The Nissan Versa is a good choice for buyers who want a low-cost compact sedan, practical transportation, and a strong quality-and-reliability rating for its class. The Nissan Murano is a very different vehicle: it offers more space, power, comfort, and features, but costs substantially more and has weaker early reliability feedback.
Is the Nissan Versa a good car?
For budget-conscious drivers, the 2025 Nissan Versa is a reasonable new-car choice. Consumer Reports expects its reliability to be about average compared with other new cars, while J.D. Power gave the Versa an 87 out of 100 quality-and-reliability score. J.D. Power also ranked it first among small cars in its 2025 ratings.
The Versa is best suited to commuting, city driving, and buyers who value a low purchase price. It is a compact sedan rather than a spacious family SUV, so passenger and cargo capacity are more limited than in the Murano.
How much is a Nissan Versa?
The current Nissan U.S. vehicle listing shows the Versa starting at $17,390. Consumer Reports lists a 2025 Nissan Versa base MSRP range of $17,390 to $21,390, before the $1,195 destination charge.
The final amount can vary by trim, equipment, dealer pricing, incentives, taxes, registration, and financing. Actual transaction prices and current dealer offers were not verified in the available research.
Are Nissan Versa good cars for reliability?
The available ratings point to a generally competitive reliability outlook rather than exceptional, proven long-term durability. Consumer Reports places expected reliability around the class average, while J.D. Power’s 87/100 score is a strong result for quality and reliability.
- Good fit: buyers seeking inexpensive basic transportation.
- Reliability picture: average predicted reliability from Consumer Reports and a strong J.D. Power rating.
- Ownership decision: compare the specific trim, warranty, service history, and total purchase cost before buying.
Used Versa reliability can differ significantly by model year, mileage, maintenance history, and powertrain. The available information does not provide a complete year-by-year guide.
Is the Nissan Murano a good car?
The Nissan Murano can be a good choice for shoppers who prioritize a comfortable midsize two-row SUV with more power and space than the Versa. However, its reliability outlook is less reassuring, especially because the current generation is relatively new.
The 2025 Murano was a major redesign year. Nissan replaced the previous generation’s V6 engine and continuously variable transmission with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. J.D. Power gave the 2025 Murano a 77/100 quality-and-reliability score, described as average, but its driving-experience score was a much stronger 92/100.
Consumer Reports describes the redesigned 2025 Murano as having below-average predicted reliability and reports concerns involving powertrain behavior and in-car electronics. Long-term reliability data for the redesigned 2025 and 2026 models remains limited.
How much is the 2026 Nissan Murano?
The 2026 Nissan Murano is offered in three trims, with official starting MSRPs before destination charges:
- Murano SV: $41,670
- Murano SL: $46,760
- Murano Platinum: $49,800
The 2026 Murano uses a 241-horsepower turbocharged engine and is rated at up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. It is aimed at buyers who want a more refined, better-equipped SUV rather than the lowest possible purchase price.
Nissan Versa vs. Nissan Murano
| Category | Nissan Versa | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Compact sedan | Midsize two-row SUV |
| Starting price information | $17,390 listed for the current Nissan U.S. vehicle lineup | $41,670 for the 2026 SV before destination charges |
| Reliability information | Average predicted reliability; 87/100 J.D. Power quality-and-reliability score for 2025 | Below-average predicted reliability reported for 2025 by Consumer Reports; 77/100 J.D. Power quality-and-reliability score |
| Strength | Low cost and practical transportation | Comfort, power, space, and driving experience |
| Best for | Commuters and budget-focused buyers | Buyers seeking a larger, more feature-focused SUV |
Which Nissan should you buy?
Choose the Nissan Versa if keeping the purchase price low is the priority and a compact sedan meets your space needs. Its 2025 reliability results are competitive, particularly the 87/100 J.D. Power quality-and-reliability score.
Choose the Nissan Murano if you need a midsize SUV and place greater importance on comfort, power, and features than on the lowest price or strongest available reliability outlook. The Murano’s 92/100 driving-experience score is a positive, but its average J.D. Power reliability rating and below-average Consumer Reports prediction warrant careful consideration.
For either model, compare the exact trim and equipment, verify the vehicle’s maintenance history when buying used, and account for taxes, insurance, fuel, financing, and destination charges. The available research does not verify current dealer incentives, transaction prices, insurance costs, or maintenance estimates.
