With the Japanese automotive trade policy shifting, the arrival of a US-built crossover in Japan no longer seems impossible or unusual. By early 2027, the model will be back in the market where the nameplate first took shape.
This shift is also possible thanks to a specific regulatory adjustment that allows cars built in the US to bypass several standard Japanese tests, provided that they meet the US safety and environmental regulations. It is more like a diplomatic maneuver to lower trade barriers and to open the Japanese market to “reverse imports.”
Interestingly, Japanese buyers will have to get used to sitting on the “wrong” side of the cabin. Nissan has decided to ship the Murano exclusively in its American left-hand-drive (LHD) configuration.
The decision to forgo a right-hand-drive conversion stems from the massive financial burden associated with re-engineering a vehicle’s structure and safety systems—a cost even giants like Toyota and Honda have avoided for their US-assembled models like the Tundra and Passport. While LHD vehicles are often considered exotic imports in Japan, the reality is driven more by the bottom line of the Smyrna, Tennessee, plant than by a desire for flair.
Performance-wise, the upcoming 2027 Nissan Murano will use in Japan the same engine also used in the United States, meaning a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with variable-compression technology. The engine produces a good 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, or the equivalent of 353 Nm of torque.
Unlike the smaller Nissan Rogue, which recently saw over 323,000 units recalled due to bearing issues in its 1.5-liter engine, the Murano relies on a more robust geared transmission. It utilizes a nine-speed automatic provided by JATCO—the GE9F01A—which, for the record, shares its foundational design with the ZF 9HP. This replaces the continuously variable transmissions found in previous iterations and comes paired with a standard all-wheel-drive system across all three of its 2026 model year grades.
In terms of physical presence, the Murano presents a unique proposition for Japanese roads. While it measures longer overall than the Honda Passport, it actually features a shorter wheelbase than its adventure-focused rival. It enters a niche segment of American-made crossovers that includes the Toyota Highlander and Camry, models that represent a growing trend of US-centric engineering returning to the Japanese archipelago.
As for prices involved, the information remains undisclosed; however, in Japan, the new Murano will come with prices that equal those from the US market; speaking of which, overseas, the model has a starting price of $41,670.
Whether the premium-leaning crossover can translate its American success to Japanese showrooms in 2027 remains to be seen, but the 241-hp output and advanced 9-speed gearbox provide a solid mechanical foundation for the journey.
2027 Nissan Murano – Photo Gallery
