July 26, 2017 Nissan Altima tops Midsize Car Segment, Murano tops Midsize SUV Segment in 2017 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study℠ 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) Study℠.