After a career spanning more than 10 years, the Murano as we knew it in 2024 has finally given way to a new generation for 2025. This new model is more modern, more comfortable, and more advanced. It's not just a simple update, but an entirely new vehicle.
Nissan went all out with this new Murano, which is likely to make a big impression this year. The previous Murano was already a very popular vehicle despite its age. With its fresh look, cutting-edge technologies, and a more suitable powertrain, the new Murano has everything it needs to win people over.
Lineup and Pricing
This new generation of the Murano comes with a new price range. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese automaker's SUV is less affordable than before, but the price tag is far from excessive compared to others in the segment. The SV trim serves as the entry-level model, starting at $49,624. For that amount, you get a full suite of standard equipment. Next up is the SL version, priced at $53,274. This one adds features like a 3D surround-view camera system, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Finally, the Platinum version sits at the top of the lineup with a price of $57,274. It comes with 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, and a host of other high-end features.
Category and Competition
The Nissan Murano competes in a segment where variety and specialized capabilities are welcome. Many of its rivals offer sporty versions or models specially designed for off-road driving. While that's not a necessity, there's definitely strong potential for a vehicle like the Murano.
Rivals: Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-70, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Crown Signia, Volkswagen Atlas Cross
Design and Technology
Although the new-generation Nissan Murano retains roughly the same dimensions, its styling is completely different from the previous model. Designers went with a very modern look featuring a sleek new grille and slimmer headlights. The new Murano gives the impression of coming straight out of Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division. The brand offers a beautiful color palette, including some two-tone options like deep black and metallic sacred aurora blue.
Getting into the 2024 Murano felt like stepping 10 years back in time. But the 2025 model is the complete opposite—it feels like a step into the future, thanks to a clean and modern dashboard. Premium materials, stylish ambient lighting with 64 color options, a minimalist design with natural color combinations—Nissan really pulled out all the stops with this new generation. On top of that, the Japanese SUV offers ventilated seats and a full-color head-up display. The driver gets the best treatment of all, with a sleek new steering wheel and a digital dashboard featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Performance
We can finally say goodbye to the outdated V6 engine and its CVT transmission, as the 2025 Murano is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, all-wheel drive comes standard. This new powertrain delivers 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. In addition to offering a more dynamic driving experience, it's also more fuel-efficient than the V6, with an average consumption of 10.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.6 L/100 km on the highway.
Weak Points
The 2025 Murano lineup definitely lacks an electrified version or a performance variant. Its towing capacity also falls short of the segment average.
Strong Points
This is a modern and elegant vehicle that turns heads wherever it goes. Its interior is a true haven of peace, and it lacks nothing in terms of technology. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is vastly superior to the old V6 in every respect.
Signature Element
The 2025 Murano brings a breath of fresh air and a touch of luxury to the Nissan lineup for 2025.
Final Word
Nissan has given us the GT-R, a fearsome sports car, and the Leaf, the first serious mass-market electric car. The Murano may not be as radical, but it proves the brand is just as capable of achieving great things when it comes to more mainstream models. Nissan could have settled for a simple evolution with the new Murano, but instead, the Japanese automaker decided to start from scratch—and that was absolutely the right move. The 2025 Murano is a seriously impressive vehicle.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
