Nissan to Reintroduce U.S.-Built Murano in Japan

Nissan announced the return of the U.S.-built Murano to Japan, with sales set for 2027, using a new certification system for imported vehicles.

Murano is set to return to the Japanese market for the first time in over a decade, now as an imported model built in the United States.

Nissan announced that sales in Japan will begin in early 2027, with the vehicle supplied from its Smyrna plant in Tennessee, one of the company’s key production hubs in North America. The launch will rely on a new certification system for imported passenger vehicles introduced in Japan in February 2026.

This move reflects the model’s absence from Japan in recent years. The third-generation Murano, for example, was not produced in a right-hand-drive version, and the model gradually gave way to more compact crossovers such as the X-Trail, which better matched local demand.

At the same time, Murano has maintained a strong position in the U.S., its primary market. Nissan highlights the model’s reputation for design and comfort, as well as its recognition as the most dependable midsize SUV in the 2026 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study for the second consecutive year.

The current Murano belongs to the midsize SUV segment and is equipped with a gasoline engine, available with front- or all-wheel drive. Earlier versions featured a 3.5-liter V6, while the newer generation uses a 2.0-liter variable compression engine paired with an automatic transmission.

The return comes amid steady demand for crossovers in Japan. Although the market remains focused on compact vehicles, consistent sales of models like the X-Trail indicate ongoing interest in the SUV segment. In this context, Murano may position itself as a larger, comfort-oriented option within Nissan’s lineup.

Sales are scheduled to begin in early 2027, when it will become clear how Japanese customers respond to the return of a model long oriented toward overseas markets.