Midsize SUVs offer just the right amount of space, comfort, and technology for many people. And shoppers have plenty of choices these days from the rugged Toyota Highlander to the near-luxurious Buick Enclave. If you’re in the market, where do you start when you’re searching for an affordable, reliable midsize SUV? Testers at Consumer Reports think that you should give the 2020 Nissan Murano a closer look because of what it offers at its price point.

Read on to learn why this SUV has been unobtrusively garnered strong reviews from CR in a crowded, competitive market segment.

A recent vote of confidence from Consumer Reports

The five-seater 2020 Nissan Murano comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 260 hp. The Nissan crossover SUV comes standard with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is available. Both drivetrains use a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Before 2018, the Nissan Murano earned mixed reviews from Consumer Reports. During these years, the SUV occasionally would get good scores for reliability or owner satisfaction. For the most part, however, its scores were lukewarm at best.

The 2018 model year marked an upward trend in ratings from CR. It scored a four out of five for reliability and a three out of five for owner satisfaction. It ranked No. 2 of three among 2018 SUVs, positioned between the Jeep Cherokee and the Ford Edge.

Reliability has become the Nissan Murano’s strong suit

Consumer Reports’ ratings for the 2019 Nissan Murano were even better than those for the 2018 model. The SUV ranked No. 1 of four in reliability of the 2019 SUVs with a score of four out of five. Owner satisfaction was also impressive at four out of five.

The 2019 Nissan Murano also topped the Consumer Reports’ 2019 model comparison for overall reliability with a score of 76 out of 100. It bested rivals such as the Jeep Cherokee, the Ford Edge, and the Honda Passport.

Reviews from Consumer Reports for this year’s Murano further boosted its status as a good, reliable midsize SUV. CR gave this Nissan its “Recommended” stamp and a score of 75 out of 100. It ranked at No. 10 out of 24 midsize SUVs.

The Murano scored a 77 on the road test, with high scores for acceleration, transmission, and braking. It also scored generally well for comfort and access. Testers were somewhat less enthusiastic about its routine and emergency handling, with both scoring three out of five.

The 2020 Murano also received a three out of five for predicted owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability was also a solid four out of five. As with the 2019 model year, the Nissan Murano outshone the Jeep Cherokee, Ford Edge, and the Honda Passport in model comparison for overall reliability. Its score was 63 out of 100.

A good deal for budget-conscious shoppers

For some buyers, the appeal of the Nissan Murano is its swooping, distinctive styling that has set it apart from its competitors since its inception. Others will appreciate its spirited V6 engine and a smooth CVT that provides instant acceleration. The Murano’s overall fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg.

CR’s testers feel that it offers a stable, comfortable ride. They also approve of its luxurious leather interior in the Murano’s SL trim level that they compare to that of a Lexus RX.

At the mid-level SV trim, the Murano comes standard with advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot warning.

In addition to its consistent reliability, the Murano brings many amenities to the table. Yet, buyers will be pleasantly surprised to discover that this SUV is relatively easy on the budget. With the MSRP range being $31,530 – $45,330, the 2020 Nissan Murano may be the reasonably priced underdog that gives buyers the quality and dependability that they’re looking for in a midsize SUV.