Top Reasons to Buy a Nissan in the RGV
The Nissan brand has long had a loyal following of dedicated drivers, but it's attracted more and more buyers over the past several years for all the right reasons: upgraded styling, enhanced engine performance, exceptional reliability and plenty of innovative tech features.
When it comes to listing out all the reasons to buy a Nissan car, SUV or truck, there are too many to count -- but Bert Ogden Auto Group is here to give it a shot. Read on to learn about the many qualities that make our vehicles top choices, then visit one of our Edinburg or McAllen Nissan dealers to experience them in person!
Nissan Brand Recognition & Awards
Part of what makes a new Nissan model such a good choice is the brand's dedication to crafting premium materials. This becomes especially clear when you look at the Nissan TailorFit material, which is a leather-like material created by the brand made from polyurethane that's designed feel more like real high-end leather than the leatherette many other brands use. The manufacturer is also known for the Nissan VQ V6 engine, which is so reliable it's been in production for over 30 years!
Nissan has also earned plenty of awards over the years for models throughout its lineup. Some top recognition includes:
- Best for Standard Assist & Safety Features: Nissan earned this distinction from the 2026 Parents Best Family Car Awards thanks to its Nissan Safety Shield® 360 technology paired with the Nissan ProPILOT Assist system.
- Top Ranking Among Mass-Market Brands: Nissan received top honors from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study. The Altima was ranked highest in the Midsize Car segment, the Sentra was ranked highest in the Compact Car segment, and the Nissan Rogue, Frontier and Pathfinder each placed in the top three among their respective categories.
Want to learn more about individual Nissan models and why they're so loved? Check out more Nissan vehicle awards and distinctions below.
2026 Nissan Murano Awards
The 2026 Nissan Murano is a midsize luxury SUV that turns heads wherever it goes. The Murano model is renowned for its stylish design, luxuriously appointed interior and intuitive tech features, which make it a standout in the SUV market.
We're not the only ones who love the Murano; check out the recognition it earned:
- Safest Midsize SUVs: The Murano has been named one of the safest midsize SUVs on the market today by Edmunds.com thanks to its comfort-first approach and ProPILOT Assist technology.
- Most Dependable Midsize SUV: The Murano has earned this recognition for the second year in a row by J.D. Power.
- Best Midsize 2-Row SUV for the Money: The 2026 Murano joins the Kicks in earning praise for its combination of design, features and value.
2026 Nissan Armada Awards
The 2026 Nissan Armada has also been causing a lot of buzz in the industry. Top automotive reviewers like AutoTrader praise the new Armada NISMO model for its bold, performance‑oriented evolution of the full-size SUV. The Armada NISMO model is a perfect match for those seeking capability combined with style, providing a 460-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine and enhanced chassis tuning.
The 2026 Armada frequently comes out on top when compared to its competitors, like the Chevy Tahoe and Land Cruiser:
On top of all this, the Nissan Armada has also been recognized by prestigious industry awards:
- 2026 SUV of Texas: The 2026 Nissan Armada PRO-4X has been named the 2026 SUV of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association.
- Cars.com Best SUV of 2026 Award Winner: Just like the LEAF, the Armada has received recognition by Cars.com thanks to its "rare combination of comfort, safety features, capability and versatility."
2026 Nissan Sentra Awards
The 2026 Nissan Sentra is a sleek compact car ideal for tackling RGV commutes. It's a favorite of Consumer Reports thanks to its impressive combination of safety features, including highlights like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. On top of that, the Sentra is available for one of the most affordable price points in the compact sedan segment. TopSpeed, meanwhile, praises this budget-conscious car for its modern tech, fuel efficiency and new car warranty coverage. They're calling it one of the most reliable new cars available.
Basic cars don't have to be boring, according to Tom's Guide when reviewing the Sentra. This Nissan sedan is a top pick on this auto blog for its distinctive design, "peppy driving performance" and upscale feel that's hard to find at this price point.
Check out the highlights of the 2026 Sentra SR redesigned interior:
2026 Nissan Kicks Awards
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover that combines punchy performance with overall fuel efficiency, making it a top pick among local drivers. This spirited SUV has gained plenty of recognition recently:
- 2026 SUV and Truck of the Year: The 2026 Kicks earns this award from MotorSports Uruguay, proving that its appeal is recognized across borders.
- 2026 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money: This award comes from U.S. News & World Report, which honor vehicles that offer exceptional value.
Want to learn more about the Nissan Kicks model's AWD capability and impressive driving dynamics? Check it out:
2026 Nissan LEAF Awards
The 2026 Nissan LEAF has been causing ripples throughout the industry. The new LEAF redesign now offers more space than previous models and a host of upgraded technologies. Rio Grande Valley Nissan EV drivers have been loving this new electric subcompact SUV's design, and we're right there with them!
The 2026 LEAF EV has garnered praise from industry titans like JD Power, which loves this new Nissan for its attractive interior, reliable performance and enhanced all-electric range, transforming the LEAF into one of today's best options. Consumer Reports celebrates the increased range on the LEAF SV+ as well as the updated styling, new NACS charge port and standard safety equipment -- including innovative Nissan ProPILOT Assist. Kelley Blue Book loves the new LEAF refresh for its mix of value, efficiency and everyday practicality, while MotorTrends highlights its bright, open cabin, flat-floor layout and extensive standard technology.
The 2026 Nissan LEAF is so popular, in fact, that's earned several awards and distinctions in the industry:
- 2026 World Car Awards: The 2026 Nissan LEAF has been named a top 3 finalist in both the 2026 World Electric Vehicle and overall World Car of the Year categories! Car expert Mark Richardson believes that the LEAF has what it takes to earn World Car of the Year distinguishment due to its blend of accessibility, global significance and major technological leap over previous generations.
- 2026 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winner: The LEAF was named a winner in both the Best New Model and Best Electric Vehicle Under $35,000 categories.
- Cars.com Best Car of 2026 Award Winner: The LEAF earned this distinction "by redefining affordable EV ownership with strong range, smart technology and exceptional value."
We're excited to see all that this Nissan EV will continue to achieve in the years to come!
Other Top Nissan Vehicles
The Nissan lineup is full of so many award-winning vehicles that it's hard to keep track. Texas Nissan drivers love the new Frontier pickup's 3.8-liter V6 engine, which has been thoroughly tested under extreme conditions to help the brand catch any issues before customers have to deal with them. The lengths Nissan goes to ensure reliability are above and beyond what many other manufacturers are willing to commit to. Meanwhile, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a top pick by MotorWeek thanks to its subtle exterior styling updates and improved tech.
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is another high performer in the lineup. It's been named a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK for its safe design and driver-assistive features, and an Edmunds.com review finds the 2026 Rogue to be better than ever thanks to its good looking exterior, spacious interior, strong cargo versatility and user-friendly technology.
Nissan Sales in the RGV
Want to come take a Sentra test-drive or explore Murano features in person? Contact Bert Ogden Auto Group or stop by one of our Nissan dealerships in McAllen or Edinburg. Our Nissan sales team looks forward to showing you all the many highlights of each of the Nissan cars, SUVs and trucks that we have available!
