Which Nissan SUV Models Offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

Nissan offers All-Wheel Drive or Intelligent 4×4 traction systems across virtually its entire crossover and SUV lineup. The subcompact Kicks, compact Rogue, midsize Murano, and all-electric ARIYA provide available or standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, while the three-row Pathfinder and full-size Armada feature robust Intelligent 4×4 systems engineered with selectable drive modes for heavier loads and varied surface conditions.

The lineup starts with the subcompact Nissan Kicks, which brings available Intelligent AWD to urban drivers and daily commuters who want extra grip during wet spring rains or icy winter mornings. Step up to the popular Nissan Rogue compact crossover, and you will find available Intelligent AWD offered on every single trim level, alongside the rugged Rock Creek AWD edition. The midsize Nissan Murano comes standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, providing smooth V6-like power from its 2L VC-Turbo engine paired with an Xtronic transmission.

For families requiring greater seating capacity and towing capability, Nissan transitions to heavy-duty four-wheel-drive architecture. The three-row Nissan Pathfinder features an Intelligent 4×4 system with a multi-mode Terrain Mode Selector, backed by a 3.5L V6 engine capable of towing up to 6,000 lbs. At the top of the lineup, the full-size Nissan Armada utilizes an advanced Intelligent 4×4 system powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 425 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

Navigating the gently rolling terrain and rural routes around Portland becomes far more manageable when your crossover automatically adjusts traction to match road conditions. Whether you are searching through our inventory of new Nissan Kicks crossovers or exploring three-row SUVs, our team at Newton Nissan of Gallatin is ready to assist. You can reach us by phone at (615) 442-3090 or drop by our Gallatin showroom location to compare models in person.

Table of Contents

• How Does Nissan Intelligent AWD Work in the Rogue and Kicks?
• Are All Nissan Rogue Trims Available with AWD and What Is the Price Range?
• What Is the Difference Between Nissan AWD and Intelligent 4×4 Systems?
• Where Can You Test Drive Nissan AWD SUVs Nearby?
• Common Questions About Nissan AWD Systems and Winter Driving
• Find Your Next AWD Nissan SUV at Newton Nissan of Gallatin

How Does Nissan Intelligent AWD Work in the Rogue and Kicks?

Nissan Intelligent All-Wheel Drive operates by continuously monitoring vehicle speed, throttle input, and individual wheel rotation to distribute engine torque between the front and rear axles in real time. Under normal driving conditions on dry pavement, the system routes 100 percent of power to the front wheels to maximize fuel efficiency, but it can instantly transfer up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels when sensors detect slipping tires.

Unlike traditional four-wheel-drive systems that require manual lever engagement or remain locked full-time, Nissan’s system works behind the scenes without driver intervention. Advanced electro-hydraulic couplings engage within milliseconds, sending power to the tires with the most grip before noticeable wheel spin occurs. In models like the Nissan Rogue, drivers can also use the Drive Mode Selector to choose specialized settings such as Snow Mode or Off-Road Mode, which recalibrate throttle sensitivity and transmission shift schedules for low-traction surfaces.

Families comparing crossover options on our lot frequently ask whether all-wheel drive is available across every Rogue trim tier or restricted to higher packages. The answer is that Nissan makes traction technology accessible across the entire lineup rather than locking it behind top-tier price points. On models equipped with Intelligent AWD, drivers gain peace of mind whether traveling across standing water on highway stretches or managing gravel driveways after a heavy rainstorm.

To explore pre-owned crossover options that feature all-weather capability, check out our selection of pre-owned Nissan Kicks models. Our team also offers complete support through our local Nissan dealership services to walk you through drive mode functions during your test drive.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Are All Nissan Rogue Trims Available with AWD and What Is the Price Range?

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available across every trim level of the Nissan Rogue, giving buyers full freedom to choose their preferred feature package without sacrificing all-weather traction. The lineup includes the S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, alongside the trail-focused Rock Creek AWD and the styled Dark Armor AWD editions.

Every Nissan Rogue is powered by a responsive 1.5L VC-Turbo engine producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, mated to an efficient Xtronic continuous variable transmission. Choosing all-wheel drive adds a modest increase to the vehicle’s base price while delivering enhanced capability and an elevated ride height of 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

Here is how the pricing and drivetrain configurations line up across the Rogue trim spectrum:

• S FWD: $29,490 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge)
• S AWD: $30,890 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge)
• SV FWD: $30,490 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge)
• SV AWD: $31,890 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge)
• Dark Armor: $33,340 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge)
• Rock Creek AWD: $34,390 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge; equipped standard with all-terrain tires and off-road tuning, yielding an EPA rating of 27 city / 32 hwy / 29 combined)
• Dark Armor AWD: $34,740 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge)
• SL FWD: $35,590 base MSRP (plus $1,495 destination charge)
• SL AWD: $36,990 base MSRP (plus $1,495 destination charge)
• Platinum AWD: $39,390 base MSRP (plus $1,545 destination charge)

For buyers evaluating their monthly budget, upgrading your vehicle with your current car’s equity is a great starting point. You can value your trade-in online with our tool before visiting, or connect with our regional Nissan dealership team to compare available trim options on our sales lot.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

What Is the Difference Between Nissan AWD and Intelligent 4×4 Systems?

The primary distinction between Nissan Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and Intelligent 4×4 lies in their underlying power management, torque distribution mechanisms, and intended operating environments. Intelligent AWD is an automated system designed primarily for light-to-medium crossovers like the Kicks, Rogue, and Murano, focusing on seamless fuel economy during daily highway driving and rapid automatic torque transfer when front tire slip is detected.

In contrast, Nissan Intelligent 4×4 systems—found on larger utility vehicles like the Pathfinder and Armada—utilize heavy-duty transfer cases and specialized mechanical components built to handle severe off-road conditions and substantial towing loads. The Pathfinder’s Intelligent 4×4 system features a rotary Terrain Mode Selector with dedicated settings for Mud/Rut, Sand, Snow, Tow, Eco, and Sport modes. This allows the driver to pre-condition the vehicle’s throttle response, braking control, and torque split before entering challenging terrain.

While Intelligent AWD handles everyday rain, light slush, and gravel roads effortlessly, Intelligent 4×4 provides the low-end gearing and structural reinforcement necessary to pull up to 6,000 lbs on the Pathfinder or 8,500 lbs on the Armada. For drivers negotiating the wooded suburban routes and creek crossings around Shackle Island, having selectable 4×4 drive modes offers added control when pulling boats or recreational trailers across soft unpaved ground.

If you are planning to upgrade to a three-row crossover or full-size 4×4 SUV, you can apply for financing online to streamline your buying process before taking a test drive.

Where Can You Test Drive Nissan AWD SUVs Nearby?

You can test drive the complete lineup of all-wheel-drive Nissan crossovers and SUVs at Newton Nissan of Gallatin, conveniently located at 1461 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066. Our sales lot features a wide selection of trims, allowing shoppers to compare the ride quality, cabin space, and technology features of the Kicks, Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder side by side.

During your test drive, our knowledgeable team will walk you through the vehicle’s driver-assist technologies, including Nissan Safety Shield 360 features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. We can also demonstrate the digital instrument cluster’s real-time torque-split screen, showing you exactly when and how the vehicle distributes power to the rear wheels during acceleration and cornering.

In addition to new and pre-owned vehicle sales, our dealership provides complete ownership support with genuine factory parts and accessories, such as all-weather floor mats, roof rack crossbars, and towing hitches. You can easily order genuine Nissan parts online through our service center to customize your SUV for outdoor weekend trips.

Common Questions About Nissan AWD Systems and Winter Driving

Q: Does driving a Nissan AWD SUV significantly reduce fuel economy compared to FWD?

Nissan Intelligent AWD is engineered to minimize fuel consumption by operating in front-wheel drive during steady highway cruising and engaging the rear wheels only when loss of traction is detected. For example, the 2026 Nissan Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 27 city MPG / 34 highway MPG in all-wheel drive, representing only a minor difference from its front-wheel-drive counterpart while delivering enhanced traction on slippery roads.

Q: Can you manually lock a Nissan Rogue into all-wheel drive?

The Nissan Rogue features an automated Intelligent AWD system that constantly evaluates road friction and adjusts torque distribution without requiring the driver to press a manual locking switch. Drivers can select Snow Mode or Off-Road Mode using the drive mode dial, which tailors throttle sensitivity, transmission ratios, and traction control settings for optimal stability on low-grip surfaces.

Q: How does ground clearance complement Nissan Intelligent AWD in snow?

Ground clearance prevents deep snow, slush, and rutted ice from packing under the vehicle chassis and lifting the tires off the pavement. Crossovers like the Nissan Rogue AWD offer 8.2 inches of ground clearance, while the Nissan Murano AWD features 8.3 inches, ensuring that the chassis clears common road obstacles while the all-wheel-drive system maintains firm tire contact.

Q: Is Nissan Safety Shield 360 included on AWD Nissan SUVs?

Yes, Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard or widely available across all Nissan AWD crossovers, including the Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder. This comprehensive safety suite bundles Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, and High Beam Assist to enhance driver confidence in inclement weather.

Q: Do Nissan AWD vehicles require special drivetrain maintenance?

All-wheel-drive crossovers require periodic inspections of the rear differential fluid and transfer case fluid according to the factory maintenance schedule. Performing routine tire rotations every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is particularly critical on AWD models, as uniform tire tread depth prevents unnecessary strain on the electronic all-wheel-drive coupling.

Find Your Next AWD Nissan SUV at Newton Nissan of Gallatin

Selecting the ideal all-wheel-drive crossover comes down to matching your family’s seating needs, cargo requirements, and daily commuting habits with the right Nissan model. Whether you are drawn to the efficient maneuverability of the Kicks, the versatile everyday performance of the Rogue, or the robust towing power of the Pathfinder, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your options with complete pricing transparency.

We invite you to visit our showroom to experience Nissan’s Intelligent AWD and 4×4 systems firsthand on the road. You can get directions to our Gallatin showroom, explore our current vehicle promotions through our local Nissan dealership facility, or give our sales team a call at (615) 442-3090 to schedule your test drive today.