point.

Nissan Frontier: Rugged and Ready for Action

Ever since Nissan debuted the current generation of the Frontier, we've been big fans, because while every other brand has added advanced powertrains and significant technology upgrades, Nissan's best-selling pickup still has a foot firmly in the past. No turbocharging here, just a naturally aspirated, 310 horsepower V6 and a retro-inspired design that makes it one of the best-looking trucks on sale today.

For 2025, the model is getting some interior technology and exterior design updates, making it a strong value choice in the midsize truck segment. Key improvements include a 6-foot bed option available across all trims, a boosted 7,150 pound towing capacity, and refreshed styling with a redesigned front fascia and new 17-inch wheels. If you're looking for an old-school pickup that can truly do "truck things," the Frontier is currently in a league of its own.

Inside, Nissan has modernized the cabin with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and more comfort features, such as a telescopic steering wheel and power-adjustable seats. Safety tech has also been enhanced, with standard lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera for easier off-roading. Starting at $33,450, the 2025 Frontier delivers excellent value for buyers seeking a capable, reliable, and well-equipped midsize truck, and we wouldn't be surprised if it converts buyers to its cause in the following year.

Nissan Z: A Return to Performance Roots

The Nissan Z is the company’s crown jewel in its push to rekindle its performance heritage. With a design that blends modern elements with nostalgic cues from the Z’s storied past, this sports car is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers a healthy 400 horsepower and can be paired with a six-speed manual in a world that's moving away from them. Is it the most track-focused car available? No, but it keeps the brand's sports car traditions alive and still provides a solid analog feel thanks to its older platform and basic interior design touches.

For many enthusiasts, the Z represents Nissan’s reassertion of its capabilities in the sports car arena. It shows that the company hasn't forgotten the models that made it so famous in the first place, and gives hope that models like the GT-R won't just fade into the background and that the company can once again establish itself as a performance juggernaut. The only thing we could ask for is that the company finds a way to lower the price, as a stripped, barebones model that starts under $40,000 would go a long way.

Four Places To Start, With Room For Growth

Despite Nissan’s commitment to electrifying half of its lineup, the 2024 Nissan Ariya remains one of only two EVs in its stable, alongside the aging Leaf. Competing with strong rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Ariya offers up to 429 horsepower and benefits from access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. However, its slower charging speeds and a maximum driving range of 304 miles put it at a disadvantage as competitors continue to push forward with faster and longer-range EVs.

To catch up, Nissan needs to broaden its EV offerings and introduce more hybrid models to bridge the gap for consumers not ready to fully embrace electric vehicles. Hybrid versions of the Armada, Kicks, and Rogue, for instance, would attract buyers looking for better fuel efficiency without giving up familiar driving dynamics. Even better, the company has the room to really make a name for itself by introducing the innovative e-Power hybrid system it sells abroad here, which marries the best parts of electric and combustion powertrains.

It's a shame the Titan is heading off to the junkyard in the sky, but the Frontier is so good, we're willing to accept it. A hybrid version of the pickup needs to happen at some point, but we also feel the company has something special in offering a pickup no one else does anymore, so keeping the naturally aspirated V6 for as long as possible would be a great move. The only way it could get better would be by offering an off-road performance level above the Pro-4X that can truly compete toe-to-toe with performance models like the TRD-Pro and Silverado ZR2.

Nissans Path Forward

The Nissan Armada, Kicks, Frontier, and Nissan Z have each played a vital role in helping the automaker regain relevance in an increasingly competitive market. These models show that Nissan is capable of producing innovative, tech-savvy, performance-driven vehicles that appeal to a diverse range of buyers. However, to truly shed its troubled past and establish itself as a future-focused brand, Nissan needs to tackle its EV challenges head-on.

By focusing on hybrid technology and developing a more competitive electric vehicle lineup, Nissan can position itself as a leader in both conventional and green automotive markets. The company hasn't been poised this well in years, perhaps even decades, to recapture its place at the head of the market, and we just hope it doesn't waste the opportunity while it's there for the taking.

2024-09-18T05:07:35Z dg43tfdfdgfd