The illuminated Nissan emblem is shown on a 2023 Nissan Ariya at a Nissan dealer.

The Shape of Nissans to Come

“Nothing can change the shape of things to come.” At least that’s what Max Frost sang in the ’60s movie Wild in the Streets. The fictional Max Frost must have had the cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs heading to your local Nissan dealer over the next year in mind, assuming he really had the power to see into the future. The good news is that we have that ability, at least when it comes to new models and features on existing ones from Nissan.

Nissan has a history of innovation going back to its formation. Those first Nissan models were sold in America under the name Datsun, but in time motorists here came to find these vehicles to be innovative, safe, fuel-efficient, and very affordable. Since then, Nissan has continued to position itself on the cutting edge of the automotive industry with its Intelligent Mobility platform. This is a dedication to offering Nissan models in all of the different passenger vehicle categories with an emphasis on technology to improve performance, safety, connectivity, and fuel economy. This is part of the reason why Nissan has made a play to be at the forefront of the EV market with the LEAF and the all-new ARIYA.

Nissan’s Electric Future

Nissan entered the EV market with the LEAF back in 2013. This sporty little hatchback makes a great commuter car, weaning you off the need for gasoline as it is fully powered by electric battery power. The 2023 Nissan offers a range between 149 miles on the LEAF S and 212 miles with the LEAF SV PLUS. This represents the decision of Nissan to focus on two trims for the LEAF so it can better provide features and performance on this EV model. For example, the 2023 LEAF has an upgraded and refreshed interior appearance, providing more comfortable cloth upholstery on the seats for you and your passengers.

The newest Nissan model is the 2023 ARIYA. This is an EV with a crossover design, giving you more interior space than the LEAF if that is your need. As such, the ARIYA makes an ideal EV for a family driver. In addition, it can get up to 304 miles on a full charge of its battery, making it a great choice for an economical family road trip. Nissan even offers the ARIYA with its e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system courtesy of a pair of electric motors, each powering one of the ARIYA’s two axles.

If reports are correct, then Nissan’s bright, electric-powered future will not be limited to just two vehicles. One of its concept cars has created a real buzz. The Nissan Chill-Out concept has the sporty look of a sedan with an ergonomic design that fits its name. Meanwhile, the Nissan Surf-Out concept leverages the company’s expertise in midsize pickup trucks like the Frontier in the design of an all-terrain EV pickup truck. If Nissan goes forward with the Surf-Out, you will get the utility, capability, and exceptional efficiency of an EV pickup truck.

A red 2023 Nissan Altima SR is driving through a city at night.

Nissan’s Legacy of Superior Sedans Built for the Next Generation

Nissan built its reputation on sporty and efficient sedans. The 2023 models look to continue this tradition. The Nissan Altima has always been one of the most popular models in its midsize sedan vehicle class since its introduction three decades ago. Nissan has refreshed the front end of the Altima for the new year. This includes an update of the Nissan V-motion grille on the Altima, as well as a new Nissan brand logo. This gives the Altima an even more aggressive stance. In addition, the top trim levels get a new 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen for the standard Nissan infotainment system.

Commuters who love fuel-efficient compact sedans will be happy to see the changes to the 2023 Nissan Versa. This model has been given a similar front fascia to the 2023 Altima, giving it a striking familial resemblance. In addition, Nissan has made such comfort features as a wireless charging pad and a Wi-Fi hotspot available on the Versa, making your daily commute more convenient. The Versa and the luxury midsize Maxima sedan get the new Nissan brand logo. However, 2023 looks to be the end of a great run for the Nissan Maxima.

Nissan Keeps Putting the Sport Into Sport Utility Vehicle

Over the past few decades, motorists have shifted their allegiance from sedans to SUVs. These drivers decided they preferred the added interior space, higher ground clearance, and more rugged stance offered by sport utility vehicles. Nissan has been right there throughout the SUV revolution, helping feed the evolution of these fantastic vehicles.

Nissan’s SUV lineup currently consists of five different models, ranging in size from the subcompact Kicks all the way to the full-size Armada. This gives you the ability to find a Nissan SUV that has the size and features that best suit your lifestyle. Each of these models sports the new Nissan logo, which will make it easy for you to identify these models as the 2023 edition.
One of the most popular Nissan SUV models is the Rogue. This compact crossover roars into 2023 with a new Midnight Edition that offers drivers a new look for their Rogue with a gloss black exterior and a black TailorFit leatherette interior. In addition, the Rogue Platinum and SL Premium package now offer Amazon Alexa, so you can bring the convenience of this virtual assistance along for the ride! Amazon Alexa Built-In has also been added to the Armada SV, SL, and Platinum models as Nissan continues to push the technological innovation of its models.

For those looking for adventure, Nissan debuts a new Pathfinder Rock Creek model for 2023 that is built for serious off-roading. The Rock Creek grade features Intelligent four-wheel drive, a specialized off-road suspension, and 18-inch beadlock wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires. These allow you to under-inflate your tires without risking damaging them as it locks them to the wheel rims, giving you greater trail running capabilities.

Some of the updates for 2023 affect the appearances of some of Nissan’s most popular models. For example, the Murano midsize, two-row SUV now comes in two super cool exterior colors, Super Black and Deep Ocean Blue Pearl. These will help your 2023 Nissan Murano stand out with a look no one’s seen before.

A brown 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is shown parked on a forest trail.

Getting More Truck for Your Buck With a 2023 Nissan

Nissan has also built an enviable reputation with its truck lineup. The midsize Frontier, full-size Titan, and super-sized Titan XD are three of the most capable models in their pickup class. However, the folks at Nissan aren’t willing to simply rest on their success. Instead, they are always looking for ways to improve upon their existing models. This is why the PRO-X, PRO-4X, and Platinum trims of their 2023 trucks now feature wireless Apple CarPlay. This allows you to leave those annoying charging cables at home and stream your favorite apps and music directly from your iPhone. In addition, Nissan debuts a Midnight Edition for the Frontier and Titan that adds the option of a thrilling black look to the interior and exterior of these truck models.

Performance Sports Cars to Send Nissan Racing Into the Future

The Nissan Z has been one of the most iconic sports coupes throughout its over 50-year history. To celebrate, Nissan has introduced the seventh generation Nissan Z in time for the 2023 model year. This features a standard 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Drivers get a choice of a six-speed manual transmission and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The sleek new design is more aerodynamic than ever, with road handling that rivals much more expensive sports cars.

For those with an even greater need for speed, the 2023 Nissan GT-R returns with a choice of two different grades, the Premium and NISMO models. Both feature a 3.8-liter handcrafted twin-turbocharged V6 gas engine and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The NISMO boosts performance from 565 horsepower to an astounding 600 horsepower.

The Shape of Things Coming to Your Local Nissan Dealer

Nissan is constantly pushing the envelope, whether it is improved appearance like the new Midnight Edition on many popular models or added convenience features like Amazon Alexa built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay. The key is that Nissan is always moving forward, adding new features, increasing performance, and making their models more enjoyable to drive. The addition of the Nissan ARIYA for the 2023 model year also signals Nissan’s dedication to a clean, green electric vehicle future. This dedication to technological innovation is a big reason why Nissan continues to have a very bold and bright future.