Unveiling the 2025 Nissan Murano: A Comprehensive Review

Summary

The 2025 Nissan Murano represents the fourth generation of Nissan’s midsize crossover SUV, featuring a comprehensive redesign that modernizes both its exterior styling and mechanical underpinnings. Departing from its long-standing V6 powertrain, the new Murano is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, reflecting Nissan’s shift toward efficiency and improved driving dynamics. The refreshed design combines sleek, contemporary elements—such as slim LED headlights and a reimagined V-Motion grille—with subtle nods to the model’s heritage, aiming to position the Murano more competitively within a crowded midsize SUV segment that includes rivals like the Toyota Venza and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Inside, the 2025 Murano offers a refined cabin inspired by the Nissan Ariya electric crossover, featuring dual 12.3-inch digital displays, premium materials, and comfort-focused amenities such as zero-gravity seats and available massaging front chairs. Nissan has equipped the new Murano with advanced technology including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance features, and ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving aid, reinforcing its emphasis on safety and connectivity.
Despite its updates, the Murano faces notable market challenges, having historically underperformed in U.S. sales compared to segment leaders. Nissan aims to boost its market share through the 2025 redesign, though the model’s relatively high price and modest fuel economy improvements may limit its appeal among value-conscious buyers. Early critical reception praises the vehicle’s comfortable and upscale interior as well as enhanced driving dynamics, while some reviewers note that power output and fuel efficiency gains are modest given the new powertrain.
The 2025 Nissan Murano has garnered recognition for safety and quality, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and top rankings in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study for midsize SUVs. As Nissan continues to modernize its lineup, the Murano’s latest iteration reflects a strategic effort to elevate the model’s relevance and desirability in a competitive and evolving market, though future powertrain electrification and additional enhancements remain unconfirmed.

Overview

The 2025 Nissan Murano marks the fourth generation of Nissan’s midsize SUV, introducing significant updates to both its design and performance to modernize the model after years of minimal changes. The new Murano features a sleek and contemporary exterior that blends modern styling cues with elements of its original heritage, such as the two-row layout that helped define its segment in America. Notable design highlights include slim LED headlights positioned above a reimagined Nissan V-Motion grille, along with a pinched rear quarter window and a swept-back roofline reminiscent of luxury crossovers like the Genesis GV70.
Under the hood, Nissan replaces the previous V6 engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, reflecting a shift toward efficiency while maintaining solid performance. The model also abandons the continuously variable automatic transmission used in the 2024 model year in favor of a new transmission setup, enhancing driving dynamics and responsiveness. These mechanical upgrades, combined with the refreshed styling, position the 2025 Murano competitively within the midsize SUV segment, where it faces rivals such as the Toyota Venza, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Ford Edge.
As part of Nissan’s broader effort to modernize its American lineup, the 2025 Murano joins the recently updated Kicks and Armada models in presenting a fresh and contemporary image for the brand. Safety ratings for the new Murano are grounded in tests conducted by the Institute, with driver- and passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings available based on Nissan’s testing protocols. Overall, the 2025 Nissan Murano offers a refined, stylish, and efficient option in the midsize SUV market, appealing to buyers seeking a combination of modern design and practical performance.

Design

The 2025 Nissan Murano ushers in a bold new design language as part of its fourth generation, marking a significant departure from previous models. Its exterior styling features distinctive cues inspired by the Nissan Ariya electric vehicle and elements such as the four-bar horizontal grille and slim, slit-like LED headlamps borrowed from the redesigned Nissan Kicks. This fusion creates a unique and sharp appearance that stands out in the midsize SUV segment.
Inside, the Murano’s cabin draws strong inspiration from the electric Ariya crossover, offering an elegant and minimalist sanctuary designed for comfort and relaxation. A broad, textured panel inspired by Venetian glass spans the dashboard, adding visual interest and reinforcing the namesake’s Italian heritage. The interior is well-crafted, combining artful design with practical comfort. Notably, the seats in both the front and second rows utilize Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, which enhances comfort during long drives. Higher trims, such as the Platinum, further elevate the interior with semi-aniline leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and touch-sensitive climate controls integrated into wood trim, creating a premium atmosphere.
Technologically, the Murano features dual 12.3-inch landscape-format screens that run end to end—one serving as the digital instrument cluster with customizable driver-assistance information, and the other dedicated to infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, convenience features such as a Motion Activated Liftgate and rear seatback releases enhance usability and cargo management.

Performance

The 2025 Nissan Murano marks a significant departure from its predecessor by replacing the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This new powertrain produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, representing a decrease of 19 horsepower but an increase of 20 lb-ft of torque compared to the old V6 setup. Despite the downsizing, acceleration performance remains competitive, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.7 seconds, matching the previous generation.
While the switch to a turbocharged four-cylinder was presumably aimed at improving fuel economy, the EPA estimates a combined 23 mpg, which is unchanged from the outgoing model. The nine-speed automatic transmission tends to upshift quickly to maximize efficiency, sometimes resulting in gear hunting. From a driving perspective, the Murano feels more responsive and confident at higher speeds, making freeway merges and passing maneuvers less frustrating than before, though initial acceleration from a stop can feel leisurely.
Handling and ride quality have been notably enhanced through several mechanical upgrades. The 2025 Murano features frequency-sensitive dampers and an electric power steering system that provides light yet precise and responsive steering feel. The suspension uses struts in front and a multi-link setup in the rear, complemented by new frequency-selective dampers to better control body motions and smooth out minor road imperfections. These changes contribute to a composed ride and improved maneuverability despite the vehicle’s nearly 4,400-pound curb weight. The all-wheel-drive system is standard on higher trims and optional on the SV, improving traction and handling in various driving conditions.
The Murano’s steering is praised for being effortless and responsive, with a tight turning radius that enhances maneuverability in urban environments. Although the suspension leans toward comfort and can feel soft, it maintains control without excessive body roll during spirited driving, striking a balance between luxury cruising and engaging handling. Overall, the 2025 Murano delivers a more refined and enjoyable driving experience compared to its predecessor, with improvements in responsiveness, ride quality, and driver-assistance technologies that reduce fatigue and enhance safety on the road.

Technology

The 2025 Nissan Murano integrates advanced technology features designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and safety for drivers and passengers alike. Standard on every model is wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility, allowing seamless hands-free navigation, calling, and texting. The Murano’s interior boasts a dual 12.3-inch landscape-format touchscreen setup—one dedicated to the driver’s digital instrument cluster and the other to the infotainment system—offering customizable display modes and easy access to various vehicle functions. While the infotainment screen is somewhat smaller than some competitors, it balances functionality with a clean, minimalist design that complements the overall interior ambiance.
Safety and driver-assistance technologies are central to the Murano’s tech offerings. The vehicle comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist features that monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and can intervene to help prevent collisions. These include systems designed to assist in complex driving scenarios such as backing out of tight spaces, navigating crowded parking lots, and merging on highways. The package features Blind Spot Intervention, which alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots and helps guide the vehicle back into its lane if needed.
Complementing Safety Shield 360 is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving aid standard on all 2025 Murano models. ProPilot Assist uses adaptive cruise control combined with lane-centering technology to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and keep the Murano centered within its lane on certain limited-access highways. Though it is not a hands-free system and requires driver attention at all times, it effectively reduces driving stress by providing steering inputs and speed adjustments. Nissan offers a more advanced hands-free version of ProPilot Assist, but it is not yet available on the Murano.
Additional technology features include the available HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View® Monitor, which provides a comprehensive 360-degree view around the vehicle to assist with parking and maneuvering. While this system improves spatial awareness, it does not eliminate blind spots and requires drivers to remain vigilant. Convenience is further enhanced by the available Motion Activated Liftgate and remote-folding rear seats, enabling users to load cargo hands-free, enhancing practicality during everyday use. Overall, the 2025 Nissan Murano blends cutting-edge technology with intuitive design to create a connected, safe, and user-friendly driving experience.

Market and Sales

The Nissan Murano has faced significant challenges in the highly competitive midsize crossover segment in the United States, which includes over 30 other models. Despite its updates for the 2025 model year, the Murano has historically lagged behind leading competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevy Blazer, Ford Edge, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5 and CX-50. In the 2024 model year ending September 30, Nissan sold fewer than 20,000 Murano units in the U.S., a figure that underscores its marginal position within a segment that moves more than 3.4 million vehicles annually.
The 2025 Murano, featuring a comprehensive makeover with refreshed styling and improved driving dynamics, aims to capture a larger share of the market. Nissan projects that if the new model can triple its U.S. sales to approximately 59,000 units in 2025, it would still remain a niche player compared to segment leaders. The Murano’s higher price point relative to many competitors might contribute to its limited appeal, especially given the extensive options available across rival vehicles.
Historically, the Murano experienced a surge in Canadian sales after the launch of its third generation in 2015, with volume rising from an average of 4,520 units annually (2004–2014) to over 10,000 units in 2015, followed by further increases in subsequent years. However, despite this success in Canada and the model’s longevity, the Murano has struggled to maintain strong momentum in the U.S. market.
The 2025 model’s release is anticipated toward the end of 2024, although official pricing and sales figures will be confirmed closer to its dealership arrival. Nissan hopes that new features and styling updates will attract more buyers, but the Murano will continue to face stiff competition in a crowded segment known for its variety and value.

Reception

The 2025 Nissan Murano has generally received positive feedback, particularly for its luxurious and comfortable interior. Reviewers have highlighted the thoughtfully designed cabin, which features heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats that provide relaxation and comfort during drives. The interior draws inspiration from Italian Murano glass, offering an aesthetically pleasing and soothing environment for occupants. Premium materials, a serene ambiance, and advanced amenities such as a high-definition 12.3-inch display and customizable 64-color ambient lighting further enhance the Murano’s upscale feel. Additionally, available features like an expansive panoramic moonroof and quilted leather-appointed seats contribute to the vehicle’s refined atmosphere.
From a safety perspective, the 2025 Murano earned Side 2.0 and passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety based on tests conducted by Nissan, indicating a solid commitment to occupant protection.
Consumer reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and Edmunds reflect a largely favorable perception, with a 4-star average rating noted by Edmunds based on real owner feedback. These reviews help prospective buyers gauge the vehicle’s reliability and ownership experience by highlighting recurring themes and specific concerns within the owner community.

Awards and Recognition

The 2025 Nissan Murano has garnered significant acclaim for its safety and dependability. Notably, it earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award, reflecting the intensified focus on rear-seat passenger safety and overall vehicle protection during its development. While official crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and IIHS had not yet been published at the time of reporting, the Murano’s safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, contribute to its strong safety reputation.
In addition to safety accolades, the 2025 Murano was recognized for its quality and reliability. According to the J.D. Power 2024 Initial Quality Study (IQS), it ranked highest in the Midsize SUV segment for new vehicle dependability. This distinction underscores Nissan’s commitment to delivering a dependable and well-engineered vehicle that competes strongly in its class.

Future Prospects

The 2025 Nissan Murano marks a significant evolution in the model’s history, introducing a sharp new design that aligns it more closely with contemporary mid-size SUV trends. The fourth-generation Murano features styling cues reminiscent of luxury crossovers such as the Genesis GV70, including a pinched rear quarter window and a swept-back roofline, signaling Nissan’s intent to position the Murano as a more premium and competitive offering in its segment.
Mechanically, the 2025 model replaces the outgoing V-6 engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain, marking a shift toward modern, efficient engine technology. This change accompanies the retirement of the previous model’s continuously variable automatic transmission, a move likely aimed at improving driving dynamics and reliability. Despite these advancements, the new Murano’s power output is not expected to surpass that of its rivals, and fuel economy gains remain modest with no hybrid or electrified powertrain options announced thus far.
Inside, the redesigned Murano promises notable improvements in interior quality and driving experience, aiming to elevate its appeal in the competitive two-row, mid-size SUV class. Although many details about the 2025 model remain under wraps, Nissan’s updates indicate a strategic effort to refresh the Murano’s market position after the previous generation lagged behind more modern competitors.
Looking ahead, further information about potential additional features, trim levels, or technology enhancements may emerge closer to or after the official release date. Nissan’s approach with the 2025 Murano suggests a blend of refined aesthetics and practical engineering updates designed to reinvigorate the model’s standing, though future developments such as hybridization or expanded powertrain choices have yet to be confirmed.