Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced plans to reintroduce the Murano SUV to the Japanese market, with sales set to begin in early 2027. The move marks a strategic effort to strengthen the company’s domestic product lineup by leveraging its globally successful models.
The Nissan Murano will be manufactured at Nissan North America’s Smyrna plant in Tennessee, United States. To facilitate its entry into Japan, the automaker will utilize a newly established certification system for U.S.-built passenger vehicles, introduced by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in February 2026.
Nissan President and CEO Ivan Espinosa confirmed the development, expressing optimism about the model’s return. He noted that the Murano has received strong customer appreciation in the U.S. market, particularly for its design and comfort.
The SUV has also earned industry recognition, being named the “Most Dependable Midsize SUV” in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study for the second consecutive year, further reinforcing its reputation for reliability.
With the reintroduction of the Murano, Nissan aims to cater to evolving customer preferences in Japan by offering a premium SUV that combines performance, comfort, and global quality standards. The initiative reflects Nissan’s broader strategy of optimizing its global manufacturing and product portfolio to meet diverse market demands.
The Murano’s comeback is expected to enhance Nissan’s competitiveness in Japan’s SUV segment, which has been witnessing growing demand in recent years.
