OREANDA-NEWS. For the second year in a row, the Nissan Murano has been named to U.S. News & World Report's listing of "Best Cars for the Money." Murano was honored as "Best 2-Row SUV," one of 23 categories. The awards will be given out later this week during the 2016 Chicago Auto Show.

In choosing the 2016 Murano, the editors stated: "The Nissan Murano's interior is so upscale, that the fact that it's a value leader in its class may surprise some people. The passenger cabin wouldn't look out of place in a luxury SUV, the seats are ridiculously comfortable, and all of the tech features are user-friendly. When you take all of those strengths together, however, it's not hard to see why the Murano is a winner for both buyers and their budgets."

The U.S. News & World Report rankings compare cars on the basis of safety, reliability and a consensus of industry experts' opinions, along with value – which is measured by a combination of a vehicle's five-year total cost of ownership and the average price paid for the vehicle at the time the awards are published.

"The new Murano has been on an incredible winning streak since we launched the completely redesigned third-generation for 2015," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. "Along with stellar reviews, sales have increased 33 percent in 2015 and another 46 percent already in January 2016."

About the 2016 Nissan Murano
As the halo vehicle for Nissan's wide range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the 2016 Murano expresses Nissan's advanced design direction – including its V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique "floating" roof.

The stunning exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

Available technology features include NissanConnectSM with Navigation, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, Around View® Monitor, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and Travel Link® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, iPod® interface, 11-speaker Bose® (including dual subwoofers) premium audio system, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

Responsive driving is provided by a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive. Fuel economy increased around 20 percent from the previous generation Murano, thanks in part to reduced weight (approximately 145 pounds), low rolling resistance tires, active grille shutter, low 0.31 Cd, underbody covers that enhance underbody airflow and improvements to the Xtronic transmission

Available technologies include Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA)*. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system utilizes radar to detect a moving vehicle behind the Murano approaching from either side.

The 2016 Murano is offered in four trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum – and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A number of option packages are offered for the well-equipped Murano: Technology Package (SL, Platinum), Navigation Package (S) and Premium Package (SV), along with premium paint and unique 18-inch and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheel packages.

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. 

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. 

About U.S. News Best Cars
Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News publishes the Best Cars awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars had over 45 million unique visitors over the past year, with over 65 percent of visitors actively shopping for a car. 80 percent of active shoppers reported that the U.S. News Best Cars site influenced their car purchasing decision.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Travel, Cars and News & Opinion, www.usnews.com provides consumer advice, rankings, news and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 30 million people visit www.usnews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.