MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Labour Day is a statutory holiday in Canada that recognizes the contributions and achievements of workers across the country. Landing on the first Monday of September, it's also a peak travel period for Canadians taking advantage of the long weekend.
With long hours on the road and rising summer temperatures, vehicles can experience added strain on key components such as tires, batteries, and cooling systems. To help drivers prepare for the season, James Mastronardi, senior manager in vehicle evaluation and test at Nissan, identified several tips to improve heat management and fuel efficiency:
Heat management:
- Vent hot air with the key fob – On many Nissan models, pressing and holding unlock lowers the windows to release trapped heat, reducing initial A/C load.
- Automatic HVAC vent‑door opening – When parked, most Nissan vehicles open the HVAC vent door to promote natural airflow through the cabin, lowering interior temps before you return.
- Maintain the A/C system – Proper servicing and correct refrigerant levels help the system cool faster and operate more efficiently in extreme heat.
Fuel efficiency:
- Remove unused roof‑mounted gear – Cargo boxes and other rooftop items create drag and can significantly increase fuel consumption.
- Lighten the load – Clearing unnecessary items from the trunk helps improve range.
- Keep windows up at highway speeds – Open windows increase aerodynamic drag; using A/C is typically more efficient.
- Watch your speed – Fuel economy drops quickly at higher speeds; driving at 120 km/h (75 mph) can use up to 14% more fuel than cruising at 104 km/h (65 mph).
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Gas |
Fill up before your trip. The average long-distance drive for a summer destination is 457 kilometers (284 miles), within range of most full gas tanks. |
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Oil |
Check oil level, condition and top-up or change if needed. Proper lubrication prevents engine wear and protects against breakdowns in high summer heat. |
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Coolant |
Check coolant level and inspect for leaks. Coolant keeps the engine from overheating, which is important in stop-and-go summer traffic and high temperatures. |
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Windshield fluid |
Top up washer fluid and ensure jets are working. Bugs, dust, and road grime build quickly, and clear visibility is critical for safe driving. |
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Snacks |
Pack non-perishable snacks (or load up a cooler with fresh food). This helps maintain energy levels for your vehicle occupants, reduces the need for frequent stops and saves money on the road. |
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Drinks |
Bring plenty of water and hydrating beverages to prevent dehydration, which can impact focus and reaction time behind the wheel. |
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Tire Pressure |
Inflate to recommended PSI (check when tires are cold) and inspect the tire treads. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, handling, and safety, plus reduce the risk of blowouts on hot asphalt. |
These simple checks align with how Nissan engineers' vehicles for real-world driving conditions, helping drivers stay comfortable, connected and confident on long-distance journeys.
"Nissan designs its vehicles around how people actually travel," said, senior vice president, Chief Product & Planning Officer, Nissan Americas. "Rogue delivers efficiency1 and comfort for everyday road trips, Pathfinder gives families space to go further2 together, and Frontier is built for adventure, whether on the highway or off the grid. From flexible seating to smart connectivity and generous cargo space, these vehicles are designed to make every mile more comfortable and convenient."
Across these three models are features engineered to make journeys more enjoyable for both drivers and passengers, either on the open road or off the beaten path. Here's how Nissan's core road-trip lineup stacks up:
Road Trip-friendly features |
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Seats / Rows |
5 seats / 2 rows |
Up to 8 / 3 rows |
Up to 5 (Crew Cab) / 2 rows |
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Second / Third Row Recline + Slide Seats |
Reclining second row |
Reclining and sliding second row / Reclining third row |
Not available |
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Cargo Space |
894.8 - 1033.5 liters (31.6-36.5 cubic feet) / 1815.1 - 2098.2 liters (64.1-74.1 cubic feet) |
470 liters (16.6 cubic feet) / 2279.5 liters (80.5 cubic feet) |
Up to 6-foot bed with up to 1,391.9 liters (49.2 cubic feet) and up to 271 kg (1,200 lbs) max. payload |
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Cupholders |
8 |
16 |
Up to 8 |
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USB Ports |
Up to 4 |
Up to 5 USB ports on Platinum |
Up to 4 |
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Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ |
Available on Platinum grade |
Standard all grades |
Standard |
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In-Vehicle Wi-Fi |
Available |
Available |
Available |
A little preparation and the right vehicle can help make every trip memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which Nissan vehicles are best for different types of road trips?
- Rogue: Ideal for couples or small families prioritizing efficiency2, comfort, and everyday usability
- Pathfinder: Best for larger families, offering three-row seating and flexible passenger space
- Frontier: Built for adventure, with strong capability for off-road travel and hauling gear
2. What road-trip features do Nissan Rogue, Pathfinder, and Frontier offer?
- Flexible seating and cargo configurations
- Multiple USB ports across rows for device charging
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard on Pathfinder and Frontier)
- Available in-vehicle Wi-Fi hot spot
- Thoughtful storage, including multiple cupholders and compartments for long drives
3. How does the Nissan Pathfinder support family road trips?
- Pathfinder is designed for group travel with up to eight seats, a reclining third row, and multiple charging points. Its interior flexibility and high number of cupholders and storage spaces make longer trips more comfortable for families.
4. What makes the Nissan Rogue a strong option for long-distance driving?
- Rogue combines fuel efficiency (up to 7.6 L/100 km combined) , comfortable seating, and flexible cargo space up to 2,099.6 liters (74.1 cubic feet) with seats folded. It's well suited for highway driving and typical summer trips, where range, comfort and everyday practicality matter most.
5. How does the Nissan Frontier enhance road trips that involve outdoor activity or hauling gear?
- Frontier offers a durable truck bed (up to 6 feet) and strong payload capability3, making it ideal for road trips that include camping, off-roading, or transporting equipment. It pairs utility with connectivity features to keep drivers comfortable on longer drives.
6. How do Nissan vehicles help improve comfort and convenience on long summer drives?
- Across Rogue, Pathfinder, and Frontier, Nissan focuses on interior comfort, connectivity and usable space. Features like reclining seats, multiple charging ports, intuitive infotainment and ample cargo room are designed to help reduce stress and fatigue for drivers and passengers during extended time on the road.
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- 2026 NRCAN Fuel Economy Estimate 8.3 City/6.8 Highway/7.6 Combined. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
- 2026 NRCAN Fuel Economy Estimate 11.8 City/9.6 Highway/10.8 Combined. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
- Towing varies by configuration. 3243.185 kg (7,150 lb.) trailering rating for Frontier S King Cab 4x2. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.