If you’ve been watching the midsize crossover landscape closely, the arrival of the 2025 Nissan Murano is a clear signal: Nissan is reasserting its position in the U.S. SUV market with style, technology, and a major powertrain shift. After many years of incremental updates, this all-new generation lands amid rising consumer expectations—especially for advanced tech, comfort features, and stronger visual appeal.
Couple that with pressures from fuel economy mandates, rising competition, and the ongoing pivot toward electrification, and the 2025 Murano becomes more than just a refresh—it’s a strategic move in a crowded field. Whether you’re shopping for your next daily driver or keeping an eye on what moves other automakers are making, this Murano release deserves attention.
A New Generation Rises: Design, Platform & Strategy
Nissan officially debuted the 2025 Murano in October 2024 for U.S. buyers. While the underlying platform carries over elements from the outgoing model, the styling is thoroughly refreshed.
The new Murano takes clear cues from Nissan’s electric crossover, the Ariya—particularly in its lighting design, flowing surfaces, and “crystal cube” LED accents. Nissan widened the body by about 2.6 inches for a more planted stance. The wheel tracks are also broader, and 20- or 21-inch wheel options help underscore the upscale intent.
This stylistic shift is more than cosmetic—it aims to position Murano as a more premium, tech-forward choice among crossovers rather than just “another SUV.” Among interior changes are twin 12.3-inch displays (instrument cluster + infotainment), a color head-up display, and ambient lighting with up to 64 color choices. Even massaging and ventilated seats are available in higher trims.
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Powertrain Pivot: From V6 + CVT to Turbo 2.0L & 9-Speed
One of the biggest headlines: the 2025 Murano ditches the long-standing 3.5L V6 and CVT pairing. In its place is a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (variable-compression turbo inline-4) engine, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The move is bold: fewer cylinders, but more torque and a more flexible engine design.
Here’s how Nissan and reviewers stack up the specs and real-world performance:
| Spec | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo inline-4 (KR20DDET) |
| Horsepower | 241 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City / Hwy / Combined) | 21 / 27 / 23 mpg |
| 0-60 mph (tested) | ~7.4 to 7.7 seconds (depending on test) |
| Curb Weight | ~4,300–4,400 lb (varies by trim & drivetrain) |
Real-Life Impact:
On the highway, the torque boost helps with passing and merging—especially in all-wheel-drive setups. In city traffic, the downsized turbo allows more responsive throttle behavior without excessive engine noise. That said, fuel economy gains are modest; the new Murano’s EPA ratings hover close to those of the outgoing V6 model. The added transmission gearing is intended to smooth out shifts and reduce engine drone—a win on longer trips.
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Comfort & Tech That Compete with Luxury
If you thought Nissan SUVs were “good enough,” the 2025 Murano pushes into near-luxury territory. Dual 12.3″ displays, ambient lighting, and an available head-up display bring a modern feel. Higher trims offer quilted semi-aniline leather, massaging and ventilated front seats, and expanded interior detail touches.
In trial drives, reviewers praised the Murano’s quiet cabin, cushioned ride, and refined suspension tuning. The steering has been upgraded from an older hydraulic assist to an electronic system with more responsiveness. As one reviewer put it, “knock on the steering’s door midcorner … it actually answers.”
All that said, the powertrain’s newness does bring tradeoffs: while the cabin is hushed at cruising speeds, some testers note that throttle response isn’t as sharp in low-speed conditions, and the engine can sound strained under heavy loads. Still, for most daily driving scenarios, the comfort improvements and modern interior help the Murano hold up well against premium rivals.
How It Compares — Rivals & Legacy
Vs. Previous Generation Murano
- The older Murano used a 3.5L V6 + CVT; the new model swaps in the turbo-4 + 9-speed.
- Handling and steering are appreciably improved thanks to the wider track, suspension tweaks, and upgraded steering system.
- Fuel economy remains in the same ballpark, which suggests the changes are more about refinement than dramatic efficiency leaps.
Vs. Competitors (Honda Passport, Ford Edge, Kia Telluride, etc.)
The 2025 Murano now competes with well-established midsize crossovers and premium mid-SUVs. While its towing capacity is modest (≈ 1,500 lbs), it leans into comfort and tech rather than brute hauling power. Rivals like the Passport or the Edge often offer stronger engine options or more rugged utility, but they may lag behind in ambient sophistication or electronic features depending on trim.
One advantage Murano can tout: its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, which underscores that Nissan prioritized safety upgrades in the new model.
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The Latest Updates, Reception & U.S. Market Signals
- The 2025 Murano has already secured the Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.
- In reviews from outlets like MotorTrend, Edmunds, and Car & Driver, impressions are generally favorable: styling is praised, comfort is high, and while the powertrain isn’t perfect, the shift to a turbo-4 is seen as a meaningful step forward.
- Some critics note that the fuel economy isn’t dramatically improved over the outgoing vehicle, which dampens one expectation of the redesign.
- Nissan’s broader moves also hint at internal pressure: The Smyrna, Tennessee plant (which makes the Murano, Rogue, Pathfinder) has recently seen production cutbacks and shift consolidations as part of cost-rationalization efforts.
- For buyers, the base SV trim starts around $40,470 (FWD) with upgrades in higher trims, while a loaded Platinum AWD can reach ~$55,030.
In short: early consumer sentiment appears upbeat, with praise strongest in design, comfort, and safety; criticism centers mostly on modest fuel gains and the challenge of justifying the price premium from previous models or rivals.
What It Means for U.S. Buyers — Should You Wait or Buy Now?
If you’re in the market for a midsize crossover and you value interior comfort, modern tech, and a fresh look, the 2025 Nissan Murano is a compelling choice. It bridges the gap between mainstream and premium in a segment that’s crowded but serious. For daily commuters and suburban families, the Murano’s quiet ride, feature-rich cabin, and strong safety rating make it a worthy contender.
That said, if your priorities are maximum fuel efficiency, serious towing, or aggressive performance, there may be better choices. Also, given that the redesign is new, waiting a year or two could iron out any early model glitches or bring modest updates.
Who should consider buying now?
- Buyers wanting a tech-forward, upscale crossover without stepping into luxury brands
- Those who prioritize comfort, cabin refinement, and daily usability
- Individuals who prefer a newer model over the outgoing Murano even at a premium
Who might want to wait?
- Buyers focused single-mindedly on fuel economy or performance
- Those aiming for resale caution who prefer more proven models after an initial model year
- Shoppers on the fence who want to see how the Murano holds up in real-world long-term reviews
Conclusion:
the 2025 Nissan Murano is a bold reset for Nissan’s midsize crossover in the U.S. It swaps its established V6/CVT formula for a modern turbo engine and a 9-speed automatic, while leaning heavily into comfort, tech, and safety. The gains aren’t radical in every metric, but the coherence of the package gives Murano renewed life in a competitive class. If you’re after a stylish, feature-rich crossover that blends everyday usability with a premium touch, it’s a model worth serious attention.