Why Aren’t More People Sold on the Most Reliable SUV This Year?
The Murano is one of Nissan‘s solid midsize SUV offerings. The vehicle has a powerful engine and has earned the title of most reliable SUV from various experts. However, according to sales data, consumers aren’t rushing to get the vehicle from dealership lots. So why aren’t more people sold on the most reliable SUV this year?
The Nissan Murano was named the most reliable SUV of 2023
The 2023 Nissan Murano sales data is surprising since the car earned high-reliability scores from various auto experts. For example, J.D. Power gave the SUV a 90 out of 100 rating on quality and reliability. Its overall consumer rating of 86 out of 100 saw the Murano top the publication’s list of the best midsize SUVs of 2023, beating out heavy hitters like the Honda Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe.
U.S. News gave the Murano a 7.6 out of 10 overall score, emphasizing its comfortable two-row seating and plush refined cabin. The Murano has various desirable features that make it a worthy vehicle. For instance, its interior is luxurious despite needing an upgrade.
It also has USB-A and USB-C ports that help passengers connect their different smartphones and other mobile devices. The Murano delivers an impressive performance thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 260 hp.
The Nissan Murano is seeing its popularity grow a little bit this year
The 2023 Nissan Murano isn’t necessarily recording terrible numbers, but its sales numbers are also not encouraging. In the third quarter of 2023, Nissan recorded sales of 5,118 units, marking an -8.2% quarter-to-quarter growth from the previous year’s Q3 when it sold 5,578 units.
The year-to-date figures also reveal increased sales, with the automaker reporting 26,306 units sold. This is considerably higher than the 22,377 units Nissan sold in the same time last year, marking a 17.6% growth in year-to-date sales. This represents a remarkable surge in consumer interest and demand for the vehicle.
The Murano struggles to compete in its segment
Despite its high reliability scores, the Murano is still struggling to compete in its segment and among Nissan’s own SUV lineup. According to GoodCarBadCar, the Rogue is the automaker’s most popular SUV, with an impressive 63,346 units sold in Q3 of 2023.
This is a significant increase in sales from the model’s Q3 2022 sales, as Nissan sold 42,460 units in 2022, marking a 49.2% growth in quarter-to-quarter sales. The Pathfinder is significantly less popular than the Rogue but sold more units than the Murano, with 13,669 units in Q3 2023 and 13,304 in Q3 2022.
Outside of Nissan, the Murano usually competes with the Toyota RAV4, Honda Passport, and the Hyundai Santa Fe, which all eclipse the Murano in sales numbers.
The RAV4 is one of the most popular SUVs on the market, and its sales numbers reflect its success. RAV4 sold 102,313 units in Q2, surpassing Murano sales by over 93,000. Car and Driver ranked the Murano 31st in its best SUVs list, narrowly escaping last place taken by the Toyota 4Runner.
