by Michael Gauthier
- Nissan is bringing the American-made Murano to Japan.
- It arrives early next year thanks to a new trade agreement.
- Crossover joins the Camry, Highlander, Tundra, and Passport.
The Nissan Murano is headed to Japan as reverse imports are rising under the Trump administration. This was made possible due to a trade deal, which enables passenger vehicles manufactured in the United States to be imported and sold in the country without additional testing.
Nissan didn’t say much about the move, but confirmed the Tennessee-built crossover will arrive in Japan early next year. Little is known about the Japanese variant, but the US-spec model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 241 hp (180 kW / 244 PS) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.
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The Murano also comes nicely equipped as even the entry-level SV has LED lighting units and 20-inch wheels. They’re joined by 12.3-inch displays, a six-speaker audio system, a wireless smartphone charger, and heated leatherette front seats.
CEO Ivan Espinosa said, “With the introduction of this model, Nissan aims to further strengthen its product lineup in Japan and meet the diverse needs of Japanese customers.” He added the crossover has “earned high praise” from Americans for its “elegant design and exceptional comfort.”
A Growing Trend
While Nissan is the latest Japanese automaker to send American-made models back home, they’re far from the first. Starting later this year, Toyota plans to import the Camry, Highlander, and Tundra. The latter will be an oddball in Japan and the company believes customers will embrace its “unique appeal,” which is the “very embodiment of American culture.”
For their part, Honda will export the Passport TrailSport Elite in the second half of 2026. The Alabama-built crossover begins at $52,650 and has a 3.5-liter V6 developing 285 hp (213 kW / 289 PS) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque.