Nissan Cars with All-Wheel Drive (5 Models: New & Used)
As one of the smaller Japanese car manufacturers, Nissan is less impressive in product quality and reliability, lagging behind most Asian makes.
Still, the following Nissan cars and SUVs have all-wheel drive, and they make reasonable, affordably priced alternatives.
Are Nissans All-Wheel Drive?
Nissan does not have an extensive lineup of mainstream cars and SUVs compared to rival makes.
Several Nissan SUVs have all-wheel drive, consistent with other market offerings, although the Altima is the only Nissan sedan available in AWD.
Other automakers’ all-wheel-drive products are arguably more outstanding and worthy of making your shortlist:
- Toyota AWD models.
- Mazda AWD models.
- Honda AWD models.
- Hyundai AWD models.
- Kia AWD models.
- Ford AWD models.
- Volkswagen AWD models.
Nissan Sedans with AWD
#1 Nissan Altima
In a segment filled with all-time heavy-hitters like Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it is fair to say that the Nissan Altima hasn’t impressed sufficiently to place itself higher up the pecking order.
Most Nissan Altimas aren’t all-wheel drives; models from 2019 onwards have an optional AWD, but those in 2018 and older are front-wheel-drive sedans.
That said, the midsize Altima is relatively easy to drive, quite comfortable, and returns good fuel economy even with AWD.
Nissan SUVs with AWD
#2 Nissan Rogue Sport
The extra-small Rogue carries a modest price tag, ample cargo room, and easy maneuverability, given its size.
Nissan has offered the Rogue Sport with an optional all-wheel drive since the model’s 2017 debut; the front-wheel drive is standard.
Overall, Rogue Sport is a good option for budget-conscious buyers looking for an easy-to-drive little SUV, but its engine performance and ride comfort have some ways to go before matching class leaders.
#3 Nissan Rogue
The latest Rogue is Nissan’s saving grace in the competitive SUV field, vastly improving on the marque’s beleaguered position plagued by an unimpressive product range.
Although it isn’t a segment frontrunner, the Rogue small SUV has a more-attractive styling, a pleasant and roomy interior, and good ride comfort.
All Nissan Rogue model years since 2008 offer all-wheel drive as an option; front-wheel drive is standard.
The AWD variant is less frugal than the FWD by 2-4 mpg, and the Rogue’s fuel economy is segment-average.
#4 Nissan Murano
The two-row Murano is one of two Nissan midsize SUVs; the three-row Pathfinder is the other.
Every Nissan Murano since 2003 has had all-wheel drive as optional equipment; the front-wheel drive is standard.
The good ride comfort is a highlight in an otherwise mediocre midsize entrant.
Midsize two-row SUV shoppers will do well opting for one of the following stronger alternatives:
Nissan Coupe with AWD
#5 Nissan GT-R
2021 is the final production year for the Nissan GT-R, an iconic sports coupe that rivals speedy offerings from German luxury automakers.
All Nissan GT-R model years have a standard AWD system, enabling beginners to drive relatively easily given the all-wheel traction.
The GT-R’s low price-over-performance ratio remains its advantage.
Is Nissan AWD Good?
Some Nissan AWD car owners have reported rear differential failures in the first-gen Rogue (2008-2013), vibration and grinding noise in the second-gen Rogue (2014-2020), and transfer case leakages in the third-gen Murano (2015 onwards).
Otherwise, Nissan’s all-wheel-drive system has reasonable reliability, although the overall product quality leaves room for improvement.
Consumer Reports ranked the following Nissan with AWD as some of the car maker’s more reliable models:
- Nissan Altima.
- Nissan Rogue.
- Nissan Murano.
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