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. 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 still has mediocre sales despite its reliability ratings
The 2023 Nissan Murano isn’t necessarily recording terrible numbers, but its sales numbers are also not encouraging. In the second quarter of 2023, Nissan recorded sales of 8,744 units of the Murano, marking an 18.2% quarter-to-quarter growth from the previous year when it sold 7,396 units. This represents a remarkable surge in consumer interest and demand for the vehicle.
The year-to-date figures also reveal increased sales, with the automaker reporting 21,188 units sold. This is considerably higher than the 16,799 units Nissan sold in 2022, marking a 26.1% growth in year-to-date sales. This indicates sustained growth and an overall positive trajectory for the Murano.
The SUV has recorded dismal sales in 2023 despite starting the year strongly with 4,093 units. There was a slight dip in February sales, with 3,930 units sold, but the model recovered in March and finished the first quarter strong with 4,421 units sold. The plunge happened again during the year’s second quarter, and so far, the Murano has yet to regain its Q1 momentum.
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 71,246 units sold in the second quarter of 2023.
This is a significant increase in sales from the model’s Q2 2022 sales, as Nissan sold 42,441 units in 2022, marking a 67.87% growth in quarter-to-quarter sales. The Pathfinder is significantly less popular than the Rogue but sold more units than the Murano, with 19,004 units in Q2 2023 and 15,302 in Q2 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. According to GoodCarBadCar, the Passport sold 12,385 units in Q2 2023, over 3,000 more than the Murano.
The Santa Fe sold 32,616 units in Q2 2023, outdoing the Murano by 23,872 units. 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.
