Welcome to dal-motors.com! My name is Andrew, and today I’ve spent time with Nissan’s new fourth-generation Murano here in frigid Detroit, Michigan. There’s a lot to love about this new model, and I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s get into it!
Competition in the Segment
To put the Murano in context, let’s see what it competes against. From Toyota, there’s the Crown Signia, which is a close rival. Hyundai’s Santa Fe is another competitor, though it’s more boxy and offers three rows.
Honda just debuted the new Passport, but it leans toward ruggedness, making it a different proposition altogether. Lastly, there’s the Mazda CX-70.
In my opinion, this new 2025 Nissan Murano aligns more with what the CX-70 should have been—a dedicated two-row SUV instead of a modified three-row model.
Under the Hood
Regardless of trim, the Murano comes with a single engine option: a 2.0L turbocharged VC (Variable Compression) 4-cylinder. It produces 241 horsepower, which is 19 hp less than the previous V6.
However, torque is up by 20 lb-ft to 260 lb-ft. Combined fuel economy is around 23 MPG—not bad. I asked about a potential hybrid variant, and while Nissan didn’t confirm anything, they did give me a cheeky chuckle.
In terms of performance, the Murano accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-six-second range. It now uses a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT, which is a welcome change. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but you can opt for all-wheel drive for just $1,000 more. The SL and Platinum trims come with AWD as standard.
Driving Dynamics
The Murano tips the scales at just over 4,400 lbs. Nissan has adjusted the dampers to reduce body roll by about 25%. While they’re not adaptive, they do feature a bypass valve to better handle road imperfections. Overall, the ride quality is quite good—more on that when we get behind the wheel.
Exterior Styling
Up front, the first thing you’ll notice is the bold black bar running across the hood with “Murano” embossed on the driver’s side. It gives off Ferrari F8 vibes—maybe a “poor man’s” version. The split headlights feature three projectors, while the running lights integrate seamlessly into the grille for a clean look.
Moving to the wheels, the Platinum trim sports 21-inch wheels, while the SV gets 20-inch ones. Thankfully, there’s no excessive black plastic cladding, keeping the design elegant rather than pretending to be an off-roader.
The Murano’s profile is pretty standard for an SUV, but I like the crescent-moon chrome banding along the windows, reminiscent of the Nissan Ariya.
The Platinum trim also gets a beautiful new blue paint option paired with a black two-tone roof. Around the back, a full-width LED light blade adds to the sleek look, with “Murano” spelled out prominently. Nissan has also moved the license plate to the lower bumper, keeping the design clean.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The Platinum trim features a kick-activated power liftgate, while a power-close and lock function is standard. Cargo space is quite generous, offering 33 cubic feet with the rear seats up—more than what the Toyota Crown Signia provides. Folding the rear seats down expands capacity to 63.5 cubic feet.
One practical highlight is the inclusion of a spare tire, a valuable feature for drivers in the Midwest. The Murano can also tow up to 1,500 lbs, which is lower than expected for this segment.
Rear Seat Comfort
The rear doors open nearly 50 degrees, making it easy to get in and out, especially when loading kids. Manual sunshades add a premium touch, and the door panels are wrapped in leather. The only downside? The Murano glass design from the front doesn’t carry over to the back.
Space is ample, even for taller passengers. At 6’1”, I had plenty of knee and headroom, even with a winter hat on. Rear passengers get dual air vents, USB-C charging ports, and three-level heated seats. However, the cupholders are oddly deep, making them tricky to use.
Front Seat Comfort & Interior Design
The interior is exceptionally well done, with soft leather and premium materials throughout. The Platinum trim features a beautiful ivory and caramel color scheme with blue stitching that ties into the exterior paint.
Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are supremely comfortable, offering three-level heating and cooling. There’s also a massage function with three modes and intensity settings—a luxury touch usually reserved for higher-end vehicles.
One standout feature is the Morano glass trim across the dashboard, which shifts colors depending on the lighting. It’s actually plastic, but the effect is cool. The cabin also includes a flat-bottom steering wheel, adding to the upscale feel.
Technology & Infotainment
Tech-wise, the Murano is well-equipped. It features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with a 360-degree camera system.
One cool feature is the see-through hood camera, which remembers what you’ve driven over and displays it on the screen. This is useful for lining up in a car wash or navigating tight spaces. There’s also an augmented reality 360-degree view, though it doesn’t match the car’s actual color.
Other highlights include a head-up display, a Bose audio system, and ambient lighting with 64 color options. The push-button gear selector keeps the center console tidy, allowing for additional storage.
Driving Impressions
Now, let’s talk about how the Murano drives. The 2.0L turbo engine delivers noticeable turbo lag, but once it kicks in, the extra torque makes it feel quick. The AWD system instills confidence, especially in snowy conditions.
With a 3-inch wider track, the Murano feels stable and planted. The steering is precise, though it lacks much feedback. Suspension tuning has improved, making the ride feel more composed and less floaty. The goal seems to be a more refined, European-like driving experience, bridging the gap between mainstream and luxury brands.
Pricing
The 2025 Murano starts at $41,475 for the SV trim. There aren’t many additional options, making pricing straightforward. What you see is what you get.
Overall, I’m impressed with the new Murano. It offers a unique design, a well-appointed interior, and a solid driving experience.
While some may find the exterior styling polarizing, I appreciate that Nissan took a bold approach. The tech and comfort features make it a compelling option in the segment.
