Before you groan too hard, reader, this isn’t the same Nissan Murano from a decade ago. Nissan has given us the first significantly updated Murano since 2016. So, let’s keep an open mind. And, while the previous Murano was increasingly out-flashed by its competition, it still served as a loyal family hauler that buyers could depend on.
Entering its fourth generation, the Murano has undergone significant updates, including a fresh new exterior redesign, a new turbocharged engine, and a host of interior upgrades. These changes bring this car into relevance while maintaining the Murano’s reputation for durability and longevity. Let’s take a look at the updates that usher in the modern era of this stalwart SUV.
2025 Nissan Murano First Drive: Friendly Confines
One of the first-ever “crossovers” is back with a great cabin and a few foibles.
What’s New This Time Around
The latest Murano marks the fourth generation of this midsize SUV, bringing a fresh design and updated features. The exterior redesign includes a wider stance, new “Crystal Cube” LED headlights, and a full-width LED taillight bar, aligning with Nissan’s latest design language. The previous 3.5-liter V6 engine has been replaced with a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline-four engine, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the new Murano boasts dual 12.3-inch digital displays, available ventilated and massaging front seats, and a redesigned center console with a push-button shifter, as well as Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite and the latest ProPILOT Assist system for improved driver assistance.
Exterior Design: A Bold New Look That Commands
The 2025 Murano’s exterior design represents a significant departure from its predecessor. The vehicle’s width has increased by 2.6 inches, giving it a more substantial presence on the road. The front fascia features Nissan’s “V-motion” grille, followed by ultra-thin LED headlights that incorporate hidden daytime running lights. These design elements not only enhance the vehicle’s aesthetics, but Nissan also says they improve aerodynamics.
At the rear, the Murano showcases a new tailgate and bumper design that conceals the rear wiper and exhaust tips, contributing to a cleaner look. The license plate has been repositioned to the bumper, emphasizing the new full-width LED taillights. The top trim includes a power tailgate with a kick sensor for added convenience.
Interior Comfort And Technology Take A Big Leap
Inside, the 2025 Murano has been transformed into a “road-going sanctuary,” as Nissan describes it. In fact, our very own Seth Miersma calls the interior, “a class above what’s expected here.” The cabin features dual 12.3-inch digital displays that serve as the infotainment system and instrument cluster. These screens offer crisp graphics and are complemented by a new flat-bottomed, two-spoke steering wheel.
The Murano’s interior materials have been upgraded, with new trim options such as “Murano Glass,” which shifts color with the light, adding a touch of elegance. Front-seat comfort is enhanced with available ventilated and massaging seats, while the rear seats benefit from thinner front seat backs, providing more legroom. The cabin also includes features like 64-color ambient lighting, a panoramic moonroof, and a wireless phone charger integrated into the redesigned center console.
Performance And Driving Experience Have Evolved As Well
Under the hood, the 2025 Murano introduces a new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline-four engine that produces 241 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaces the previous (outdated) 3.5-liter V6 and is paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new powertrain delivers a more engaging driving experience with improved responsiveness, efficiency, and reliability.
Despite the change in engine configuration, fuel economy remains competitive, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. The Murano’s ride quality has also been enhanced with upgraded shock absorbers that improve comfort without sacrificing handling.
Top-Notch Safety And Driver Assistance Features
The 2025 Murano gets piles of safety features thanks to Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Additionally, the latest ProPILOT Assist system is available, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance for a more relaxed driving experience. These advanced safety technologies contribute to the Murano’s overall value, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Its superb safety and design have also led it to receive the coveted Top Safety Pick+ commendation from the IIHS, as well as a 5-Star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
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2025 Nissan Murano: Pricing And Trim Levels
The 2025 Murano is available in four trims: SV FWD, SV AWD, SL AWD, and Platinum AWD. Pricing starts at $40,470 for the base SV FWD model and ranges up to $49,600 for the fully equipped Platinum AWD model. All trims come with a host of standard features, with higher trims offering additional luxury and technology features.
Carrying On A Legacy Of Dependability
One of the key reasons the Nissan Murano has been a favorite among drivers is its reputation for reliability. The 2025 model continues this tradition, with a new, efficient powertrain and a simplified mechanical layout that reduces the potential for issues. The new nine-speed automatic transmission is designed for durability and smooth operation, and the VC-Turbo engine’s variable compression technology aims to optimize all the practical stuff you’d expect from Nissan, like efficiency, performance, and feel.
In the J.D. Power reliability survey, the 2025 Nissan Murano was the highest-rated midsize SUV in its class, beating Hondas, Hyundais, and Subarus. This isn’t a new thing, though. Nissan has kept the Murano as a banner of reliability for years. Routine maintenance for the Murano is straightforward, and with proper care, the vehicle is expected to provide many years of dependable service. This commitment to reliability makes the 2025 Murano an excellent choice for anyone who wants a long-lasting SUV that doesn’t need to thrill.
TopSpeed’s Take: The Murano Is Back And It’s Better
The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano successfully brings this outdated SUV into the conversation of modern design, advanced technology, and still makes good on the brand’s renowned reputation for reliability. With its refreshed exterior, upgraded interior, and new powertrain, the Murano offers a pretty compelling package. If you then take into account that JD Power found it to be one of the most reliable SUVs on the market, then this, still kinda boring model, is hard to deny.