Nissan's Big Bet: Can a Wave of New Models Save the Troubled Automaker?

A renaissance for Nissan?

Nissan has seen better days. The Japanese automaker has been struggling with plummeting sales, a tumultuous leadership transition, and failed merger talks with Honda. But rather than retreating, Nissan is betting big on a future filled with fresh models. Over the next two years, the company plans to launch over 14 new and refreshed vehicles, spanning combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

This product overhaul attempts to revive the brand’s global appeal, with new models planned for North America, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Here’s a closer look at what’s coming and what it means for Nissan’s future.

A new Nissan Leaf: from hatchback to crossover

One of the biggest transformations in Nissan’s lineup is the reinvention of the Leaf. Once a compact hatchback that helped pioneer the EV movement, the new Leaf is taking on a completely different form — a crossover SUV. Built on the same CMF-EV platform as the Nissan Ariya, this new Leaf promises a sleeker design, bigger wheels, and a panoramic moonroof. It’s also expected to have a significantly improved range compared to its predecessor and will be the first Nissan model equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, making it compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network.

The new Leaf will be a truly global model, launching not just in North America but also in Europe, Japan, and Australia. By shifting to the crossover segment, Nissan is looking to capitalize on the market’s growing preference for SUVs over traditional sedans and hatchbacks.

Updates to the Rogue and Pathfinder

Nissan’s popular Rogue SUV is also getting an upgrade. The 2026 model will offer gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the e-Power hybrid system making a return. This setup uses a small gas engine as a generator to power an electric motor, delivering improved efficiency. Notably, the Rogue plug-in hybrid will essentially be a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, leveraging Nissan’s alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi.

Meanwhile, the larger Pathfinder will receive a mid-cycle facelift, including a redesigned front end that aligns with Nissan’s evolving design language. These updates aim to keep Nissan’s SUVs competitive in an increasingly crowded market.

A redesigned Sentra and an all-new adventure SUV

Sedan enthusiasts will see a redesigned Nissan Sentra, featuring sharper styling and potentially a more refined interior. While compact sedans are losing favor in the U.S., Nissan remains committed to the segment with a freshened offering. Data suggest that American car buyers are looking to downsize in response to inflated vehicle prices, so a refreshed Sentra could hit the mark.

Looking further ahead, Nissan has teased an all-new electric adventure SUV, set to be built in Canton, Mississippi. Expected to launch in 2027, this rugged, boxy EV appears to be positioned below the Rogue and Pathfinder, with a futuristic LED design. While details remain scarce, this new model could serve as Nissan’s entry into the growing market for off-road-capable electric SUVs.

Expanding the EV lineup in Europe

Over in Europe, Nissan is launching two new EVs that cater to different segments. The long-awaited all-electric Micra will finally enter production after being teased for years. Based on the Renault 5 E-Tech, this small and stylish EV aims to attract urban drivers looking for an efficient, compact option.

Another major debut will be the fully electric Nissan Juke, inspired by the Hyper Punk concept. The Juke has long been known for its quirky design, and the EV version is expected to push that even further while offering zero-emission performance. The European-market Nissan Qashqai will also receive the latest version of Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system, which enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

A new Nissan Frontier/Navara for Latin America

In Latin America, Nissan will introduce a new version of the Navara (known as the Frontier in some markets). This rugged midsize pickup is expected to feature an upgraded design, improved infotainment, and enhanced driver-assistance technologies. However, this specific version will be exclusive to the Latin American market.

For Australia, Nissan will take a different approach, developing an all-new pickup truck built on Mitsubishi Triton underpinnings. Described as a “one-ton pickup,” this vehicle will launch by early 2027, further strengthening Nissan’s commercial vehicle offerings.

A new Indian-built SUV and minivan

Nissan is set to introduce two new models in India, both manufactured at its Chennai facility for domestic and export markets. The first is a budget-friendly minivan with crossover-inspired styling, slated for a 2025 debut.

In 2026, Nissan will launch a five-seater SUV, its own take on the Dacia/Renault Duster, featuring a redesigned front end. The company has also announced a separate five-seater SUV for select African markets, though it remains unclear whether it will share design elements with the India-bound model.

Meanwhile, in Japan, Nissan plans to roll out a refreshed kei car in 2025, followed by a next-generation large minivan equipped with the latest hybrid powertrain in 2026.

Can Nissan’s new strategy work?

Nissan’s aggressive product rollout signals a clear strategy: lean into SUVs and EVs while leveraging alliances with Renault and Mitsubishi to streamline costs. However, whether this is enough to revive the struggling automaker remains to be seen.

Despite a refreshed lineup, Nissan still faces significant challenges. The company’s financial health remains fragile, and its brand image has suffered in recent years. Additionally, it must navigate an increasingly competitive EV landscape, where brands like Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford continue to innovate rapidly.

Final thoughts

Nissan’s ability to execute this product plan successfully will determine whether it can regain its footing in the industry. If these new models resonate with consumers, the automaker could stage a much-needed comeback. If not, Nissan’s future may remain as uncertain as its recent past. Only time will tell if this wave of new vehicles can reverse Nissan’s fortunes. But one thing is clear — the company isn’t going down without a fight.