Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

NEW CAR PROFILES NISSAN — PORSCHE

Nissan Frontier

Dating back to 2005, the

compact Frontier pickup

truck is a dated design

that lacks polish. In our

tests, we found the Frontier

to be quick and relatively nimble,

but it has a very stiff ride. Both the

four-cylinder and V6 engines have

been replaced for 2020 with a new

3.8-liter V6 engine. It's mated to

a new nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain will also be in the

redesigned Frontier. Only crew- and extended-cab body styles are offered,

but rear-seat room is tight even in the crew cab. A model with a longer pickup

bed is available, but the tailgate is very heavy. Most versions come standard

with a 7-inch touch screen. The Frontier scored a Marginal in both of the IIHS

small-overlap front crash tests.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$19,090-$36,950

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Nissan Kicks

Nissan replaced the

funky-looking Juke with

the Kicks, throwing it

into the mix of the growing

segment of subcompact

crossovers. The Kicks is more of a

budget car designed to appeal to

those customers who would normally

buy a Nissan Sentra or Versa but are

attracted to the better versatility and

styling of an SUV. Unlike many crossovers, the Kicks doesn't offer all-wheel

drive. It comes with a modest 122-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a

CVT, producing leisurely acceleration but impressive fuel economy at 32 mpg

overall. Interior room is generous for the class, and the controls are easy to use.

Handling is mundane, and the ride is rather choppy. Forward collision warning

and automatic emergency braking come standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

61

$18,870-$21,120

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 64 MPG 32

Nissan Leaf

The standard Leaf EV has

a 40-kWh battery that

delivered a range of

150 miles in our tests. The

Plus version gets a 62-kWh

battery, which gives the Leaf an

estimated EPA range of 215 miles. It

also gets a more powerful motor that

makes the Leaf Plus a second quicker

from 0-60 mph than the 40-kWh Leaf.

It takes 8 hours to charge the standard Leaf on a 240-volt connector and

10.5 hours to charge the 62-kWh Plus. The Leaf's ride is a bit tender, which

makes it feel soft until it hits a bump hard. Handling is mundane but secure. The

driving position is uncomfortable because the steering wheel doesn't telescope

for reach. The optional ProPilot Assist can keep the car in its lane and adjust

its speed according to traffic. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency

braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning are standard.

OVERALL

SCORE

$29,990-$42,550

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 62-73 MPGe 104-112

Nissan Maxima
!

The Maxima continues

to use Nissan's smooth,

powerful 3.5-liter V6, which

is a highlight of the car.

The continuously variable

transmission works well for loafing

around, but it saps any aspirations of

sporty driving. Handling is mundane,

and the ride is too stiff for a sedan in

this class. The Maxima has a plush

interior and a number of high-tech safety and connectivity features, and it uses

a fairly straightforward infotainment system. A low roofline inhibits access and

visibility. Controls are simple to use, and the front seats are very comfortable

and supportive. The rear cabin, however, is rather cramped. An SR version

with a stiffer suspension is available, but it lacks a sunroof. Forward collision

warning with automatic emergency braking is standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

80

$34,250-$41,640

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 81 MPG 25

Nissan Murano

!

Nissan's midsized SUV uses

a punchy, refined 3.5-liter

V6 paired with a continu-

ously variable transmission.

Power delivery is prompt

and effortless, and we got 21 mpg

overall. The cabin is quiet and well-

finished, and has an upscale feel to

it. The rear seat is roomy, and access

is easy. Rear and side visibility are

hindered, however. Handling is not very sporty, with overly light steering that

reduces driver confidence. The ride is steady and absorbent on the standard

18-inch tires but less so on the Platinum trim's 20-inch tires. Forward collision

warning with automatic emergency braking is standard. Optional safety

features include blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning. An available

8-inch color display houses the NissanConnect infotainment system, which is

easy to use.



OVERALL

SCORE

75

$31,530-$45,330

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 77 MPG 21

Nissan Pathfinder

The midsized Pathfinder

has seating for up to seven,

but the second-row seat is

very low and the third-row

seat is tight. The 3.5-liter V6

and continuously variable transmis-

sion delivered respectable accelera-

tion and 18 mpg overall in our tests.

We found the ride to be comfortable

enough, but handling lacks agility.

The quiet cabin is spacious, and the controls are fairly easy to master. The

passenger-side rear seat can be moved forward with a child seat installed. A

recent freshening saw the V6 gain 24 hp and an increase in towing capacity to

6,000 pounds. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking

is standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are available.

A new feature reminds parents to check for children in the rear seats before

exiting the vehicle.



OVERALL

SCORE

68

$31,680-$44,610

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

1

ROAD-TEST SCORE 72 MPG 18

Nissan Rogue!

The easy-to-drive Rogue

is one of the better small

SUVs. It is relatively

roomy and quiet. Handling

is sound, with prompt

steering response and restrained body

lean in corners. Power comes from

a 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a

continuously variable transmission.

The CVT is not overly intrusive unless

the driver tromps on the gas pedal, which results in elevated engine noise.

Our AWD Rogue delivered 24 mpg overall. The interior is spacious for

the class and is nicely finished. The rear seat is very roomy. Forward

collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear

cross traffic warning, and lane departure warning are standard for all trims.

A rear-seat reminder is also standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

75

$25,300-$33,040

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 MPG 24

Nissan Rogue Sport

!

Measuring a foot shorter

than the familiar Rogue,

the Rogue Sport is a less

expensive, more compact

SUV. All trims use the same

141-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine

mated to a continuously variable

transmission. In our tests, we got

26 mpg overall, which doesn't stand

out in the class. The powertrain is

pleasant, though not overly powerful. The Sport handles responsively and rides

in a refined manner, with cabin noise kept to reasonable levels. We like the

easy-to-use controls and infotainment system. In addition, the Sport offers a

360-degree-view camera, which is helpful for negotiating tight parking spaces.

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

78

$23,240-$29,800

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 72 MPG 26

74 CR.ORG APRIL 2020