Nissan Murano

After a decade without a major update, Nissan has introduced a redesigned version of its Murano midsized two-row SUV in 2025. The V6 and CVT are gone in favor of a 241-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic, a combo that feels lethargic, sounds noisy, and only got 21 mpg overall in our tests. The powertrain is unpredictably lurchy due to noticeable hesitation at low speeds, often followed by an abrupt delivery of power right after. The ride is stiff and choppy, and handling is secure but unremarkable. Although the interior is well-appointed and the front seats are comfortable, the confusing controls are distributed across a maze of screens, menus, and buttons. Rear seat room is decent but not generous. Swoopy styling hampers rear and side visibility. The ProPILOT Assist active driving assistance system, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering assistance, causes the Murano to sway back and forth within the lane. The 2026 Murano dropped front-wheel drive and added ProPILOT 2.1, which allows for hands-free driving on some highways. 

The third-generation Murano puts more emphasis on styling and interior finish than on top-flight driving dynamics. It's more luxurious, larger, and further refined than previous generations. The punchy, refined 3.5-liter six-cylinder carries over, paired with a CVT, and returns 21 mpg overall. The cabin is quiet and well-finished, and has an upscale feel to it. Handling is not very sporty, with overly light steering that reduces driver confidence. The ride is steady and absorbent on the standard 18-inch tires, but less so on the Platinum trim's 20-inchers. An optional 8-inch color display houses the NissanConnect infotainment system. Changes for 2018 included standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. For 2017, Apple CarPlay is added to the infotainment system. Updates for 2019 include a mild freshening. Nissan's Rear Door Alert system, which displays messages on the driver's instrument panel and emits multiple horn honks to remind drivers to check the rear seats after they park, is also standard on all trims for 2019. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 became standard across all trim lines with the 2021 model year. This package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking.

The Murano's refined and powerful 3.5-liter V6 is mated to a CVT and delivers strong performance and respectable fuel economy. Handling is responsive, secure, and forgiving. The 2009 redesign brought a more comfortable ride, a nicer interior, and standard ESC, but didn't improve upon cargo capacity. Expect 19 mpg overall from the 3.5-liter V6. Subsequent redesigns took the Murano away from budget-BMW sportiness and towards being more luxurious. Through the years, one constant remained though: limited rear visibility has always been a drawback. A convertible version arrived in 2012.