Unveiling the 2025 Nissan Murano: A Comprehensive Review

Summary

The 2025 Nissan Murano represents the fourth generation of Nissan’s two-row midsize crossover SUV, arriving with a comprehensive redesign that elevates its styling, performance, and technology offerings. Drawing inspiration from the Italian island of Murano—famed for its glassmaking heritage—the new Murano incorporates artisanal design elements such as glass-like dashboard trim and a distinctive full-width LED light bar, positioning the model within a more premium segment. This generational update reflects Nissan’s effort to blend upscale aesthetics with advanced features, aiming to compete more effectively in the increasingly crowded crossover market.
Mechanically, the 2025 Murano marks a notable 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 engine featuring Nissan’s Variable Compression Turbo technology and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination delivers improved torque, refined acceleration, and enhanced fuel efficiency while offering a more engaging driving experience. The model also integrates an advanced technology suite, including dual 12.3-inch displays, Google Built-In infotainment, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a host of driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
The interior design emphasizes comfort and ergonomics, with premium materials, spacious seating, and features tailored to multigenerational families, including heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and customizable ambient lighting. While the Murano has been praised for its quiet cabin and upscale appointments, some early user feedback has noted issues such as cooling seat noise, highlighting minor refinement needs amid its generally positive reception. Additionally, there is debate over whether the vehicle’s elevated price point aligns with Nissan’s traditional value-oriented brand image.
Overall, the 2025 Nissan Murano reflects a strategic evolution toward a more luxurious and technologically advanced crossover, balancing artisanal design cues with modern performance and convenience. As it enters a competitive segment, Nissan’s efforts to improve driving dynamics and cabin sophistication aim to attract discerning buyers, though future enhancements—particularly in powertrain electrification and warranty offerings—may be necessary to sustain its market relevance.

Overview

The 2025 Nissan Murano marks the fourth generation of Nissan’s premium two-row mid-size crossover, receiving a comprehensive makeover that elevates both its styling and driving experience. Inspired by the Italian island of Murano, renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, the new Murano embodies this artisanal heritage, notably reflected in features such as the glass-like trim on the dashboard. Stylistically, the 2025 Murano adopts a sharper and more contemporary design compared to its predecessor. Its pinched rear quarter window and swept-back roofline draw comparisons to luxury crossovers like the Genesis GV70, signaling Nissan’s intent to position the Murano with a more upscale appearance. Under the hood, the 2025 model shifts from the previous V-6 engine to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with the discontinuation of the earlier continuously variable automatic transmission. This change aims to enhance driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. Overall, the new Murano combines refined aesthetics with improved performance, reflecting Nissan’s ongoing commitment to innovation in the crossover segment.

Design

The 2025 Nissan Murano’s design is guided by a theme of “energetic elegance,” aiming to create a vehicle that appears dynamic and sleek while maintaining a poised and premium presence. According to Giovanny Arroba, Nissan’s senior design director, the objective was to craft a striking crossover that invites people to approach, enter, and drive it. The vehicle’s proportions, described by program design director Tase Nobutaka, feature a wide stance that contributes to a confident and energetic feel. Inspired by nature and the horizon’s vastness, the design incorporates powerful horizontal lines extending from the headlamp to the rear fender, complemented by a full-width LED light bar that bisects the Nissan emblem at the rear.
Ergonomics played a significant role in the Murano’s design, with a focus on enhancing entry and exit to accommodate multigenerational families, including young children and older adults. This emphasis ensures that all occupants can comfortably get in, settle, and exit with ease, reflecting Nissan’s commitment to providing meaningful value and a superior driving experience.
Inside, the Murano’s cabin has been restyled with a minimalist dashboard featuring soft-touch and premium materials that elevate the sense of luxury. Standard leatherette seating includes heated front seats with power adjustments for both driver and front passenger, while the rear features a folding 60/40 bench to adapt to cargo needs. Additional interior highlights include a tilt and telescoping steering column and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offer an array of upscale options such as a panoramic moonroof, ventilated and massaging semi-aniline quilted leather-appointed front seats, and Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat design, which enhances comfort on long drives.
The dashboard echoes the style found in Nissan’s Ariya electric crossover, featuring dual 12.3-inch color displays—one serving as the digital instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. The climate controls are integrated into a unique wood grain panel with touch-sensitive controls, adding a refined design flourish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while SL and Platinum trims include Google-based in-dash navigation and premium connectivity.
Additional comfort and convenience features include increased rear legroom, customizable ambient lighting with 64 colors, a push-button shifter that frees up storage space, a wireless phone charger, and a quiet cabin design that reduces outside noise for a serene ride. Safety enhancements for rear passengers include under-seat reinforcement, seat belt load limiters, and pretensioners, contributing to the Murano’s blend of luxury and function. Overall, the 2025 Murano’s design balances striking aesthetics with thoughtful ergonomics and advanced technology to create a sanctuary-like driving environment.

Performance

The 2025 Nissan Murano marks a significant departure from its predecessor by replacing the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine with a next-generation 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine known as the KR20DDET, which features Nissan’s Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) technology. This innovative powertrain continuously adjusts its compression ratio between approximately 8:1 and 14:1 to optimize both power output and fuel efficiency, delivering a balanced combination of strong torque, smooth acceleration, and enhanced fuel economy.
Producing 241 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides responsive and energetic performance while also improving efficiency compared to the outgoing V6, which was rated higher in horsepower but lower in torque. This change reflects Nissan’s commitment to a more modern and efficient powertrain for the midsize SUV segment.
Another major update in the 2025 Murano’s performance is the replacement of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a more traditional nine-speed automatic transmission. The nine-speed automatic provides smoother, more defined gear shifts, enhancing the driving experience with more immediate throttle response and a more engaging feel compared to the sometimes sluggish CVT. This transmission upgrade helps the Murano deliver a refined and comfortable ride while maintaining smooth cruising capabilities.
Fuel efficiency ratings for the 2025 Murano have also improved, with EPA estimates of 21 miles per gallon in the city, 27 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 23 miles per gallon for all-wheel-drive variants. These figures position the Murano favorably among midsize SUVs equipped with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, emphasizing its efficient yet capable performance.

Technology

The 2025 Nissan Murano features a sophisticated and user-friendly technology suite designed to enhance driver convenience and connectivity. Central to its tech offerings are dual 12.3-inch displays; the primary center screen is a touchscreen interface providing entertainment, information, and vehicle controls, while the left-hand display serves as a configurable digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system is powered by Google Built-In, allowing seamless integration with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, enabling effortless smartphone connectivity from the moment the engine starts.
The Murano’s technology package extends beyond infotainment, incorporating advanced driver-assistance features that promote safety and confidence on the road. These include standard systems such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode, blind-spot monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Higher trims offer an enhanced version of Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist 1.1, which uses navigation data to anticipate road curves and adjust speed accordingly, contributing to a more relaxed driving experience.
Additional driver aids such as a surround-view camera system assist with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The Murano’s audio experience is elevated by a 10-speaker Bose sound system that delivers clear and immersive sound quality, complementing the vehicle’s upscale ambiance. Collectively, these technologies work together to create a modern, connected, and safer driving environment in the 2025 Nissan Murano.

Market and Sales

The 2025 Nissan Murano enters the market as a premium crossover inspired by the Italian island of Murano, renowned for its glassmaking heritage, which Nissan leverages to position the vehicle within a more upscale segment. This strategic shift reflects Nissan’s intent to blend artisanal design influences with modern technology and comfort, aiming to attract buyers seeking a refined yet accessible SUV experience.
Historically, Nissan’s success has largely depended on delivering reliable vehicles at affordable price points. However, with the new Murano, the brand faces the challenge of commanding a premium price while maintaining this reputation. Pricing for the 2025 Murano varies across trim levels—from the base S trim to the fully equipped Platinum—offering customers a range of features and luxury options, such as advanced safety packages and premium audio systems. This tiered pricing strategy allows Nissan to appeal to a broad audience, balancing value with added sophistication.
The Murano’s transition to new powertrain technology, replacing the previous V-6 engine and continuously variable automatic transmission with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic, marks a significant update aimed at improving performance and efficiency, which may influence its competitive stance in the segment. Additionally, the inclusion of advanced infotainment and safety technologies, including Google-based connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available HD Enhanced Intelligent 3D Around View® Monitor, adds to its market appeal by meeting modern consumer expectations for vehicle technology.
Dealerships in key markets such as Chicago and its suburbs are actively promoting the 2025 Murano, highlighting its blend of technology, comfort, and safety features to attract a diverse customer base. Nissan’s approach with the Murano reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry toward offering vehicles that combine premium amenities with accessible pricing and advanced technology, positioning the Murano as a competitive option within the midsize SUV segment.

Reception

The 2025 Nissan Murano has received a mixed reception from customers and critics alike. Many owners appreciate the vehicle’s stylish design, comfortable interior, and quiet cabin, which contribute to a pleasant driving experience. The interior features such as leatherette seating, heated front seats, and power adjustments for both the driver and front passenger have been praised for enhancing comfort and convenience. Additionally, the premium cabin amenities—including dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt and telescoping steering column, and versatile folding rear seats—add to the Murano’s appeal.
Despite these positive aspects, some users have reported issues, notably a loud buzzing noise emanating from the cooling seats, which required further attention from Nissan. This problem slightly detracts from the otherwise comfortable and soothing interior environment, which is designed to relax occupants with features like an expansive panoramic moonroof and ventilated, massaging, quilted leather-appointed seats.
From a design perspective, Nissan aimed to embody “energetic elegance” in the Murano’s appearance, creating a vehicle that looks dynamic and premium while inviting drivers to engage with it enthusiastically. However, there is some debate about whether the Murano’s features and overall package justify its premium price point, considering Nissan’s historical emphasis on reliable yet affordable vehicles.

Awards and Recognition

As of its announcement and upcoming release in early 2025, the latest generation of the Nissan Murano has garnered attention for its design innovation inspired by the Italian island of Murano, renowned for its glassmaking heritage. The incorporation of artisanal elements such as the glass-like trim on the dashboard has been highlighted by Nissan’s senior design director, Giovanny Arroba, as a standout feature that contributes to the vehicle’s premium appeal. Additionally, the Murano’s distinctive full-width LED light bar and taillights, which creatively bisect the Nissan emblem, have been noted for their aesthetic impact, reinforcing the model’s modern and sophisticated design language.
While official awards and industry recognitions for the 2025 Murano are yet to be announced due to its forthcoming release, the vehicle’s design elements and thoughtful craftsmanship have positioned it favorably among automotive enthusiasts and critics anticipating its debut. The extensive palette of nine paint colors also reflects Nissan’s commitment to personalization and style, further enhancing the Murano’s market appeal.

Future Prospects

The 2025 Nissan Murano marks a significant step forward for the model with its fresh design and updated powertrain, positioning it as a more competitive option in the mid-size crossover segment. Looking ahead, Nissan’s decision to replace the outgoing V-6 engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder demonstrates an effort to balance performance with efficiency, although current EPA estimates indicate fuel economy remains unchanged at 23 mpg combined. This suggests that future iterations may need further advancements in powertrain technology, such as hybrid or electrified options, to meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory standards.
Technological integration in the 2025 Murano also points to Nissan’s commitment to enhancing driver confidence and comfort, featuring high-tech amenities and ergonomic improvements that create a sanctuary-like cabin environment. Moving forward, continuous refinement in these areas will likely be pivotal as the competitive landscape intensifies with rivals offering longer warranty plans and more hybridized powertrain options.
Despite some critiques regarding engine responsiveness and grip, the new Murano’s sharper styling and upgraded features lay a solid foundation for Nissan to build upon. Future models could benefit from addressing these performance shortcomings while expanding their appeal through advanced powertrain options and extended warranty coverage, ultimately ensuring the Murano remains a relevant and attractive choice in the crowded crossover market.

The content is provided by Sierra Knightley, Direct Bulletins