Murano Grows into Sophisticated SUV

CHATHAM, Mass. — The ugly duckling has evolved into an attractive addition to the mid-size sport utility (SUV)/crossover utility (CUV) market with the introduction of the fourth generation of the Nissan Murano for the 2025 model year.

I thought the Murano, which debuted in 2002, an unconventional design at best, one which did evolve into a more-reasonable SUV competitor as subsequent generations became available. It did take one unfortunate step backward in 2011, though, with the questionably conceived Murano CrossCabriolet, a convertible CUV. The styling just did not work.

Those days are clearly in the rearview mirror for Nissan, which now boasts a solid lineup of SUV/CUVs from the subcompact Kicks to the large Armada. All-new for the 2025 model year, this fourth generation of the Murano is a fully envisioned mid-size SUV competitor and the top-of-the-range Platinum AWD (all-wheel-drive) version I drove rivals premium vehicles at a very reasonable price.

Efficient power under the hood

Nissan powers the new Murano with a turbocharged, aluminum block and head, transverse-mounted four-cylinder engine of two liters. Contributing to the productions of its 241 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque is a double-overhead camshaft setup with four valves per cylinder and electric Variable Timing Control System for intake and exhaust.

A nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, sends this power to the (Nissan words) Intelligent All Wheel Drive system.

The combination described propelled this 192.9-inch long, 78-inch wide, 67.9-inch high, 4,438-pound SUV from 0-60 miles per hour in between 8 and 8.3 seconds, according to Car and Driver testing. And it can tow a trailer of up to 1,500 pounds.

These capabilities do not come with sacrifices in efficiency. My time behind the wheel resulted in fuel economy of 24.8 miles per gallon which betters the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 23 mpg on regular gasoline (21 urban, 27 highway).

None of the numbers are spectacular, but together the power and economy figures result in a very capable mid-size SUV, very competitive in these areas to other ones powered by an internal-combustion engine without the aid of any electric-motor boosters.

Platform meets its responsibilities

A fully independent suspension supports the new Murano Platinum AWD including twin-tube struts with coil springs and solid 29.0mm stabilizer bar at the front and twin-tube shock absorbers and 28.6mm tubular stabilizer bar working with a multi-link configuration in the rear.

To help improve ride and handling, the new Murano adopted frequency sensitive shocks in its suspension. An electric power-steering system was also added with this model with a quick 2.8 turns lock-to-lock.

The braking system includes electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, electric parking brake with auto hold and anti-lock (ABS). The ventilated rotors measure 13.78×1.18 inches up front and 12.99×0.63 inches in the rear.

These components operate within 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers wearing 255/50R21 all-season radial tires.

ADAS makes driving more secure

All versions of the fourth generation Murano come with a long list of standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including traction control; hill-start assist; blind-spot warning; blind-spot intervention; rear cross-traffic alert; lane-departure warning; lane-keep assist; intelligent lane intervention; intelligent forward-collision warning; automatic emergency braking (AEB) with obstruction detection; surround-view monitor, and rear automatic braking.

The Murano Platinum AWD also comes with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist 1.1 for enhanced highway driving comfort. The system combines Intelligent Cruise Control with Steering Assist as well as using navigation data to proactively adjust speed ahead of curves, based on data about the vehicle’s planned route.

The combined effect of the platform dynamics and ADAS is an easy to drive large mid-size SUV, regardless of road conditions, traffic and congestion. Whether I was cruising on I-495 in Southeastern Massachusetts or maneuvering around the tight confines of Barnstable Village on Cape Cod, I never felt pressured in the Murano. The ADAS helped me negotiate the village and town roads, not to mention the tight shopping mall parking lots, and the tight body structure and excellent suspension helped provide a very comfortable ride.

Premium-level features fill the cabin

Nissan, like many of its competitors, has blurred the distinction between premium and more mass-appeal orientation when it comes to its SUV family, and the Murano Platinum AWD is a perfect example of this trend.

The interior is filled with amenities, conveniences and technology which once would have been limited to a luxury brand like Nissan’s Infiniti models.

The seating surfaces are covered in semi-aniline leather. The fronts are power adjustable, heated/ventilated/massaging while the outer two positions of the second row are also heated (and the second row folds flat, 60/40).

Dual 12.3-inch displays face the front row occupants with the left providing a customizable cluster array. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment/vehicle-control display occupies the right-side position of the display arc. The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio and streaming Bluetooth connectivity. Sound is courtesy of a 10-speaker Bose® Premium Series audio system with Engine Harmonic Cancellation and Engine Harmonic Enhancement.

Dual-zone automatic climate control, eight cup/bottle holders, four USB-C ports, wireless mobile-device charger, a WiFi hotspot and a panoramic moonroof with power shade are also part of the interior features.

This is a comfortable, premium environment in which to ride, providing an enjoyable journey regardless of its length.

Tale of numbers

The 2025 redesigned Murano family consists of four models, beginning with the SV FWD (front-wheel drive) at $40,470. The SV AWD follows at $41,470, then the SL AWD at $46,560. Topping the range is the Platinum AWD like the review unit with a base price of $49,600. The lone option on this vehicle was Aurora Blue premium paint for $425 so, including the $1,390 destination charges, the total for the 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD was $51,415.

The Murano has progressed from its humble, somewhat homely roots into a polished well-turned-out example of a premium mid-size SUV at a not so premium price.