NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Nissan Armada and Murano earned fresh accolades as winners of their respective segments in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The Nissan Armada tied for first place in the Large SUV segment and Murano tied for first place in the Midsize SUV segment.
The JD Power APEAL Study measures owner satisfaction across more than 35 attributes, including design, performance, comfort and usability. It is based on survey responses from drivers during their first 90 days of vehicle ownership.
The Nissan Armada thrills owners with effortless capability off-road and exceptional on-road comfort. It was recently named a Consumer Reports Top-Rated Large SUV1 and was named Best Large SUV for Off-Roading in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Adventure Vehicles Awards.
Armada delivers comfort and poise on the road with a twin-turbo, direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine rated for 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft2 of torque and a standard towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds3. Advanced available camera technologies, including segment-first Invisible Hood View4, help drivers spot obstacles when parking or when venturing off-pavement.
Armada also empowers drivers to tackle rough terrain with the model's PRO-4X grade, which is equipped with an electronic locking rear differential, Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension5, all-terrain tires, eight selectable drive modes and a metal underbody skid plate. For the 2026 model year, the first-ever Armada NISMO injects even more distinctive style and excitement into the SUV, with NISMO-specific tuning for the suspension, steering, exhaust and engine, delivering best-in-class 460 horsepower (premium fuel required)6. For more on the 2026 Nissan Armada, including features, specifications, pricing and photos, see the full press kit.
The Nissan Murano is proudly assembled in Tennessee7. Murano combines elegant design, powerful technologies and a premium, accommodating cabin to make every drive more convenient.
Murano's welcoming, spacious interior includes premium options like heated, ventilated and massaging front seats; 64-color ambient lighting; and available semi-aniline leather-appointed upholstery. It is available with dual 12.3-inch displays featuring Google built-in8, bringing familiar, intuitive apps like Google Maps right to the vehicle's dashboard.
For the 2026 model year, Murano adds the powerful confidence of ProPILOT Assist 2.19. This advanced available technology allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals while the system handles steering, acceleration and braking on compatible roads. The system also features Lane Change Assist, which can recommend and help with passing slower-moving vehicles. For more on the 2026 Nissan Murano, including features, specifications, pricing and photos, see the full press kit.
Quick Q&A
- Who recognized the Nissan Armada and Murano?
- The Nissan Armada and Murano were recognized by JD Power in their 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, where they were named segment winners.
- What award did the Nissan Armada and Murano receive?
- The Nissan Armada and Murano were named segment winners in their respective categories in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The Armada tied for first in the Large SUV segment, and the Murano tied for first in the Midsize SUV segment.
- When was the JD Power 2026 APEAL Study conducted?
- The JD Power 2026 APEAL Study measures owner satisfaction based on survey responses from drivers during their first 90 days of vehicle ownership.
- Why is the Nissan Armada significant?
- The Nissan Armada is significant for its effortless off-road capability and on-road comfort, further enhanced by the 2026 model year's first-ever Armada NISMO, which offers best-in-class 460 horsepower with NISMO-specific tuning.
- What new feature is available for the 2026 Nissan Murano?
- For the 2026 model year, the Nissan Murano adds the powerful confidence of ProPILOT Assist 2.1, an advanced available technology that allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals while the system handles steering, acceleration, and braking on compatible roads.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube. Consumer Reports does not endorse products or services. Horsepower varies by trim level and use of fuel grade. Contact dealer for details. Up to 8,500 lbs towing for 2026 Nissan Armada. Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always secure cargo. Available feature. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Armada vs. latest in-market competitors in the Large SUV segment. Based on manufacturers' websites. Invisible Hood View cannot eliminate blind spots and does not warn of moving objects. Driver should always check surroundings before driving. See Owner's Manual for safety information. Available feature. Lowering and raising action for Access mode can only be performed when vehicle is at a complete stop and parked. Please see Owner's Manual for full details and information before using. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Armada vs. latest in-market competitors in the Large SUV segment. Based on manufacturers' websites. Assembled with U.S. and imported parts. Feature availability varies by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services SELECT package ("Package") required. Package trial period included with eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice. After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features when safe and legal to do so. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Connectivity service required. App subscriptions may be required. Data rates may apply. Subject to third party service availability. Should such service providers terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to NISSAN or its partners or agents. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. For more information, see www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services ProPILOT Assist 2.1 package ("Package"" required for ProPILOT Assist 2.1 functionality. Package trial period included with new vehicle purchase. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice. After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. See www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal for more subscription information. ProPILOT Assist 2.1 cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle and monitor traffic conditions at all times. Hands-off freeway driving is possible when driving in a single lane, on the condition that the driver remains attentive on the road ahead and is prepared to immediately take manual control of the steering wheel when conditions of the road, traffic, and vehicle require it. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner's Manual for safety information.