The Nissan Murano first debuted in 2003 as one of the first midsize crossovers. Over the years, it has maintained its reputation for bold aesthetics and a comfortable ride. After seeing little change for nearly a decade, Murano is all-new for 2025, marking the introduction of its fourth generation. This latest iteration continues as a five-passenger, two-row, 4-door wagon, competing with models like the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-70, Subaru Forester, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
For 2025, the Murano is offered in three trim levels: SV, SL, and Platinum. The base SV comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The SL and Platinum trims feature AWD as standard. Under the hood, Nissan has replaced the previous 3.5-liter V6 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Murano has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Pricing for the 2025 Murano starts at $41,860 for the SV FWD and goes up to $50,990 for the Platinum AWD, including destination charges. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Available options include ventilated and massaging front seats, a color head-up display, and a 360-degree camera with a see-through hood view. The Murano also boasts dual 12.3-inch dashboard displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 64-color ambient lighting scheme.
Swapping out a tried-and-true V6 for a turbocharged four-cylinder is par for the course in today's quest for increased fuel-efficiency. In the base of the Murano, it gets Nissan's variable-compression ratio turbo engine that is designed to provide increased performance and increased fuel economy. While the engine offers similar performance to last year's V6 is should prove to be more efficient. The engine is certainly class competitive, with a 0-60 MPH time of about 6.5 seconds. There are three drive modes as well, Econ, Normal, and Sport. In econ, the throttle tip-in is very soft which can make Murano feel sleepy off the line. Step over to Sport and Murano jumps around like a scalded cat and has significantly more aggressive gear shifts.
Speaking of the transmission, the new 9-speed automatic can provide smooth shifts, but sometimes hunts and lurches when accelerating from a stop. The all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for extreme off-road use. However, it works well to provide power to the wheels with the most grip in slippery situations.
Despite transitioning from a V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder, the Murano maintains similar fuel consumption figures, prioritizing a smooth and refined driving experience over outright efficiency. The 2025 Nissan Murano delivers 23 mpg combined (21 city / 27 highway) according to EPA estimates. It runs on regular gasoline and features a 19-gallon fuel tank, providing a maximum driving range of approximately 520 miles on the highway. In real-world conditions, expect to average about 25 MPG overall, perhaps a bit less if you spend a lot of time in urban commuting.
Despite its racy styling, the 2025 Nissan Murano prioritizes ride comfort, offering a smooth and composed driving experience. Its suspension system is tuned for soft absorption, effectively soaking up road imperfections and minimizing harsh impacts over bumps. The Murano's refined chassis ensures a quiet cabin, making it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising. While all trims share the same suspension setup, the Platinum trim swaps out 21-inch wheels for the SV and SL models' 20-inch wheels. That makes a difference in ride quality, so be sure to drive the exact model you are considering purchasing.
The 2025 Nissan Murano delivers noticeably improved handling compared to its predecessor, thanks to crisper steering response and better road-holding. The previous model had lazy steering, but the new Murano feels more composed and precise, making it easier to maneuver. While it doesn't match the Mazda CX-70's sharpness, it provides a balanced and predictable driving experience. Braking performance is strong and confidence-inspiring, with smooth pedal feel and minimal nose dive under hard braking. On twisty roads, the Murano remains stable, though it prioritizes comfort over sportiness, making it a great choice for long-distance cruising rather than aggressive cornering.
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers a quieter cabin than its predecessor, thanks to enhanced sound insulation and improved aerodynamics. Compared to the 2024 Murano, which already had near-luxury-level quietness, the 2025 model further reduces road and wind noise, making highway cruising more serene. While the Murano is not as silent as premium SUVs like the Genesis GV80, it competes well with mainstream rivals like the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which has slightly more road noise intrusion.
Sporting a completely redesigned interior, drawing inspiration from Nissan's latest models like the Ariya EV, the 2025 Murano features a sleek, minimalist layout, incorporating dual 12.3-inch digital displays for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. High-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, premium leather upholstery, and dark wood accents, elevate the cabin's refinement. Compared to the 2024 Murano, which had a more traditional design, the 2025 model embraces a modern, tech-focused aesthetic with touch-sensitive climate controls and a floating center console. While competitors like the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer similar digital interfaces, the Murano stands out with its 64-color ambient lighting and massaging front seats, enhancing its luxury appeal.
For the class, the 2025 Nissan Murano offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, designed to accommodate five passengers with ease. The front seats feature Nissan's Zero Gravity design, providing exceptional support and long-distance comfort, while the rear seats offer ample legroom and reclining functionality, making them ideal for passengers on extended trips. Getting in and out of the Murano is effortless, thanks to its wide door openings and slightly elevated ride height, which eliminates the need to climb up or stoop down. Outward visibility forward is excellent, with thin roof pillars and a large windshield, ensuring a clear view of the road. However, the thick rear pillars and small rear window compromise the view out the back and rear quarters.
Nissan has packed the 2025 Murano with cutting-edge technology, enhancing both convenience and connectivity. It features dual 12.3-inch digital displays, including a fully digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Murano also offers a color head-up display, providing key driving information without requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road. Advanced driver-assistance features include ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering for semi-autonomous highway driving. Additionally, the Murano boasts 64-color ambient LED lighting, a premium Bose audio system, and massaging front seats, elevating its luxury appeal compared to competitors.
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and expands to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is identical to the 2024 Murano, meaning Nissan has maintained its cargo capacity despite the redesign. Compared to competitors, the Murano falls slightly behind Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which offers 40.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats down. However, the Murano makes up for it with clever interior storage solutions, including a deep center console, large door pockets, and hidden compartments beneath the cargo floor. While its sloping roofline slightly limits vertical storage space, the Murano remains a practical choice for everyday hauling needs.
Bottom Line -- Almost forgotten amongst midsize crossovers, Nissan gives Murano new life with a top-to-bottom redesign. Almost everything changes for the better. The cabin gets more passenger room, the front seats more comfort. Technology is updated and interior materials are significantly improved. While Vegas might put the engine swap at a "push" the new powertrain has the potential to be significantly more powerful and more fuel efficient. Prices didn't take a bit hit either. If you are looking in this class and want something a bit more luxurious and refined than the mainstream competition, the new Murano might just be a perfect fit.
