The 2025 Nissan Murano marks a bold step forward for Nissan’s midsize crossover SUV, entering its fourth generation with a complete redesign that emphasizes luxury, technology, and refined performance. Positioned between the compact Rogue and the three-row Pathfinder in Nissan’s lineup, the Murano targets buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable two-row SUV without the premium price tag of luxury brands like Lexus or Acura. With a new turbocharged engine, modern interior, and advanced tech, the 2025 Murano aims to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Passport, and Mazda CX-70. This 1200-word review dives into the Murano’s performance, design, interior, driving experience, and value proposition, optimized for search engines with structured content and relevant keywords.
Performance: Refined Power with a New Heart
The 2025 Nissan Murano swaps its long-standing 3.5-liter V6 for a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbocharged (VC-Turbo) four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While this represents a 19-hp decrease from the previous V6, the torque increase of 20 lb-ft delivers punchy low-end response, making the Murano feel lively during city driving and highway merges. The VC-Turbo technology adjusts compression on the fly, balancing power and efficiency, though it can feel slightly coarse at higher revs compared to the smoother V6.
Gone is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), replaced by a nine-speed automatic that offers crisp, responsive shifts. This change eliminates the CVT’s droning sensation, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Murano accelerates from 0-60 mph in an estimated 8.0-8.3 seconds, slightly slower than the V6 model but adequate for its class. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the base SV trim, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional on SV and standard on SL and Platinum trims. The AWD system enhances traction in slippery conditions, making it ideal for varied climates.
The Murano’s towing capacity is a modest 1,500 pounds, lagging behind competitors like the Honda Passport (5,000 pounds) or Hyundai Santa Fe (3,500 pounds). Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for both FWD and AWD models, a slight improvement over the outgoing V6’s 20/28/23 mpg. While not class-leading, the efficiency aligns with segment norms.
Design: Sleek and Modern with a Premium Edge
The 2025 Nissan Murano’s exterior design is a dramatic departure from its predecessor, adopting a sleek, futuristic aesthetic inspired by the Nissan Ariya electric SUV. The signature V-Motion grille is flanked by slim “Crystal Cube” LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights, creating a bold, upscale look. The pinched rear quarter window and swept-back roofline give the Murano a coupe-like silhouette, reminiscent of luxury crossovers like the Genesis GV70. At 2.6 inches wider and with 1.4 inches more ground clearance than the outgoing model, the Murano has a more planted, muscular stance. Available 21-inch alloy wheels and two-tone paint options, like Aurora Blue Pearl, enhance its visual appeal.
The design prioritizes elegance over ruggedness, with smooth lines and full-width LED taillights that elevate the rear profile. However, the bold grille and split headlight design may polarize buyers, as beauty is subjective. Practical touches include a power liftgate standard across all trims, with a motion-activated option on higher trims for easier cargo access.
Interior: A Near-Luxury Haven
Inside, the 2025 Nissan Murano feels like a significant leap toward luxury. The cabin features a horizontal dashboard design with dual 12.3-inch displays for the gauge cluster and infotainment, housed under a single glass panel for a seamless look. The “Murano Glass” trim, inspired by Venetian glass, adds a color-shifting, premium touch, though some plastic elements, like the glossy black center console, are prone to smudges. Haptic climate controls integrated into the wood trim are innovative but can be finicky to use while driving.
Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, standard in both front and rear, are a highlight, offering exceptional comfort for long drives. The Platinum trim adds semi-aniline leather, heated, cooled, and massaging front seats, plus heated rear seats, creating a near-luxury experience. The second row is spacious for two adults, though the sloping roofline slightly reduces headroom compared to boxier rivals. Cargo space is generous, with 33 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 64 cubic feet with them folded, though competitors like the Honda Passport offer more.
The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google-based software on SL and Platinum trims, with Google Maps and Google Assistant integration. A 10-speaker Bose audio system, standard on higher trims, delivers rich sound, while four USB-C ports and a wireless charger keep devices powered. However, the touchscreen can exhibit minor lag, and the reliance on touch-sensitive controls may frustrate some drivers.
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Sportiness
The 2025 Nissan Murano prioritizes comfort over dynamic handling, making it ideal for daily commutes and long road trips. The suspension, with 25% increased roll stiffness, absorbs bumps effectively, delivering a smooth, quiet ride with excellent noise insulation. The electric power steering is well-weighted and responsive, with a 4% faster ratio than the previous hydraulic system, though it lacks the precision of sportier rivals like the Mazda CX-70.
In Sport mode, the engine and transmission sharpen, but the Murano’s 241-hp output and soft tuning keep it from feeling truly athletic. The nine-speed automatic ensures smooth shifts, and the VC-Turbo engine provides adequate power for merging and passing, though it can sound grumbly under heavy acceleration. The AWD system enhances stability in wet or snowy conditions, but the Murano is not designed for off-road adventures, focusing instead on suburban and highway refinement.
Standard safety features include Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. ProPILOT Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system, combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, while SL and Platinum trims add ProPILOT Assist 1.1, which adjusts speed for curves using navigation data. Unique camera features, like Invisible Hood View and 3D Around View Monitor, aid in tight maneuvers, though the hands-on ProPILOT system lags behind hands-free systems like Ford’s BlueCruise.
Value and Competition
The 2025 Nissan Murano starts at $41,860 for the SV FWD, with the SL AWD at $47,950 and Platinum AWD at $50,990 (including $1,390 destination). While competitively priced against the Hyundai Santa Fe ($35,675) and Honda Passport (mid-$40,000s), the Murano’s premium features justify its cost. The Platinum trim, fully loaded at around $55,000, rivals luxury crossovers like the Lexus NX or Acura RDX but lacks their badge prestige.
Competitors offer distinct advantages: the Mazda CX-70 is sportier, the Santa Fe provides a third-row option, and the Passport boasts superior towing and cargo space. The Murano’s lack of a hybrid option is a notable omission in a segment where electrified powertrains, like the Toyota Venza’s hybrid, achieve up to 39 mpg combined. Still, the Murano’s upscale cabin, advanced tech, and refined ride make it a strong value for buyers prioritizing comfort and style.
Conclusion: A Stylish, Comfortable Contender
The 2025 Nissan Murano reinvents itself as a premium midsize SUV with a sleek design, luxurious interior, and refined performance. Its VC-Turbo engine and nine-speed automatic deliver smooth power, while the Zero Gravity seats and advanced tech create a near-luxury experience. Though it lacks the sportiness of the Mazda CX-70 or the versatility of the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Murano excels as a stylish, comfortable cruiser for empty-nesters and suburban professionals. With competitive pricing and a focus on refinement, it’s a compelling choice in the crowded midsize SUV market.