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Everyone loves a good underdog story, and the 2021 Nissan Murano doesn’t disappoint. The Nissan Murano just snagged the highest quality award from J.D. Power for 2021, meaning it dominates the competition. 

The 2021 Nissan Murano dominates as the highest quality vehicle 

A blue 2021 Nissan Murano parked in the woods
2021 Nissan Murano | Nisssan

The 2021 Nissan Murano is ranked as J.D. Power’s highest-quality midsize SUV, and this award shouldn’t be taken lightly. A lot of research goes into the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. This is the 35th annual J.D. Power study. 

Each vehicle was assessed for the first three months of the 2021 model year vehicle ownership. About 111,000 vehicle owners answered 223 questions about the powertrain, comfort, safety, and tech. 

So the Murano went through a lot to come out on top. It’s ahead of rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento, Chevy Equinox, and more. But what’s so great about the Nissan Murano? 

Why is the Murano the best SUV? 

You can get started in a 2021 Nissan Murano for about $32,810. This price feels a little high. The 2021 Kia Sorento begins at about $29,390. Also, these prices are listed before dealership markups, and destination fees have been added. 

But the Murano comes standard with a ton of power. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.2 seconds, so that’s average. Also, it can only tow up to 1,500 lbs. That’s a little disappointing. 

The Murano provides a smooth power delivery with sporty handling, but the brakes are a little soft. The optional 20-inch wheels may make the ride a little bumpier than other options, but it’s still pretty smooth. Also, the interior is peacefully quiet with an occasional engine roar. 

The 2021 Murano gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This fuel economy is better than what rivals have to offer. Adding all-wheel drive doesn’t bring the fuel economy down either. 

Does the Nissan Murano have a quality interior? 

2021 Nissan Murano interior
2021 Nissan Murano interior | Nissan

Yes, the interior is where the 2021 Nissan Murano shines. Aside from being fun to drive, it’s also very comfortable. There’s soft leather on the seats, armrests, and door panels. Plus, there’s luxurious dark teak-wood trim. 

The front seats are large and heavily padded. Plus, the rear seats and plush and supportive as well. The dual-zone climate control is effective and not too loud. You can opt for ventilated seats too. 

Nissan Murano models come with an 8.0-inch color touchscreen display that features NissanConnect infotainment software. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM with Travel Link weather and traffic updates come standard. 

You also get both USB-C and USB-A ports in the front and rear to keep everyone and their smartphones happy. The system is fast, responsive, and easy to use. The voice control is effective too. 

Standard safety features include:

  • Forward-collision warning.
  • Automated emergency braking.
  • Blind-spot monitoring.
  • Rear-cross traffic alert.
  • Lane-departure warning.
  • Lane-keeping assistance. 

The 2021 Nissan Murano stretches your dollar pretty far. It serves as a well-rounded option that provides a sporty ride and a sense of luxury without breaking the bank. It should be on your list of SUV options to consider. 

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