J.D. Power Names the Kicks and Murano ‘Most Dependable’

Reliability and safety are two of the biggest concerns of the modern car buyer, and that makes sense. Everything is more expensive than ever, it seems, and people are holding on to their cars longer, well past most new-car warranties, which is why it is so important that shoppers look to expert advice on the cars that will give them the least amount of troubles over the next decade of ownership. Nissan has worked hard to give buyers some of the best new car options on the market, with vehicles like the all-new Kicks and all-new Murano for 2025.  

A J.D. Power Study 

In the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the independent automotive data company found that both the Kicks and Murano offer the best reliability and dependability over the next three years of ownership than any other model in their respective segments. The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study has been going strong for 36 years now, and the company surveys the owners of cars they purchased new that are now three years old. Vehicles are checked for the potential of 184 different possible problems in nine categories that include features, driving assistance, infotainment, interior, powertrain, seats, driving experience, climate, controls and displays, and exterior.   

A Word from Nissan 

“The Nissan Kicks and Murano winning most dependable small and midsize SUVs highlights our commitment to putting quality, durability, reliability and safety at the heart of everything we do,” said Vinay Shahani, Senior Vice President of U.S. Marketing and Sales, Nissan Americas. “We produce vehicles that our customers can depend on and enjoy for years to come.” 

The Kicks and Murano Take Out the Competition 

The Kicks beat out its main rivals, the Subaru Crosstrek and Buick Encore GX, while the Murano took top honors over the Chevrolet Blazer and Toyota Venza.  

The 2025 Nissan Murano 

For 2025, the all-new Nissan Murano is powered by a VC-Turbo 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers 241 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The new Murano is able to use regular gasoline, unlike other luxury vehicles that need high-octane fuel for their engines.  Buyers can choose between the SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on the SV model, with all-wheel drive being optional. However, the SL and Platinum come standard with AWD. According to the EPA, the Murano, in either front- or all-wheel drive configuration, can achieve 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg when on the highway, with 23 mpg combined. Pricing starts from $41,860 for the standard SV and goes up to $50,990 for the base Platinum trim.  

The 2025 Nissan Kicks 

The equally all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks, fresh off its win for the J.D. Power Residual Value Awards, offers customers brilliant versatility and style for a very modest price. The Kicks is offered in three trim levels, including S, SV, and SR, all of which have a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine under the hood. This engine produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque combined with an Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option on all trim levels, something most automakers make available only on the more premium trims. The new Kicks starts from $21,830 for the base S model and goes up to $27,680 for the Kicks SR AWD trim.  

Excellent Safety Features 

Thanks to Nissan Safety Shield 360, both cars come standard with excellent safety features. The Kicks and Murano include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and more to keep the driver and occupants safe.  

Dick Smith Nissan of Lexington Has What You Need 

If you are looking for a new Nissan Kicks or Murano, there’s no better place to go than Dick Smith Nissan of Lexington. Even if your budget calls for a used model, they will point you in the right direction and help you make the most informed decision based on your wants and needs.  

Why Choose Dick Smith Nissan of Lexington  

At Dick Smith Nissan of Lexington, we believe our customers deserve the best prices and services. With over 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.