Before you dismiss it too quickly, this isn’t the Nissan Murano you remember from a decade ago. Nissan has finally given it its first major update since 2016, so it’s worth keeping an open mind.
The old Murano may have fallen a bit behind flashier rivals, but it quietly stuck around as a dependable family SUV people could rely on. It wasn’t trying to reinvent anything—it just worked.
Now in its fourth generation, the Murano gets a proper reset with a new exterior design, a turbocharged engine, and a much more modern interior. It’s a clear step forward that brings it back into the conversation without losing its reputation for durability and long-term reliability.
The Nissan SUV that is surprisingly luxurious – it’s not an Infiniti
You can skip the premium price tag but still get all the features you’re looking for.
What’s new in the 2026 Nissan Murano
A closer look at the design, powertrain, and interior updates bringing it into the modern era
The latest Murano enters its fourth generation with a proper reset, bringing a much more modern look and updated tech throughout. Nissan has widened the stance and added new “Crystal Cube” LED headlights up front, along with a full-width light bar at the rear to match its newer design direction.
Under the hood, the old 3.5-liter V-6 is gone, replaced by a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder paired with a new nine-speed automatic. It’s a big shift for the model, aimed at improving efficiency while keeping everyday performance in check.
Inside, things take an even bigger step forward with dual 12.3-inch digital displays and a cleaner, more modern layout. You also get available ventilated and massaging front seats, a redesigned center console with a push-button shifter, plus Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 and updated ProPILOT Assist for added driver support.
Exterior design: a bolder new look that stands out
The 2025 Murano’s exterior is a noticeable step away from the previous model, giving it a wider, more planted stance thanks to a 2.6-inch increase in width. Up front, you get Nissan’s “V-motion” grille paired with ultra-slim LED headlights that hide the daytime running lights, and Nissan says the whole setup also helps with aerodynamics.
Around the back, things are cleaned up even more with a redesigned tailgate and bumper that tuck away the rear wiper and exhaust tips for a smoother look. The license plate has been moved down to the bumper, letting the full-width LED taillights stand out, while higher trims add a hands-free power tailgate with a kick sensor for easier loading.
Interior comfort and tech take a big step forward
Inside, the 2025 Murano has been turned into what Nissan calls a “road-going sanctuary,” and it genuinely feels like a big step up from the outgoing model. TopSpeed’s Seth Miersma even called the cabin “a class above what’s expected here,” which sums it up pretty well.
The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch displays that handle both infotainment and the digital gauge cluster, paired with a new flat-bottom, two-spoke steering wheel. Everything looks cleaner and more modern, with sharper graphics and a more tech-forward feel overall.
Material quality also gets a noticeable boost, including new trim options like “Murano Glass” that shifts tone depending on the light. Front seats can be had with ventilation and massage, rear passengers get a bit more room thanks to slimmer seatbacks, and the cabin rounds things out with 64-color ambient lighting, a panoramic moonroof, and a wireless charger built into the redesigned center console.
Performance and driving experience get an upgrade too
|
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline-4 |
241 hp |
260 lb-ft |
9-speed auto |
Under the hood, the 2025 Murano swaps out its old 3.5-liter V6 for a new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder making 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a new nine-speed automatic, replacing the previous CVT and giving the SUV a more responsive and refined feel on the road.
Even with the switch in engine layout, fuel economy stays competitive at an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined for both FWD and AWD models. Ride quality also gets some attention, with revised shock tuning that smooths things out without dulling the handling too much.
Top-tier safety and driver assistance tech
The 2025 Murano comes loaded with safety tech thanks to Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which bundles features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. You also get the latest ProPILOT Assist system, adding adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to take some of the stress out of longer drives.
All of this adds to the Murano’s overall appeal, giving it a strong sense of reassurance for both driver and passengers. It’s also backed by top safety recognition, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star overall score from the NHTSA.
This Toyota SUV is quietly beating BMW, Mercedes, and Audi
The Toyota Crown Signia does more than keep up. In several categories, it sets the pace.
2025 Nissan Murano pricing and trim levels
How much it costs and what you get at each level
The 2025 Murano comes in four trims: SV FWD, SV AWD, SL AWD, and Platinum AWD. Prices start at $40,470 for the base SV FWD and climb to $49,600 for the fully-loaded Platinum AWD.
Even the entry-level version is well-equipped, while higher trims layer on more comfort, tech, and luxury features as you move up the range.
Carrying on a legacy of reliability
One of the main reasons the Murano has stayed popular is its long-standing reputation for reliability. The 2025 model leans into that with a simpler mechanical setup and a more efficient powertrain designed to reduce long-term issues. Its new nine-speed automatic is built for smooth, durable operation, while the VC-Turbo engine uses variable compression tech to balance efficiency and everyday performance.
In the J.D. Power reliability survey, the 2025 Murano ranked as the highest-rated midsize SUV in its class, ahead of rivals from Honda, Hyundai, and Subaru. That kind of result isn’t new for the nameplate either—Murano has built a steady reputation for dependability over time.
Maintenance is also refreshingly straightforward, and with regular care, the SUV is expected to deliver years of trouble-free ownership. It’s that low-stress, long-term reliability that makes the 2025 Murano appealing to buyers who value consistency over flash.
How the 2026 Honda Passport quietly beats more expensive rivals
The 2026 Honda Passport brings 285 horsepower, upgraded AWD, and rugged looks to take on off-road rivals like the Bronco and Land Cruiser.
How-To Geek’s take: the Murano is back and improved
A refreshed take on Nissan’s midsize SUV and what its comeback really means
The all-new 2025 Murano manages to pull an older SUV nameplate back into the modern conversation with updated design, newer tech, and Nissan’s long-standing focus on reliability. With its refreshed exterior, improved interior, and new powertrain, it comes together as a much more well-rounded package than before.
Add in the fact that J.D. Power rates it among the most reliable SUVs in its class, and the Murano becomes a lot harder to ignore. It may still be on the conservative side, but it now feels relevant again in a segment that’s moved on quickly.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
