2018 Nissan Model Changes

As we get new information on all of the 2018 Nissans, this article will be updated. So bookmark it!

370Z

Manual transmission models get a high-performance clutch, all the better to keep the car together when you launch it in a smokey burnout. In addition, subtle retuning of the engine controller helps improve the feel of acceleration. This is basically a recalibrating of the electronic throttle to open more quickly.

Smoked headlights and taillights are new to this year's "Z" car. Together with a blacked-out rear fascia, a new shade of available red paint and a new design on the optional 19-inch wheels, they give a slight visual refresh.  A Heritage Edition begs the question, "Isn't this car nine years old?"

 The Heritage Edition comes in yellow or black and offers hood and sill stripes in black or yellow, respectively.

NISMO is now standard in the Tech trim, with standard navigation, voice command, backup camera, and the Bose audio system.

Altima

Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking is now standard, on all models.

After a 2017.5 model, the 2018 gets a little simplification: Base 2.5 and 3.5 SR models are discontinued, leaving 5 trim levels, down from 7.

This means Rearview Monitor (backup camera), automatic headlights, ventilation microfilter, cruise control and Nissan Advanced Key with Pushbutton Start are now standard.

Armada

NissanConnect, a telematics system that can call for help in the event of an accident, even if everyone in the vehicle is incapacitated, is offered as standard equipment.

On Armada Platinum, the standard rearview camera displays its image in the rearview mirror.

Frontier

A new Midnight Edition features lots of black paint.

Front map lights, AM/FM Stereo, CD player, Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls are now standard.

A backup monitor is also now standard on all models.

GT-R

A new base model: Pure, saves buyers $10,000. Removed are the titanium sound control exhaust, Bose Audio, 5 of the eleven speakers, Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement.

Between the Premium and the NISMO, the Track Edition is a new addition as well. The Track Editipon makes do with the standard 565-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6, but the chassis receives extra spot welding and adhesives to make it stiffer for track action. The suspension is specially calibrated as well. The Track Edition uses the NISMO's wheels and front fenders and a carbon fiber rear spoiler.

Apple CarPlay is now standard.

Juke

Gone to the salvage yard in the sky.

Kicks

This replacement for the Juke in the rapidly growing subcompact crossover range is a lot less polarizing in its looks. The Kicks makes do with a non-turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and 125 horsepower. All-wheel-drive will not be available, at least not initially.

With a longer wheelbase, the Kicks will offer more front and rear legroom, more front headroom and significantly more cargo room.

The Kicks will offer all of the expected safety equipment: frontal collision warning and Automatic Emergency Braking will be standard across the board.

Leaf

The Leaf is fully redesigned. One of the pioneers in the all-electric car realm, along with the GM EV1 and Tesla Roadster, the new Leaf will have a much greater range. Its redesign makes it much more attractive, with a faux floating roof, a totally new front grille and a more conventional rear end.

With a 150-mile range and 147 horsepower, both up about 40%, and new standard equipment like forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, the $690 price break wasn't expected.

Again available as Leaf S, Leaf SV and Leaf SL, it will go on sale in all 50 states sometime in early 2018.

Maxima

Android Auto is added to Apple CarPlay as standard on all models. Standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking became standard mid-year for 2017 models and carries forward to 2018.

Murano

Navigation, ApplePlay, Android Auto and NissanConnect are now standard on all trims.

SV models now have standard Blind Spot Warmning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning (still also standard on SL and Platinum). Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking are now standard on all models.

Intelligent Cruise Control is now standard on SL and Platinum and also optional on SV.

NV Cargo

Rear backup camera, bluetooth interface, color display audio, hands-free text assistant, a USB audio connection, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry and cruise control are now standard.

NV Passenger Van

Rear backup camera, bluetooth interface, color display audio, hands-free text assistant, a USB audio connection, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, keyless entry and cruise control are now standard.

NV200

This tiny cargo van gets a standard backup camera (previously optional on SV only), standard bluetooth, a standard 5-inch color audio display system and steering wheel mounted audio controls become standard.

Pathfinder

Rear Door Alert is standard equipment: open a rear door before beginning your journey and when you leave the Pathfinder and close its doors it will chirp its horn to remind you to check your back seat. 

Automatic Emergency Braking with frontal collision warning is now standard on all models as is Intelligent Cruise Control.

Quest

The slow-selling minvan has been discontinued. Or has it?

Rogue

The seven-passenger configuration is no longer offered. Small children will have to be tied to the luggae rack, instead. To offset this safety issue, Rogue SL now offers standard Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian Detection.

SV now has a standard hands-free power lift-gate.

Rogue SL with the Platinum Package now has Nissan's ProPILOT: a revised Intelligent Cruise Control with full stop and go capabilities, a brake hold feature (don't fall asleep at traffic lights, please), and steering assist, which will actively keep the Rogue in a properly marked lane, but cancels if the wipers are are engaged above the intermittent setting. This package replaces the pedal-operated emergency brake with an electronic one.

Rogue Sport

No changes.

Sentra

Automatic Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Warning is now standard with CVT (automatic transmission), except on Sentra NISMO.

Rearview camera is now standard on all Sentra models.

In addition to Sentra SL, Sentra SV also now has standard dual zone automatic climate control.

Intelligent Cruise Control now standard on SR 1.8 and SL; previously optional.

Titan

New Midnight Edition "brings custom look straight from the factory." Available n Crew Cab SV and SL models, it includes a body color grille with blacked out foglights, grille insert, badges and door handles; 20-inch wheels and body colored bumpers are also included.

A rearview monitor and NissanConnect with Mobile Apps is now standard on all trims.

Versa Note

The SL trim is discontinued, leaving the SR as the top model. Versa Note S Plus is now just Versa Note S.

Versa Sedan

Map lights, adjustable front headrests, steering wheel audio controls and variable intermittent wipers are now standard on all trims.

The luxurious (okay, relatively) SL trim is discontinued. The SL's Easy Fill Tire Alert (horn beeps when you've reached the correct tire pressure) and Intelligent Key (hands-free entry and pushbutton starting) become standard on SR and optional on SV.

Every model is $20 more expensive.