The Nissan Sunny and Nissan Tiida: Nissan’s Top Compacts

Nissan’s rich history, dating back just about a century, is matched only by its rich variety of vehicles. Today’s lineup ranges from the compact Nissan March (or Micra) to the Nissan NV350 commercial van, and includes everything in between, such as the subject of today’s article comparing used Nissan compact cars, the Nissan Sunny and Nissan Tiida.

Sunny vs Tiida Side-By-Side Comparison

Before we get into the details of what separates the Nissan Sunny from the Tiida, here is a quick overview of the details we will be looking at later.

Nissan SunnyNissan Tiida
Fuel Consumption14.8km/L –

17.6km/L
16 km/L –

20 km/L
Key FeaturesCD Player

A/C

Power Windows
Leather Interior

Keyless Entry

Alloy Wheels
Capacity5 Passengers5 Passengers
BE FORWARD Price*

(Click Prices to Shop)
$1,300 -

$17,360
$1,490 -

$2,277

*Average BE FORWARD prices as of April 2020

What’s the Difference Between the Sunny and Tiida?

Nissan’s Sunny and Tiida have histories that are very closely linked to one another, so let’s first distinguish the two from one another.

Nissan Sunny Review and Features

nissan sunny exterior vs tiida

CLICK FOR LOW COST used NISSAN SUNNY MODELS

In Japan, the Nissan Sunny dates back as far as the 1966 Datsun Sunny subcompact car and, in growing into a compact car, has always been marketed as an economical family vehicle. Powered by small and efficient engines, the Nissan Sunny has always been easy to own and highly reliable.

Making the switch to front wheel drive in the early 1980s, the Nissan Sunny retained its status as a desirable compact economy car. Unfortunately, retaining the angular 1980s styling through the 1990s did little to build on its popularity. Updated styling in the late 1990s helped to restore Sunny’s desirability, as did updated engine options, which were more powerful, yet just as efficient as always.

Engine

2004 NISSAN SUNNY engine
Above: Engine of a 2004 Nissan Sunny

Most used Nissan Sunny models, typically from the last generation, were produced between 1998 and 2004, and featured somewhat retro styling, back to the 1980s angular design, though not as severe. This latest generation Nissan Sunny was powered by a choice of 1.3L, 1.5L, or 1.8L gasoline engines, as well as a 2.2L diesel engine, and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission or a choice of manual transmissions, in five- or six-speed flavors. The Sunny was also available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options.

Key Features

When it comes to the name “Nissan Sunny,” however, the history can be a confusing one to recall, as the “Sunny” name has been used on Nissan products as diverse as subcompact sedans, coupes, and pickups, as well as compact sedans and coupes, not all of which were the same vehicles. Through all of the confusing vehicles bearing the “Sunny” marque, however, they all shared similar platforms.

The Nissan Sunny doesn’t go too flashy with the features, but does come equipped with just enough comfort, convenience and functionality. Depending on the model year and variation you choose, Nissan Sunny features may include:

  • Power windows
  • Radio/Cassette player
  • CD Player
  • Air conditioning

Nissan Tiida Review and Features

nissan tiida exterior vs sunny

CLICK FOR LOW COST used NISSAN TIIDA MODELS

In 2004, Nissan Sunny, at least in Japan, was retired and replaced by the Nissan Tiida. The Nissan Tiida is a compact hatchback, while the Nissan Tiida Latio is a compact sedan, based on the same platform.

In 2004, Nissan retired the Sunny in favor of the new Nissan Tiida and Nissan Tiida Latio, which debuted the same year. Nissan Tiida is a five-door hatchback, and Nissan Tiida Latio is a four-door sedan, and both are available with a range of engine and transmission combinations, as well as front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Engine

2008 NISSAN TIIDA engine
Above: Engine of a 2008 Nissan Tiida

Produced until 2012, the first-generation Nissan Tiida and Nissan Tiida Latio were available with 1.5 L, 1.6 L, and 1.8 L four-cylinder gasoline engines, as well as a 1.5 L four-cylinder diesel engine. Transmission options included the carryover four-speed automatic transmission from the Sunny, and a new CVT (constant velocity transmission). The six-speed manual transmission was reserved as an option for the 1.8 L engine. Used Nissan Tiida are typically from this first generation.

Interestingly, the Nissan Tiida Latio, sold in China, and the Renault Samsung SM3, sold in the Middle East, are sold as the Nissan Sunny to this day.

Key Features

In terms of features, the Nissan Tiida provides a bit of a step up from the Sunny days, with some model variations coming fully loaded with the following equipment:

  • CD player
  • Alloy wheels
  • Power windows and locks
  • Woodgrain accents
  • Leather interior
  • Keyless entry
  • Fog lights

Two Great Cars, But Which One Goes Further?

The Nissan Sunny had always been marketed as a classy economy car, a sedan for budget-conscious families who still wanted a little bit of class. As such, used Nissan Sunny models come with upscale (but not luxurious) features that are focused instead on a roomy interior layout and comfortable accommodations.

Considering that the Nissan Tiida was built to replace the Nissan Sunny, it makes sense that it was also aimed at young and budget-conscious families. The Nissan Tiida, however, brings those families into the 21st Century with premium and modern styling, as well as some of the most fuel-efficient powertrains on the market. The Tiida feels luxurious, roomy, and modern, but isn’t priced to break the bank, which makes it a great acquisition for the modern professional and their family.

nissan sunny interior vs tiida
Above: Interior of a used Nissan Sunny

Compared to the Nissan Sunny, the Nissan Tiida comes in a more modern package for a more modern and discerning driver. The fluid design language speaks of aerodynamic and dynamic performance, yet is more economical than ever thanks to the addition of the CVT to the lineup. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and higher roofline, the Tiida offers more space for driver and passengers alike. This spaciousness is most noticeable in the rear seating positions, whose legroom has been extended by nearly four inches (100 mm).

nissan tiida interior vs sunny
Above: Interior of a used Nissan Tiida

If you’re looking into used Nissan compact cars, both the Nissan Sunny and Nissan Tiida are good choices. They’re both exceptionally fuel-efficient and comfortable, as well as affordable for young families in need of reliable transportation. While the Sunny may run slightly cheaper than the Tiida, if only for age,  the Tiida is roomier and more modern-looking. Also, the Tiida can get you a little further than the Sunny, with fuel consumption rates ranging between 16km/L and 20km/L, while the Sunny can range between 14.8km/L and 17.6km/L

Whichever Hatchback You Choose, Choose BE FORWARD

Regardless of which you choose, you can rest assured that both are easy to drive, cheap to maintain, and made for great family vehicles.

Check out our related articles below for more information on Nissan’s great hatchbacks and other great reliable used vehicles – let’s meet on the road!

Click for Low Cost Nissan Sunny Models  Click for Low Cost Nissan Tiida Models

2 thoughts on “The Nissan Sunny and Nissan Tiida: Nissan’s Top Compacts”

  1. Comment
    Thanks for the verification survey, however l would prefer to go for Nissan Sunny though most Malawians are after Nissan Tilda but for myself, l would wish to go by Nissan Sunny.

    Reply

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