Nissan Kicks, Murano named to U.S. News 2026 Best Cars for the Money Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two Nissan vehicles have been named winners of the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Cars for the Money awards, with a further two Nissan models named finalists. The 2026 Nissan Kicks was named Best Subcompact SUV for the Money and the 2026 Nissan Murano was named Best Midsize 2-Row SUV for the Money.

Additionally, the 2026 Nissan Frontier was a finalist for the Best Midsize Truck for the Money award and the 2026 Nissan Rogue was a finalist for Best Compact SUV.

U.S. News & World Report selects vehicles for the Best Cars for the Money awards based on a combination of quality and value, using the publication's U.S. News Best Car Rankings, an evaluation of models' transaction prices and projected five-year ownership costs.

The 2026 Nissan Kicks delivers standout value with bold design, intuitive technology and powerful versatility. It has the most affordable MSRP of any AWD SUV in America¹, and empowers owners to do more with best-in-class standard ground clearance² and best-in-class available rear cargo space³. The 2026 Kicks also features a standard 12.3-inch infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™, plus the reassurance of standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360⁴.

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is offered in S, SV and SR grades, with a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)⁵ of $22,430. For full details on all features and options, see the 2026 Nissan Kicks specifications sheet.

The 2026 Nissan Murano combines elegant styling, powerful technologies and a refined, accommodating cabin. Murano has standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive4 for increased driver confidence and standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360⁴ safety technologies. Its refined interior is available with massaging, heated and cooled front seats and the convenient connectivity of Google built-in⁶. Murano was engineered with an exceptional focus on occupant safety, resulting in an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating⁷.

For the 2026 model year, Murano makes freeway driving more convenient with the addition of available ProPILOT Assist 2.1⁸, allowing for hands-off driving on compatible roads.

The 2026 Nissan Murano is offered in SV, SL and Platinum grades, with a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)⁹ of $41,670. For full details on all features and options, see the 2026 Nissan Murano specifications sheet.

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1. Available feature. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Comparison based on 2026 Nissan Kicks S AWD vs. latest in-market AWD SUVs. Based on manufacturers' websites. MSRP excludes up to $1,390 destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual prices. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.
2. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan Kicks vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV Subcompact Class (excluding electric vehicles). Based on manufacturers' websites.
3. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan Kicks FWD vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV Subcompact Class (excluding electric vehicles). Based on manufacturers' websites.
4. Driver-assist and safety features have limitations which affect how they function in certain situations. The driver must never rely exclusively on any vehicle feature to warn about, prevent, or lessen the severity of a collision.  It is the driver's responsibility to always be in control, monitor the surroundings, and safely operate the vehicle. Read your vehicle's Owner's Manual for further information.
5. Starting MSRP at $22,430 for base model. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes up to $1,495 destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
6. Feature availability varies by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services SELECT package ("Package") required. Package trial period included with eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice. After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features when safe and legal to do so. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Connectivity service required. App subscriptions may be required. Data rates may apply. Subject to third party service availability. Should such service providers terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to NISSAN or its partners or agents. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. For more information, see www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal.
7. For more information see www.iihs.org
8. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services ProPILOT Assist 2.1 package ("Package"" required for ProPILOT Assist 2.1 functionality. Package trial period included with new vehicle purchase. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice.  After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. See www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal for more subscription information.  ProPILOT Assist 2.1 cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle and monitor traffic conditions at all times. Hands-off freeway driving is possible when driving in a single lane, on the condition that the driver remains attentive on the road ahead and is prepared to immediately take manual control of the steering wheel when conditions of the road, traffic, and vehicle require it. System operates only when lane markings are detected.  Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions.  System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety.  See Owner's Manual for safety information.
9. Starting MSRP at $41,670 for base model. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes up to $1,495 destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.