Nissan Altima Tops Midsize Car Segment, Murano Tops Midsize SUV Segment In 2017 J.D. Power Apeal Study

July 26, 2017 by Nissan

•Nissan Murano named most appealing Midsize SUV in prestigious industry study of new vehicle purchasers, scoring significantly higher than the segment average

•Popular Nissan Altima sedan tops highly competitive Midsize Car segment

•Top-selling Rogue finishes second in Compact SUV category; Maxima finishes second in Large Car segment; TITAN second in Large Light Duty Pickup

•Nissan brand gains 27 points from previous year, climbs eight spots in overall ranking

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan has made huge gains in its ownership and driving 'appeal,' as stated in the just-released J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM. The Nissan brand's rise of 27 points versus 2016 and jump of eight spots in overall ranking was fueled by top marks for Murano in the Midsize SUV category, Altima in the Midsize Car Segment and high marks for the Maxima and TITAN in their respective categories. The top-selling Rogue showed the most dramatic increase for the Nissan brand, with a 46-point improvement year-over-year, beating the Compact SUV segment average by 32 points and elevating Nissan to above-industry average in overall and non-premium brand rankings.

The 2017 Murano crossover scored an 837 (on a 1,000 point scale), eight points above its next competitor, while the Altima sedan's 826 put it two points ahead of the next car. Maxima improved by 9 points – to 866 – resulting in a second-place spot in the Large Car segment, and TITAN finished second in Large Light Duty Pickup.

The annual APEAL Study, now in its 22nd year, surveys purchasers and lessees of new vehicles, giving owners a platform to evaluate their cars, trucks and SUVs across 77 specific attributes. The results are combined into an overall APEAL score measured on a 1,000-point scale. The study has found that the average APEAL score for the non-premium (mass market) segment has dramatically improved year over year, while the premium segment has remained relatively unchanged.

'The APEAL Study results reaffirm the efforts of the entire Nissan brand team,' said Christian Meunier, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, Nissan North America, Inc. and Chairman, Nissan Canada. 'We constantly strive to delight our customers, and it is rewarding to see the accolades for Murano, Altima, TITAN, Maxima and especially the Rogue.'

The Murano, as the halo vehicle for the company's expanding range of bold crossovers, features Nissan's signature V-Motion front end, boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and efficient aerodynamics. Inside, Murano offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined low-height instrument panel, wide center console, advanced Zero Gravity seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof. All 2017 Murano crossovers come equipped with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and Xtronic transmission with D-step logic. Murano is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

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The 2017 Altima, Nissan's second best-selling model, offers a rewarding driving experience, a premium exterior and interior, and driver-focused technology. Its standard 182 horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine provides EPA highway fuel economy of 39 mpg1. Altima is available in a choice of five models, including a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6-equipped Altima 3.5 SL.

The Nissan Rogue, following three straight years of sales growth since the introduction of the completely redesigned second generation for the 2014 model year, took another major step forward for 2017 with a new look, enhanced utility and an expanded suite of Nissan Safety Shield technologies. Rogue is now Nissan's top-selling vehicle. In an expansion of the Rogue lineup, a new gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain is offered for the first time in Rogue history.

Added Meunier, 'Nissan is driving toward a better future for Nissan customers where cars are their partners and where drivers are more connected and confident in their vehicles, something we call Nissan Intelligent Mobility. These APEAL Study honors prove that we're on the right path.'

For photography and information about the complete lineup of 2017 Nissan vehicles, please visit www.NissanNews.com.

To view the complete results of the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM, visit http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/performance.htm.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.INFINITIUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and INFINITINews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2016, the company sold 5.63 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.72 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500 and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance since 1999. In 2016, Nissan acquired a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors, which became the third member of the Alliance – a grouping with combined annual sales of almost 10 million units a year.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global marketing information services company providing performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., J.D. Power has offices in North/South America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit jdpower.com/ratings. J.D. Power is a business unit of McGraw Hill Financial.