Your Guide to Shopping for a Used Nissan SUV

The Nissan lineup includes an incredible selection of vehicles, including sporty and reliable cars, powerful trucks, and some of the most stunning SUVs on the road. When you're looking for a used Nissan for sale with an eye toward pre-owned SUVs, it's important to have a sense of what you're looking for and need from your next vehicle. 

Used Nissan SUVs can include a number of different models across various generations and model years, with some significant differences between them. So today, we're going to briefly check out the six most common models you'll find pre-owned, note some important model years you should remember when exploring your options, and help you decide which ones seem best for you.

Nissan Kicks: A Sporty Subcompact 

In looking at these Nissan SUVs, we're going to go in ascending order by size, simply to keep things organized. The first of two subcompact SUVs you can find pre-owned is the Nissan Kicks, which is a terrific option if you're shopping on a budget. Some folks go for a used vehicle simply to avoid a lot of initial depreciation or to get more for their money; if you want to keep costs as low as possible, then the Kicks is the perfect place to start. This is the most affordable option in Nissan's SUV lineup, so a used model will be very budget-friendly.

Nissan first released the Kicks for the 2018 model year, so it hasn't been around very long, but there are still plenty of them on the used market. With its small size, this is a great one to choose if you tend to drive on your own a lot or don't need something larger for a big family. The first-generation Kicks received an update and facelift for the 2021 model year, with new looks and enhanced tech features inside, making this a great model year to look for. Nissan is releasing a second-generation Kicks this year, but you won't find many of them used for a while.

Nissan Rogue Sport: An Upgraded Kicks

Not to be confused with the Nissan Rogue, the Nissan Rogue Sport is a second subcompact option that's worth checking out as you look at used models. The Rogue Sport has a more powerful engine than the Kicks and is quite a bit larger inside, so if the Kicks feels too cramped for your needs, then give this one a look. The Rogue Sport was first released for the 2017 model year, then received an update and facelift for the 2020 model year with new looks on the outside. 

Although we're big fans of this vehicle, it didn't do as well as Nissan wanted, so it was discontinued following the 2022 model year. That's a fairly small window of years to look for, but it means you can count on most Rogue Sport models to have similar options; look for the SL trim if you want to find the best features inside this nimble SUV.

Nissan Rogue: Small Size, Big Features

For a larger option that's been around longer than the first two models we looked at, the Nissan Rogue is the perfect place to start. This is a compact SUV, so it can still easily fit into just about any lifestyle, but you'll find a lot more room inside it than the two we started with. First released for the 2008 model year, the Rogue has been through numerous changes and several generations since it hit the road, which is important when looking at used models. The second-generation Rogue kicked off with the 2014 model year, followed by a facelift for the 2017 model.

Nissan released the third generation of the Rogue in the 2021 model year, making these and later models great ones to look for. These are your best bet if you want to find some of the latest features and technology in the Rogue, including advanced driver assistance systems and more. This generation received a mid-cycle refresh for 2024, with enhanced tech features inside and a revamped exterior. These models are fantastic if you can find them used, though older ones will save you money and still have a lot to offer.

Nissan Murano: A Perfect Midsize SUV

One of the most popular options in the Nissan lineup, the Murano is a midsize SUV, making it a great choice if you're looking for a "just right" model between the smaller and larger options. Nissan first launched the Murano for the 2003 model year, so it's been around for well over 20 years at this point, proving itself time and again as a terrific choice for a wide range of drivers. This is still a two-row SUV with seating for up to five people, so keep that in mind when considering all of your options.

The 2015 model year saw the release of the third-generation Murano, making that a great place to start when looking at used SUVs. With its impressive engine, the Murano is incredibly fun to drive and it has great features inside and out. An update for the 2019 model year makes that a great option, while the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance features became standard with the 2020 model, so look for a 2020 Murano or more recent ones if you want enhanced tech to help keep your family safe.

Nissan Pathfinder: Adventurous Design

The oldest SUV in the Nissan lineup, the Pathfinder first hit the road for the 1987 model year and has been a favorite of many drivers ever since. This is one of our favorite family SUVs on the market, particularly since it gives you three rows of seating inside so everyone can pile in before you hit the road. We wouldn't suggest going all the way back to the 1980s for a used SUV, however; instead, start with a 2012 model as the oldest option, when Nissan released its fourth-generation Pathfinder.

Even better, look for a 2014 model if you want something older to save a lot of money while still getting great features since this saw numerous updates, including a hybrid engine becoming available. A facelift for the 2017 Pathfinder makes this a terrific choice for a gorgeous SUV with impressive features, while the 2022 model year kicked off its fifth generation. This is the perfect choice if you're looking for modern features, including Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive system and enhanced terrain-management technology for heading off-road.

Nissan Armada: A Full-Size for Families

Finally, the Armada is the largest option when looking at used Nissan SUVs and an amazing choice if you have a big family. This is a full-size SUV with three rows of seating inside and a lot of space for all the stuff you need to bring with you. First released for the 2004 model year, we'd suggest going as far back as the 2017 model, which launched the second generation of the Armada. 

This generation gets you an upgraded V8 engine for bold performance that makes this large SUV feel fantastic on the road, plus terrific features inside and out. An update and refresh for the 2021 model year makes this an amazing option if you're looking for the most modern features, including the Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance tech, which became standard that year.

Which Nissan SUV Is Right for You?

As you can see, you have six fantastic options available as you consider different used Nissan SUVs, which is enough to give you a lot of freedom without becoming overwhelming. If you want something small, then the Kicks, Rogue Sport, and Rogue are three great places to start. For a larger SUV, check out the Murano, Pathfinder, and Armada to see what they bring to the road and how they can enhance your drive. 

No matter what you need in your next SUV, Nissan has something that will work well for you; the trick is navigating these options to make sure you find it. That's why we're here to help, so give us a call or visit us at Reineke Nissan to let us help you find everything you need.