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

Jarrodon January 23, 2026
2024 Nissan Kicks_Blue-11
2024 Nissan Kicks_Blue-11

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 America, and empowers owners to do more with best-in-class standard ground clearance and best-in-class available rear cargo space. 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 360.

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is offered in S, SV and SR grades, with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) 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 360 safety technologies. Its refined interior is available with massaging, heated and cooled front seats and the convenient connectivity of Google built-in. Murano was engineered with an exceptional focus on occupant safety, resulting in an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

For the 2026 model year, Murano makes freeway driving more convenient with the addition of available ProPILOT Assist 2.1, 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) of $41,670. For full details on all features and options, see the 2026 Nissan Murano specifications sheet.

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Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the founder of Motoring Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following motorsport and the global automotive industry. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered Formula 1 races and automotive events at venues around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, car review, and industry analysis he writes. His work spans the full breadth of motoring — from the latest EV launches and road car reviews to the cutting edge of motorsport competition.

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