Nissan Murano Tops Midsize SUV Segment
All-new Nissan Murano named most appealing midsize SUV in prestigious industry study of new vehicle purchasers, scoring significantly higher than the segment average.
Three Nissan models have been recognized as being among the most appealing vehicles to own and drive in their segments in the just released J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM – led by the totally redesigned 2015 Nissan Murano crossover’s top finish in the Midsize SUV category. Murano scored a total of 853 points, a 58-point improvement over the previous generation Murano design and 35 points above the second place finisher in the segment.
The 2015 Altima, Nissan’s best selling vehicle, improved three positions over the 2014 study to tie for second place with a score of 817, just two points behind the leader in the Midsize Car segment. The 2015 Nissan Frontier finished third in the Midsize Pickup segment behind two recently introduced pickups.
The annual APEAL Study, now in its 20th year, surveys purchasers and lessees of new vehicles, giving owners a platform to evaluate their cars, trucks and SUVs across 77 specific attributes. The results are combined into an overall APEAL score measured on a 1,000-point scale. The study found that some safety features, such as blind spot warning and parking assist systems, substantially improved owners’ sense of security – and satisfaction – with their vehicles.
«Given its bold new design, the APEAL Study results showed that exterior and interior styling are by far the leading purchase reasons for Murano buyers,» said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc.
Sales of the new Murano are up nearly 40 percent for the year through June (versus 2014), attracting many new buyers to the Nissan brand. The all-new Murano features Nissan’s new exterior design direction with V-Motion front end, boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the new Murano offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined lower-height instrument panel, wide center console, advanced Zero Gravity seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof. All 2015 Murano crossovers come equipped with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and Xtronic transmission with D-step logic. Murano is offered in front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
«We are also extremely pleased with the strong showing of the 2015 Altima, which finished above its two main sales competitors in the segment with a 13-point improvement over the year before,» said Diaz. «Like Murano, Altima offers advanced technology systems at an affordable price point.»
The 2015 Nissan Altima, one of the top selling cars in the U.S., offers a rewarding driving experience, premium exterior and interior and driver-focused technology. Its standard 182 horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine provides 38-mpg highway fuel economy. Altima is available in a choice of five models, including a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6-equipped Altima 3.5 SL.
The 2015 Nissan Frontier continues to be a sales leader in the midsize truck segment, combining premium hardware, extraordinary power and an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance. The Frontier Crew Cab is offered in five trim levels, led by the dynamic Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X.
