Nissan’s focus on long‑term quality and customer satisfaction has been reaffirmed, as the Nissan Murano has been named the “Most Dependable” Midsize SUV in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for the second consecutive year. The repeat win underscores Murano’s strong track record with owners and highlights Nissan’s broader push to strengthen its reputation for reliability in the competitive U.S. SUV market.
Now in its 37th year, the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study measures problems experienced by original owners of three‑year‑old vehicles, covering 184 potential trouble areas across nine key categories. Murano’s performance at the top of the midsize SUV segment indicates that owners report fewer issues over time compared with rival models, a crucial metric for shoppers considering long‑term ownership or used‑vehicle purchases.
Rigorous J.D. Power Methodology Highlights Real-World Quality
The 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study surveys owners on a comprehensive range of issues, from infotainment glitches to mechanical failures, to create a detailed picture of how vehicles perform after several years on the road. The study evaluates 184 potential problems grouped into nine categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate.
With vehicles becoming increasingly software‑driven, J.D. Power notes that many industry‑wide complaints now center on connectivity, driver‑assistance tech and digital interfaces rather than traditional mechanical components. Murano’s strong showing in this environment suggests that Nissan has effectively managed both electronic and mechanical reliability, delivering a crossover that remains trouble‑free for owners well beyond the initial ownership period.
Redesigned Murano: Comfort, Technology and Advanced Driver Assistance
The latest-generation Nissan Murano, introduced in late 2024, forms the basis for the award‑winning 2026 model and blends a premium cabin feel with updated technology and safety features. For 2026, Murano builds on its redesign with added convenience, capability and upscale amenities aimed at families and commuters seeking a refined midsize SUV.
A key highlight for 2026 is the availability of ProPILOT Assist 2.1, offered as part of the Platinum Technology package. This advanced driver assistance system enables attentive drivers to experience hands‑off steering, acceleration and braking on compatible roads, and adds Lane Change Assist to support smoother, more confident passing maneuvers on highways.
Safety Credentials and Peace of Mind for Owners
Beyond its dependability rating, the 2026 Murano is engineered to deliver a high level of active and passive safety performance. All models come standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of technologies designed to help the driver see more and react faster, including automatic emergency braking and other driver‑assist features depending on specification.
Murano’s structural design and safety engineering have earned it a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reflecting strong results in crashworthiness and crash‑avoidance tests. Combined with its J.D. Power dependability recognition, these credentials position Murano as a family‑focused SUV that not only protects its occupants in a collision but is also less likely to suffer from disruptive issues over years of use.
Pricing, Lineup and Market Impact
In the U.S. market, the 2026 Nissan Murano lineup starts with the SV all‑wheel‑drive model, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of 41,670 dollars. Higher trims build on this foundation with additional comfort, technology and driver‑assistance features, including the range‑topping Platinum models that can be equipped with the ProPILOT Assist 2.1‑based Platinum Technology package.
Murano’s repeat win as the most dependable midsize SUV comes at a time when consumers are increasingly focused on long‑term value amid rising vehicle prices and growing complexity in onboard technology. Segment‑leading dependability, combined with advanced driver assistance and strong safety ratings, gives Nissan a powerful message for both new and used‑vehicle buyers, and signals that the brand’s investment in quality and customer satisfaction is yielding tangible results on the U.S. market.
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