Nissan SUV Models

With the current state of the economy, finding vehicles that provide the most bang for the buck seems to be the top priority for most consumers. Finding vehicles that are roomy enough for growing families, provide optimum fuel economy while still being affordable, proven reliability are among the most important things car buyers are demanding from newer vehicles. Fortunately for them, there are a number of Nissan SUV models which meet all of the aforementioned requirements, as well as providing many other luxuries at an affordable price.

Here are a few Nissan SUV models to consider when looking for a new vehicle.

2011 Nissan Pathfinder
Starting at $28,570, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the crown jewels of the Nissan SUV family offering three rows of seating and comfortably seating up to seven passengers. The 2011 Pathfinder is not only a solid vehicle for seating larger groups, but the passenger, second and third rows can also fold down to provide additional space for hauling a variety of items.

The $28,570 is the Pathfinder’s base pricing, but Nissan offers five separate models of Pathfinder with varying levels of luxuries built into them with the most expensive, the Pathfinder LE V8 starting out at just over $43,000.

For the Pathfinder LE V&, consumers can expect a 310-hp 5.6 Liter V8 offering 7000 of towing capacity, and fully equipped with the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System, XM NavTraffic and a 9.3 GB Music Box hard driving providing both power and high-end technology all in one affordable package.

Regardless of the model a consumer chooses, Nissan backs their entire Pathfinder line with a 36-month/36,000-mile limited vehicle coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage. Additional warranty coverage can be purchased as well to extend the protection of the vehicle for the consumer.

2011 Nissan XTerra
Although a bit smaller than the Nissan Pathfinder, the 2011 Nissan XTerra won’t be backing down in a fight anytime soon. A compact yet powerful SUV, the Nissan Xterra starts at $24,260 and offers a solid 261-hp V6 engine geared toward off-road performance. Power features throughout (i.e. locks, windows, etc.), and the option for either 4×2 or 4×4, the Nissan Xterra is built tough for anything this world can throw at it either on-road or off.

The Xterra can seat five passengers comfortably, and earns an estimated 16 miles per gallon (mpg) on in the city and an estimated 22 mpg on the highway. Not the most fuel efficient SUV on the market, but still a solid performance for a modern SUV with V6 under the hood. Nissan has built the total package for a fun SUV while keeping many of the luxuries consumers have come to expect from Nissan.

2011 Nissan Armada
The largest of the Nissan SUV models, the 2011 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV on par with the large SUV competition in the market. Much like the Pathfinder, the Armada also seats up to eight, but offers more interior space than the Pathfinder. Another great feature the Nissan Armada offers is the All-Mode 4WD and a hefty 317-hp V8 engine that is designed for a comfortable ride even when hauling up to 5200 lbs.

Some of the additional features one can find on the 2011 Nissan Armada are dual climate controls for passengers that can never seem to agree on the temperature, rear sonar system for backing up in close quarters and on-board entertainment systems to keep passengers entertained on longer road trips. All of these options, as well as the rest of the Armada are covered by similar warranties as listed above.

The downside to the Nissan Armada is that it is not built with fuel economy in mind, only getting an estimated 13 mpg in town and 19 mpg on the highway. Nissan has built in a number of fuel saving features such as Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Technology to offer the owner options for cheaper fuel, however; even with cheaper methods of fueling, the gas mileage is not what will sell the Armada. All of the additional features the Armada offers however, will.

Ultimately, there are a number of great Nissan SUV models offered on the market today. From smaller sportier models, so larger, road cruising models, Nissan has their consumers covered with the three models listed above. Proving luxury does not have to cost a fortune and is at the finger tips of many, Nissan has continued to impress with their SUV line in 2011.