subcompact crossover is the smallest SUV offered by Nissan. With easy maneuverability, great fuel efficiency, and an extra affordable starting MSRP, the Kicks has easily become one of the more popular vehicles in its class.

If you’re looking for car-like handling but need a little more room than a hatchback, a compact or subcompact SUV can be a great step up. Fortunately, Nissan’s got you more than covered with the stylish and spacious Kicks. But this isn’t the only pint-sized on-roader Nissan offers.

Here to help walk you through every small Nissan SUV currently available in the U.S. is

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We’ll take a closer look at each subcompact, compact, and crossover SUV model you can purchase from Nissan—and give you some tips to cut back on your

Nissan insurance costs

while we’re at it! Let’s dive in.

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2022 Nissan compact and subcompact SUV models

There are currently six Nissan SUV models offered in the U.S.:

Nissan Kicks—subcompact crossover SUV

Nissan Rogue Sport

—subcompact crossover SUV

Nissan Rogue—compact crossover SUV

Nissan Murano—midsize crossover SUV

Nissan Pathfinder

—three-row crossover SUV

Nissan Armada

—full-size SUV

Of this 2022 lineup, only three Nissan SUVs are small enough to be considered compact. Let’s break down some of their highlights and weaknesses.

2022 Nissan Kicks ($19,990 MSRP)

Introduced in 2018, the Nissan Kicks blends the convenience of SUV roominess and ride height with the fuel economy and easy handling you’d expect in a smaller vehicle. This tiny SUV even sweetens the pot with one of the lowest MSRPs you might find on the market.

Admittedly, the 2022 Nissan Kicks is not as well-known as the similarly small

Kia Soul

Hyundai Kona

. Despite this, the 2022 Kicks still matches the Kona with its overall Consumer Reports score—at 66 out of 100—whereas the Kia Soul falls behind with just a 51 out of 100. Car and Driver rates the 2022 Kicks a little better with a 7.5 out of 10 rating, which is almost identical to Edmunds’ 7.4/10 score.

While none of these ratings are bad, they are a bit lackluster. Compared to other spiffier subcompact SUV models, the Nissan Kicks may seem a bit lackluster, too. In fact, Edmunds only ranks the Kicks #12 out of 19 extra-small SUVs—with the top three spots going to the more exciting

Volkswagen Taos

Chevy Trailblazer

, and

Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Nissan Kicks does shine in some areas, however, including its very low starting price, ample standard safety features, and excellent fuel economy. As evidence of this, J.D. Power gives the Kicks an 85/100 overall rating, with the highest marks in the safety, comfort, and functionality of its driving experience.

Some Nissan Kicks highlights to note:

Newly updated, intuitive infotainment system

93.9 cubic feet of passenger volume

EPA estimated 31/36/33 MPG city/highway/combined fuel economy

Very affordable—between $19,990 and $24,500 MSRP depending on trim, upgrades, and dealership location

Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, reverse automatic braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation

Zero-gravity seats

And of course, some notable weaknesses:

Engine lacks pep—your only option is a mildly unimpressive 122-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine

No all-wheel drive option—all trims come in front-wheel drive only

Limited cargo storage—just 32.3 cubic feet of total cargo volume (yes, that’s with all the seats folded)

MORE:

2022 Nissan Kicks insurance cost

2022 Nissan Rogue Sport ($24,960 MSRP)

A subcompact SUV like the Kicks, the Nissan Rogue Sport is essentially the regular Rogue’s smaller sibling. While the Rogue Sport is larger than the Kicks, opening up much more cargo storage, it’s still small enough to be more maneuverable than the Rogue.

Like the Kicks, the Rogue Sport suffers from the same underpowered engine. However, drivers also benefit from the same well-stocked suite of standard safety tech, too. Alongside its greater strength in overall roominess and storage space compared to the Kicks, the Nissan Rogue Sport also offers an all-wheel drive option in every trim.

Some highlights of the Nissan Rogue Sport include:

5/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports

61.1 cubic feet of total cargo volume (with back row folded)

Nissan Safety Shield 360® standard in all trims (feat. blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision mitigation)

Easy-fill tire alert—lets you know when tire pressure is adequate while pumping

SV trim Technology package upgrade adds on adaptive cruise control, top-down camera view, driver attention warning, and memory settings for driver’s seat

All-wheel drive available for every trim

And some weaknesses:

Lack of powerful engine options—all trims come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of just 141 horsepower

Optional 19-inch wheels (standard in SL trim) create a bumpy and noisy ride

Outdated infotainment system

2022 Nissan Rogue ($27,150 MSRP)

The 2022 Nissan Rogue expands into compact crossover territory. Newly outfitted with a three-cylinder VC-Turbo direct-gasoline injected engine, the Rogue doesn’t get the same weak engine complaints that plague the Kicks or the Rogue Sport. On top of this, the Rogue still maintains fantastic fuel economy, particularly for a gas-powered SUV.

While the 2022 Nissan Rogue impresses with its new powertrain and CVT transmission combo, experts note that it doesn’t match the athleticism of sportier models like the

Mazda CX-5

Volkswagen Tiguan

. Still, the Rogue offers a spacious and practical ride for a good price, and it comes loaded with the same standard host of safety features that shine in other Nissan SUVs.

Some Nissan Rogue highlights:

2022 Top Safety Pick Plus from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

Nissan Safety Shield 360® standard driver assistance tech

All-wheel drive upgrade available in every trim level

Excellent 30/37/33 MPG city/highway/combined fuel economy

Head-up display add-on available for top-tier Platinum trim

New 1.5-liter VC-Turbo I-3 engine packs 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque

Zero-gravity seats

Versatile 74.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume

And some weaknesses:

You’ll need to upgrade to the priciest Premium trim for some luxury features, like wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging

Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) can be noisy

Still limited by one engine option

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2022 Nissan mid-size crossover SUV models

Though Nissan’s mid-size crossovers aren’t as small as their subcompact and compact cousins, these SUVs also feature the car-based unibody that contributes toward a smaller feel.

2022 Nissan Murano ($33,310 MSRP)

The 2022 Nissan Murano is longer and wider than the Rogue, but it actually has less cargo volume and nearly identical legroom. This seems to reflect less of the Murano’s compactness, however, and more of its need for a redesign to better optimize its space. In truth, the last time the Murano was refreshed was eight years ago, and frankly, drivers can tell.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine puts out a respectable 260 horsepower and 240 lb-feet of torque, and the Murano’s all-wheel-drive system proves perfectly reliable in rain or snow. As a larger SUV than its compact cousins, fuel economy does dip to an EPA-estimated 20/28 MPG city/highway. But with a 4 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports, the Murano will likely make back some of those fuel costs with lower annual repair expenses.

Murano highlights include:

High-quality interior with zero gravity seats

Capable V6 engine

2022 Top Safety Pick Plus from IIHS

Great handling around corners (with speed-sensitive steering)

Advanced suite of standard driving aids

Murano weaknesses include:

Tows less than competitors—at 1,500 lbs maximum towing capacity

Not as tech-rich as the Rogue

Outdated layout with limited cargo storage (just 67 cubic feet total)

Not a very exciting drive—CVT can be slow to respond

MORE:

2022 Nissan Murano insurance cost

2022 Nissan Pathfinder ($34,640 MSRP)

If we’re being perfectly honest, the Pathfinder is no small SUV. However, the 2022 model is built on Nissan’s car-based unibody chassis, making it drive less like a truck than perhaps some longtime Pathfinder fans would like.

Still, the Pathfinder’s 2022 redesign has restored some of its rugged roots—at least, aesthetically. Exterior styling is more muscular than the last generation, and with all-wheel drive equipped, off-roading is certainly feasible. In truth, the 2022 Pathfinder has leaned more heavily toward becoming a family SUV, and with great success.

The third row is one of the most accessible and versatile in its class and its ample modern safety tech helped earn the Pathfinder a Top Safety Pick Plus from IIHS.

Here are some 2022 Nissan Pathfinder highlights:

2022 Top Safety Pick Plus from IIHS (for Pathfinders built after July 2022)

Very impressive 6,000 lb maximum towing capacity

Useful storage cubbies and bins throughout interior

Nissan Safety Shield 360® standard driving assistance tech

Versatile three-row seating makes for a family-friendly vehicle

And some Nissan Pathfinder weaknesses:

Still not as rugged as previous generations (thanks in part to its unibody chassis)

Sluggish acceleration and handling

Lacks the cargo volume of some rivals (at 80.5 cubic feet with all seats folded)

MORE:The top 10 best family cars

Other small Nissan models

The Nissan Kicks, Nissan Rogue Sport, and Nissan Rogue are the only subcompact and compact Nissan SUVs currently on the market. But, there are still some Nissan hatchbacks and sedans that are worth considering if you’re looking for a compact feel and don’t mind sizing down a little.

Nissan LEAF

($28,040 MSRP): The only electric car Nissan sells in America, this capable hatchback gets 123/99 city/highway MPGe and is rumored to upsize to an SUV in its next generation.

Nissan Maxima

($38,140 MSRP): Though this midsize sedan may lack space, its sharp handling and high-quality cabin give it a luxury driving experience if you’re looking for one.

Nissan Altima

($25,290 MSRP): Great fuel economy, an advanced driver assist system, and an optional turbocharged engine make the Altima a customizable, easy-to-use daily commuter.

Nissan Sentra

($19,950 MSRP): Stylish and economical, the Nissan Sentra is the practical sedan of choice for those looking for safety tech and comfort on a budget.

You can go even smaller with a

Nissan Versa

sedan if you so choose—next year, you’ll be able to go small and sporty with the return of the Nissan Z sports car. Of course, you can always opt for a larger Nissan vehicle, too. Nissan offers the full-size

Armada

SUV, and its 2022 truck lineup includes the

Frontier

Titan

, and

Titan XD

MORE:Why you should consider an SUV over a sedan

What is Nissan’s smallest vehicle?

The Nissan Kicks is the brand’s smallest SUV, but the subcompact Nissan Versa sedan is the smallest 2022 model Nissan offers. To give you an idea of just how small each model is, here are some dimension comparisons:

Nissan Kicks wheelbase: 103.1 inches

Nissan Versa wheelbase: 103.1 inches

Nissan Kicks passenger volume: 93.9 cubic feet

Nissan Versa passenger volume: 88.9 cubic feet

What is Nissan’s cheapest SUV?

It’s no secret by now that the Nissan Kicks is by far Nissan’s cheapest SUV at just $19,990 for its starting MSRP.

If you’re willing to size down to a sedan, the Nissan Versa is actually one of the cheapest sedans on the market as well—at a very appealing $15,580 starting MSRP.

MORE:

2022 Nissan Versa insurance cost

How to save on Nissan insurance

While you may expect your shiny new Nissan Rogue to have just as small of an insurance premium as its size, higher trim levels and expensive tech upgrades can lead to costly repairs. Factor location into your varying insurance price, and you may be unpleasantly surprised by your

Nissan Rogue insurance costs

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