2021 Nissan SUVs and Crossovers: Changes, Expectations, New Arrivals

Nissan is a leading carmaker globally, not only in the US. Vehicles with this badge on the grille are durable, reliable, safe, and full of the latest technology. No matter what kind of ride you like, Nissan will offer it. Of course, the focus is on the most profitable and the most popular tier – 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers.

The company didn’t invest too much in the current season. The break in 2020 is just calm before the storm. Starting next season, we will see a lot of updates in the entire 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers lineup. The first spy photos appeared. The carmaker also presented new concepts. All in all, it will be interesting to see which will be the first moves. Rogue crossover is definitely in the most advanced development stages.

There are also a few rumors about potential comebacks. Xterra is under the spotlight. But, the company also thinks about the future. The electric platform is there, called Ariya, and it will underpin all the future EVs in this segment. Finally, we expect to see some solutions to the Infiniti Monograph concept in the non-premium lineup.

2021 Nissan SUVs and Crossovers prices

2021 Nissan Kicks

Kicks is the smallest model in the 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers lineup. The subcompact vehicle replaced Juke, which is still part of the squad in Europe. The 2021 Nissan Kicks is coming with updated styling and slightly higher prices. The powertrain is the same as before – a 1.6-l unit can produce 122 horsepower and return one of the best gas mileages in the subcompact tier – 34 mpg (highway). The larger front fascia and new grille are the highlights of the upcoming update. We can also hear that Nissan is preparing fresh trim levels for US buyers.

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2021 Nissan Rogue Sport

The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport will be slotted between compact and subcompact crossover class. It is a unique vehicle, combining the best elements from two tiers. For the next season, fans will see updates similar to Kicks and Juke. Still, the new generation is a couple of years ahead, so the company is not going to invest too much into a big redesign.

This crossover is a sibling to European Qashqai, which is one of the most popular vehicles outside the US. We can compare changes in the two models, but significant differences are separating them to be the same crossovers. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the power source, while the Qashqai offers different engines.

2021 Nissan Rogue

The biggest debut confirmed so far. Rogue is the best-selling vehicle on this list, so it is not a surprise why Nissan decided to start the big overhaul from the compact segment. The small SUV is versatile and efficient, perfect for driving in urban areas, and also excellent for longer family trips. For the new season, the Rogue is coming with an all-new interior and refreshed styling. The carmaker will launch a hybrid version with more miles during next year. We expect it to see on the line with class leaders that deliver more than 40 mpg. This makes the Rogue a star of the 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers team.

2021 Nissan SUVs and Crossovers

2021 Nissan Murano

We are moving to the mid-size segment and the 2021 Nissan Murano is a two-row model positioned between Rogue and Pathfinder. It offers more power and space than the compact vehicle. However, if you want to bring everything to another level, you should consider the purchase of a three-row SUV. Have in mind the order will cost more, as well as the maintenance, while the fuel consumption is also higher.

The new 2021 Murano should be refreshed to stay competitive. It belongs to one of the most boring classes in the industry, positioned between the two most popular segments. That makes the task of finding more buyers even tougher. But, with a few updates, Murano can draw attention. The complete redesign won’t happen before 2022.

FULL REVIEW…

2021 Nissan Pathfinder

We already wrote about the Pathfinder as one of the best mid-size three-row SUVs. However, it is getting old and the new edition must offer something special. The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder is high on the list of priorities for the redesign, as well as its premium sibling, Infiniti QX60.

The SUV is a seven-seat vehicle with a reliable V6 engine under the hood. Pathfinder is going to deliver enough power for off-road adventures, and the Pro-4X package could bring the ride to another level. Many experts consider it as the biggest debut for the 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers squad, especially if the company brings back the Pathfinder hybrid configuration.

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The mid-size three-row SUV offers plenty of storage and seating options

2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada is also a three-row SUV that seats up to eight passengers. The full-size rig is larger than Pathfinder and it needs a V8 to move such a big and heavy vehicle. A 5.6-liter petrol unit is producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. In 2021, Armada could introduce a turbodiesel engine. A 5.0-liter V8 can deliver 330 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque and it should be a response to the upcoming debuts of full-size diesel SUVs.

The power output is not in doubt, and buyers of such big models expect to visit gas stations more often. But, the 2021 Nissan Armada needs a refresh. The current edition and design date back from 2017, when the new generation arrived. Ever since Nissan didn’t come back to its largest SUV with a bigger portion of changes. Still, the mid-cycle update will probably happen late next season or early in 2022.

FULL REVIEW…

2021 Nissan SUVs and Crossovers: Worldwide Models

2021 Nissan Qashqai

We will start the review of 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers that are not available in the US with the most popular model. Qashqai is the compact vehicle, the match to the Rogue Sport in North America. For the new season, fans will see an updated look. The engine room was refreshed not too long time ago with a brand-new 1.3-liter unit which creates 160 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Now, it is time for cosmetic modification of exterior and interior. If it is going to follow the steps of the Rogue Sport, then we will see a more aggressive front fascia. The interior might find inspiration in the new Rogue, which is the most advanced model so far in the squad.

2021 Nissan SUVs and Crossovers
1.3-liter petrol engine

2021 Nissan X-Trail

Well, the vehicles not appearing in the US wear a different name, but has a lot of things in common with their counterparts. So, the 2021 Nissan X-Trail is the Rogue for Asian, European, and Australian markets. But, there is a big difference – we see this compact crossover with the third row in some countries. Like Rogue, the X-Trail is getting a huge update. The Australian department of the company announced the fourth generation and its highlights. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is the main source of power, delivering 180 horsepower. More options are coming, including a 1.3-liter turbo-four drivetrain. The crossover lays on the new platform and it is 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) shorter than before. The ProPilot package offers more self-driving features.

2021 Nissan SUVs and Crossovers

2021 Nissan Patrol

Patrol will be the largest SUV outside the US. And oldest too, starting its life 60 years ago. For this anniversary, the company might prepare something special. The 2021 Nissan Patrol Warrior is the unique edition based on the same concept for the Titan truck. Well, the 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers lineup will get it first, according to rumors. On the other hand, the vehicle might be delayed because of the situation with COVID-19 pandemic and limited sources for development and tests. A 5.6-liter V8 engine is the same one its North American sibling Armada is using, but the upcoming 2021 Patrol is also using a 4.0-liter V6 powerplant.

2021 Nissan Juke

The 2021 Nissan Juke is cut from the US lineup, but it is still available outside the North American market. Well, the subcompact crossover is quite popular, mostly because of its funky styling. Small, agile, and eye-catching, it is a perfect model for city ride and everything it brings, including narrow streets, and tight parking lots. The new edition is slightly larger than before, extending to 4,210 mm (165 inches).

Juke will be one of the rare vehicles with the Nismo package, the only one of 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers. While fans of other models are dreaming about this version, the small unit is increasing sporty look and performance thanks to the special set of upgrades. Well, the company will definitely look to expand the market, especially in the United States, but delivering more Nismo models. Juke’s match, Kicks, is not available with these upgrades.

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2021 Nissan Terra

Terra is the youngest model in the 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers family. The company launched it in 2018 for the Asian and Australian markets. But, we will see this one in more countries next season. The 2021 Nissan Terra is a mid-size SUV, slotted between X-Trail and Patrol. In 2012, the Japanese carmaker discontinued Pathfinder for the above-mentioned markets, and Terra is filling the gap.

Since it is fresh, we don’t expect big changes on the 2021 Nissan Terra. The SUV is using a 2.5-liter petrol engine and a 2.3-liter diesel drivetrain. So, there is room for a hybrid setup. The vehicle is a seven-seater, with an option to remove the third row and cut two spots.

New 2021 Nissan SUVs and Crossovers

EXPECTED COMEBACK: 2021 Nissan Xterra

Xterra might be back for the 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers team. When the Terra came out, many fans were thinking this is it. But, not so fast. Terra is the mid-size model, while the Xterra was the compact, truck-based crossover. It was one of the special setups in the market since only large vehicles used a body-on-frame architecture. The 2021 Nissan Xterra might bring back the same platform to compete against Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco Sport. Well, it doesn’t sound like an easy task. Bosses will have to think about this move. On the other side, fans would give a green light to 2021 Xterra comeback without a second thought.

FULL REVIEW…

EXPECTED DEBUT: 2021 Nissan Ariya

From concept to production vehicle in a year – that would be a story if the 2021 Nissan Ariya shows up at dealerships. The all-electric crossover debuted a few months ago, as the platform for future EVs. Well, Nissan still produces the best-selling electric vehicle of all time, LEAF. But, since the market is expanding, Ariya is looking for a spot among 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers.

Sooner or later, it will happen. The truth is – we are not so sure that the all-electric model could be out so soon. On the other hand, Nissan is serious about it. The future of the automotive industry is in electric motors. So, the sooner the Ariya appears, the company will have more time for further developments. Also, it fits into other electrification plans that include Rogue, Pathfinder, X-Trail, and other vehicles by the Japanese company not belonging to 2021 Nissan SUVs and crossovers lineup.

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