2015 J.D. Power Study: Murano Tops in Midsize SUV Segment

Aug 17, 2015

Murano Tops SUV Segment

Over the last few decades Nissan (formerly Datsun) has been the recipient of a number of very prestigious automotive industry awards. In 2015 three very popular Nissan models were among the many vehicles rated as being among the most appealing to own and drive within their individual market segments.

The J.D. Powers APEAL Study

Each year J.D. Powers performs their annual APEAL (Automotive, Performance, Execution, and Layout) study to see which model in each segment stands out from the rest. In 2015 the Nissan Murano, having been completely redesigned, was determined to be the best in its midsize crossover category. According to the study, the 2015 Murano scored a very impressive 853 points. Not only was this score 58 points higher than the previous generation of Murano, it was also a full 35 points higher than its nearest competitor scored.

Along with the Murano, the 2015 Altima came in second place in its category with a score of 817 points, moving it up 3 places from its 2014 finish and only missed out on being in the number one slot by 3 points. The 2015 Frontier scored a healthy third place, coming in just behind two recently introduced vehicles.

The APEAL Study is now in its 20th year and offers surveys to those who lease or buy new vehicles in each model year. The survey covers 77 very specific attributes of each vehicle, allowing owners a chance to fully evaluate their vehicle. The maximum score in the APEAL Study is 1,000 points, all results are tabulated at the end of the study, allowing J.D. Powers to publish a complete set of highly accurate results.

Safety Features Equal Higher Scores

One thing that recent APEAL Study results have found is that the addition of a number of safety features such as blind spot monitoring and parking assist are making a big difference in the scores. These features help to improve the sense of security a vehicle offers its owner and therefore improves overall satisfaction.

Buyers will find that Nissan continues to invest in the latest safety features and technology by adding a wide range of connectivity and advanced safety systems to its entire lineup. Among the many safety features found in Nissan vehicles are: Drive Attention Alert (DAA), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), and the Around View® Monitor (AVM) that includes Moving Object Detection (MOD).

According to Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S.A., North America Inc., Fred Diaz, “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.” In fact overall sales of the Murano have increased by approximately 40 percent through June of 2015 in comparison to those recorded in June of 2014.

The All-New Nissan Murano

For the 2015 model year, the Nissan Murano has undergone a complete design overhaul complete with a new look on the outside, including the “V-Motion” front end that features “Boomerang” lights, and a scientifically designed floating roofline that offers more efficient aerodynamics. One the inside you will find an interior that offers a wide center console, a lowered instrument panel, and advanced “zero-gravity seating for added comfort and a more social environment. The 2015 Murano also offers more overall square footage of glass and a panoramic sunroof, both of which combine to make the interior feel more spacious and airy. All trim levels of the 2015 Nissan Murano come equipped with a standard 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 260 hp and is connected to a Nissan Xtronic transmission featuring D-step logic for maximum performance and fuel efficiency. The Murano is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, allowing buyers to choose the option which best fits their needs.

To see all that the award-winning 2015 Nissan Murano has to offer, stop by Nissan of Cookeville at 501 Neal St, Cookeville, TN 38501 and talk to a member of our sales team. Call 931-392-3196 to schedule your test drive today!