Nissan announced this Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the official opening of orders for the Murano sport utility vehicle in the Japanese market. The model returns to the automaker’s country of origin after an 11-year hiatus without local sales. The strategy involves the direct import of units manufactured in the Smyrna industrial complex, located in the state of Tennessee, in Estados Unidos. The manufacturer is targeting a specific niche of consumers looking for vehicles with original North American specifications.
The vehicle arrives at Japanese dealerships in a unique version, configured exclusively with a left-hand steering wheel and an all-wheel drive system. The manufacturer’s suggested price is 7,964,000 yen, a value that already includes local taxes. The brand’s initial expectation is to sell approximately 200 units during the first year of sales. The import volume will undergo future adjustments according to public response and demand recorded in stores.
Importação of Estados Unidos and new government certification
The return of the crossover marks the use of a new regulatory protocol on Japão. The Murano becomes the third automobile produced in América from Norte to receive approval under the updated Ministério certification system from Terra, Infraestrutura, Transporte and Turismo. The government body implemented the new rules in February 2026. The measure facilitates the entry of foreign vehicles into the Japanese domestic market. Anteriormente, the Toyota Tundra and Highlander models inaugurated the use of this same simplified documentation.
Centralized production at the Tennessee factory guarantees the maintenance of the original characteristics of the project developed for the American consumer. Nissan chose not to carry out deep structural adaptations to convert the driving position. Maintaining left-hand drive serves a portion of Japanese buyers who associate this feature with exclusive status in imported models. The strategy reduces approval costs and accelerates product availability in storefronts.
Motorização variable compression turbo debuts direct drive
The mechanical set represents the main technical novelty of the sports utility vehicle in the Asian country. The model houses the 2.0 VC Turbo engine under the hood, identified by the code KR20DDET. The engine delivers 245 horsepower, equivalent to 180 kW, and generates 352 Nm of maximum torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission manages the power sent to all four wheels. The automaker’s engineering team applied specific calibrations to the electric steering and installed frequency-sensitive dampers to adapt the dynamic behavior to Japanese roads.
Variable compression technology changes the stroke of the pistons in real time during operation. The system adjusts the compression ratio between 8:1, to prioritize performance under strong acceleration, and 14:1, when the objective is to maximize energy efficiency at cruising speeds. The mechanical complexity allows the four-cylinder engine to offer responses similar to those of a traditional V6 engine. Electronic management decides the ideal configuration without the need for driver intervention.
The application of this engine in the Murano sets a milestone for the Nissan product line in the Japão. The local market was already familiar with the VC Turbo technology in other cars from the brand, but the component acted exclusively as a power generator for the batteries of the e-Power hybrid system. The imported crossover uses the power of the combustion engine to drive the wheels directly for the first time in the country. The configuration attracts consumers interested in pure mechanical performance combined with engineering innovations.
Equipamentos crossover safety and appearance package
The external design preserves the robust visual identity that characterizes the fourth generation of the model. The body features wide proportions, tapered headlights with LED technology and interconnected taillights that span the entire length of the trunk lid. 20-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches and reinforce the vehicle’s elevated stance. The manufacturer classifies the car as a modern premium crossover.
The list of standard equipment includes specific items for the imported version sold in the Asian market:
- Exclusive Configuração with steering wheel positioned on the left side.
- Sistema 4WD all-wheel drive with electronic power distribution.
- Grade front with SV finish unique for the Japanese market.
- Três external paint options: turquoise blue, prism white and super black.
The interior offers space designed to accommodate five adult occupants and their respective luggage. The instrument panel houses two 12.3-inch digital screens positioned side by side, concentrating the driving functions and the entertainment system. The Safety Assist 360° safety package integrates driver assistance features. The package includes the ProPilot semi-autonomous driving system and the intelligent surround view monitor. Invisible Hood View technology projects images of the ground beneath the engine compartment to facilitate maneuvering in tight spaces.
Histórico of the line and commercial positioning for 2027
The Murano’s trajectory in the Japanese market began with the launch of the first generation in 2004. The vehicle gained notoriety at the time for acting as one of the precursors to the trend of sports utility vehicles with roof lines inspired by coupes. The second generation of the model presented significant improvements in the torsional rigidity of the body, but sales figures did not reach the targets set by management. Low demand resulted in the suspension of local supply from 2015 onwards.
Durante the period of absence in Japão, the third and fourth generations of the crossover concentrated their commercial operations in the North American market. The return of the utility vehicle comes at a time of renewal for the automaker’s portfolio, which recently introduced the new Elgrand van and the updated version of the Kicks compact utility vehicle. The price positioned in the range of 7.9 million yen places the imported model in a higher consumption category.
Interested customers can now formalize reservations through the physical dealership network or through the manufacturer’s digital portal. The automaker made a detailed virtual catalog available on the official website to consult the technical specifications. The logistics schedule foresees the start of deliveries of the first units to buyers in early 2027. The commercial performance of the vehicle will serve as a thermometer to evaluate the acceptance of imported cars with unique characteristics in the demanding Asian market.