Murano ranks highest in its segment again and what dependability means for shoppers

Dependability is not flashy. It is the quiet confidence that your SUV will keep doing its job week after week, without turning normal life into a string of extra appointments.

That is why this recognition matters. In the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Nissan Murano ranks highest in the Midsize SUV segment for the second year in a row.¹ ²

At Nucar Nissan of Allentown, we meet a lot of shoppers who want something simple. A midsize SUV that feels premium today and still feels like a smart decision down the road. Everyone loves a Nucar.

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Key takeaways

• The 2026 study measures issues reported by original owners after three years of ownership.¹
• Results are reported as problems per 100 vehicles, where a lower number is better.¹
• J.D. Power found long-term dependability is being influenced heavily by software and phone connectivity issues.¹
• Murano ranks highest in the Midsize SUV segment, ahead of two other well-known nameplates.²

Study snapshot

Here is what the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study covers.

• Responses from 33,268 original owners of 2023 model-year vehicles
• Fielded from December 2024 through November 2025
• 184 specific problem areas across nine categories
• Industry average of 204 problems per 100 vehicles, up 2 from the prior year¹

This is a useful lens for shoppers because it focuses on the ownership phase where the honeymoon is over and the vehicle is living its real life.

What dependability means in this study

When shoppers say dependable, they usually mean a vehicle that does not surprise them.

J.D. Power measures dependability by tracking the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles, shortened to PP100. Lower scores indicate fewer reported problems.¹

Those problems are not limited to major repairs. The study spans areas like infotainment, features and controls, interior and exterior, driver assistance, and powertrain.¹

That broader view is important, because today’s ownership headaches often come from the parts of the vehicle you interact with every day.

Why dependability matters for real life in the Lehigh Valley

If you spend time on I-78, you already know how quickly a normal week can get tight. Dependability helps keep your schedule from being held hostage by a vehicle issue.

It also affects the parts of ownership that shoppers care about most.

Fewer surprise disruptions
The best service visit is the one you do not have to make.

More predictable costs
Routine maintenance is expected. Unexpected repairs are not.

More confidence when it matters
Whether you are running errands along Hamilton Boulevard or packing up for a weekend away, a dependable SUV feels like a partner instead of a project.

Dependability and initial quality are not the same thing

Some vehicles feel perfect in the first few months and get frustrating later. Others feel solid from day one and stay that way.

Dependability studies focus on the long game. They reflect what owners report after years of use, not just the first impressions.

What people are frustrated about online and what the study highlights

A big slice of today’s online discourse around dependability is not about engines. It is about technology.

J.D. Power found that four of the top five industry problems are tied to mobile phone integration, including the top issue in the study, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.¹

That is useful insight for shoppers, because it changes how you should evaluate a vehicle. You are not just test-driving the ride. You are test-driving the experience.

How to shop smart for the best long-term experience

Use this quick checklist on your Murano test drive.

1. Pair your phone and try it the way you really drive
   Make a call, play a podcast, and test navigation. Connectivity is where many owners report frustration industry-wide.¹
2. Explore the built-in options if you want fewer phone dependencies
   Murano offers available Google built-in, including Google Assistant and Google Maps, so you can use navigation and voice help without relying on your phone for everything.³ ⁴
3. Pay attention to everyday controls
   Climate, audio, steering wheel buttons, and driver-assist settings should feel intuitive, because those are the touchpoints you live with.
4. Ask us to walk through key features before you leave
   A surprising number of technology complaints come down to settings, permissions, and simple setup. A five-minute walkthrough can save a lot of future annoyance.

A few Murano details shoppers ask about most

Murano is designed for drivers who want a refined daily drive without giving up capability.

• A VC-Turbo engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission³
• Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for added traction confidence³
• Up to 1,500 pounds maximum towing capacity³

For many shoppers, those fundamentals matter because they support the kind of ownership that feels easy, not complicated.

Frequently asked questions

What is the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

It is an annual study based on feedback from original owners after three years of ownership. It tracks reported problems across 184 areas and nine categories.¹

What does problems per 100 vehicles mean

It is a standard way to report how many problems owners report for every 100 vehicles in the study. Lower scores mean fewer reported problems.¹

Which model year does the 2026 study measure

The 2026 study is based on responses from original owners of 2023 model-year vehicles.¹

Why does phone connectivity matter so much in dependability

The study shows many of the most common reported problems are tied to phone integration, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.¹

Does ranking highest guarantee my vehicle will never have a problem

No study can promise that. It is one strong data point that reflects what owners reported after years of real use, and it can help you shop with more confidence.²

Drive Murano at Nucar Nissan of Allentown

If Murano is on your shortlist, we would love to help you compare trims, test drive, and find the right fit for the way you drive.

Visit Nucar Nissan of Allentown at 1648 Plaza Ln, Allentown, PA 18104 or shop our online inventory anytime. Everyone loves a Nucar.