Subcompact, Compact, and Full Size: Decoding Nissan’s SUV Lineup

Units of measurement are never the same. Metric or Imperial units aside, sizes like “small,” “medium,” and “large” are mostly arbitrary at the end of the day. Just ask anyone who’s tried to buy clothing from two different stores. Therefore, it’s completely understandable that drivers should be confused by SUV size descriptions like “subcompact,” “compact,” and “full size.” Size is relative, after all. However, Nissan makes selecting the right size SUV easier than ever with vehicles that make sense for the job they’ve been given. By taking a look at the SUVs here at Sherwood Nissan, your Nissan dealer, Beaumont drivers can decide not only what size vehicle they want but what kind of personality they’re looking for, too.

Nissan’s vehicles have long been designed with a specific vehicle personality in mind, often reflected in the name given to the model. The Kicks––Nissan’s subcompact crossover SUV––is small and zippy with a free-spirited attitude. The Qashqai is said to be designed as a rugged and bold explorer as a nod to the nomadic Iranian tribe, after which it is named. The Armada is a fleet in its own right as a large but regal full-size SUV. In the case of Nissan SUVs, the name isn’t just marketing hype––it’s how the vehicle was designed to perform. While the Kicks, Qashqai, and Armada aren’t the only Nissan SUVs on the market, they represent three very important models in the lineup. Let’s take a look in detail.

The Nissan Kicks - Subcompact and Ready to Go

You’ve probably seen the marketing for this subcompact crossover SUV, made memorable by the KICKS name in all caps. For the sake of this article, we’ll use standard capitalization, but be aware––there’s a reason the Nissan Kicks likes to scream its name everywhere it goes.

The concept behind this smaller SUV is enthusiasm, especially when it comes to driving. Its small size and lightweight build make it an agile companion for navigating busy city streets and winding rural roads alike. Furthermore, this engineering allows for ideal fuel economy. The Kicks manages up to 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway.

Additionally, Nissan has thrown in a few engineering feats to make sitting behind the wheel even more enjoyable. The 1.6L engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Electric power steering and available Intelligent Engine Brake mean that drivers can experience a ride that’s practically custom-tuned for the road you’re driving on.

With seating for five and maximum cargo space of 716 litres, the Kicks is much larger in size than its driving manners portend. It’s also filled with features intended to improve the experience of sitting behind the wheel, such as an available Bose Personal Plus sound system with speakers built into the driver’s headrest. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are accessible as well, with the ability to connect to Siri or Google Assistant through voice commands.

If your ultimate goal is to enjoy the commute to and from Beaumont, the Nissan Kicks is designed to help you meet and exceed your driving expectations.

The Nissan Qashqai - Bigger and Bolder

The Nissan Qashqai is also considered a five-passenger crossover SUV, but it’s significantly larger than the Kicks. With a maximum cargo space of 1,730 litres, it clearly has more room than its smaller sibling. However, as most drivers would attest, it’s how it handles that really matters.

The Qashqai comes equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. It also comes equipped with driving modes that adjust to your needs. Eco Mode helps conserve fuel, helping the vehicle reach a combined fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km. Sport steering, on the other hand, gives you the thrill of agility as you whip around corners with zeal.

Intelligent All Wheel Drive is available on the S and SV trims and standard on the SL and SL Platinum trims. This system maintains power on the front wheels during normal driving conditions. Sensors notice when and where extra power is needed, sending the appropriate amount of torque to all the right places to keep you balanced and snug on the road.

All trims include Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance technology, including Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. ProPILOT Assist is available, allowing drivers to set their following distance and allow the Qashqai to maintain speed and lane placement. Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility features are also available, including Intelligent Driver Awareness, which monitors your steering patterns for signs of inattentiveness, and Traffic Sign Recognition, which keeps drivers up to date with signs you might have missed.

For Beaumont drivers who need an SUV that’s not too small and not too big, the Qashqai has a lot to offer. It won’t take all of the bumps out of the road, but it will elevate the driving experience to a new level.

This Nissan Armada - The Flagship of the Fleet

If you do not need or want a vehicle that can comfortably transport eight passengers or up to 2,693 litres of stuff, the Armada may not be the SUV for you. If you cannot remember the last time you’ve needed to tow up to 3,856 kg, the Armada may not be the SUV for you. However, if you like the idea of having loads of room for the whole family, crew, or work carpool, plus all of their belongings while enjoying standard luxuries like power-folding seats and a power-operated liftgate, the Nissan Armada is absolutely for you.

The Armada is a stunning vehicle inside and out, regardless of which trim you select. Each trim level includes a Bose sound system, remote engine start, multiple power points throughout the cabin, as well as leather-appointed seats and wood trim. While most trims come with bench seats in the second and third row, drivers can select second-row captain’s chairs on the Platinum trim. Though this reduces seating capacity, it definitely increases comfort for those in the second row. Heated second-row seats and a three-row entertainment system with 20 cm monitors can be optioned into the upper trims.

Though the Nissan Armada is a larger vehicle, it has been designed to handle like a much smaller vehicle. The 5.6L Endurance V8 engine provides an impressive 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Trailer and towing settings are standard, including a trailer brake controller and Trailer Sway Control. Auto-levelling suspension is also on board to make each drive better than the last one.

While not every driver has a need for a vehicle the size of the Armada, there is much to be said about Nissan’s commitment to providing drivers with a variety of SUVs that can help out with a variety of needs and responsibilities.

Choosing a Nissan SUV

Of course, size isn’t the only feature drivers need to consider. Most of us need to keep our budget, lifestyle, and drive style in mind, in addition to how many passengers and cargo we haul about regularly. However, Nissan makes it easier to select your ideal SUV with a range of vehicles that are enjoyable to drive. Taking the time to engineer a larger vehicle with impeccable driving manners as well as responsive steering, acceleration, and braking makes an enormous difference when it comes to selecting a vehicle that can handle your daily driving routine.

When you stop by your Beaumont Nissan dealer, take the time to check out all of the available SUVs. Though the Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder didn’t appear in this list, they are all worthy and enjoyable Nissan SUVs ready to provide drivers with that smooth, nimble Nissan ride. For many drivers, the only way to really know which SUV is the best choice is to get behind the wheel. With this list, perhaps you’ll be better prepared to know which wheel to try first!