Nissan
The Nissan Murano has long held a special place in the global SUV market. Known for its bold styling, refined comfort, and smooth driving dynamics, it represents a unique balance of luxury and practicality. With each generation, Nissan has polished the Murano to deliver a more premium feel, making it not just a family SUV but also a lifestyle vehicle for those who crave elegance and comfort in their daily commute.
The latest Murano continues this philosophy, blending modern design, advanced technology, and a comfortable interior that rivals luxury brands in many ways. In this comprehensive 2000-word blog, we will explore the Nissan Murano in detail—its design, interior comfort, performance, features, safety systems, practicality, ownership experience, and value for money. Whether you are planning to buy one or simply exploring your options, this review will give you a deep understanding of what the Murano truly offers.
1. Introduction: What Makes the Nissan Murano Special?
The Nissan Murano is one of the most stylish midsize crossovers in its class. Since its debut, Nissan has positioned the Murano as a vehicle for buyers who want more than just utility—they want comfort, premium features, and a standout design. Unlike rugged SUVs or budget crossovers, the Murano focuses on delivering a smooth, car-like ride and a luxurious cabin atmosphere.
Its strengths include:
- Sleek and modern exterior styling
- Spacious and upscale interior
- Smooth and quiet ride quality
- Practical features for families
- Strong list of standard safety technologies
In many ways, the Murano bridges the gap between mainstream SUVs and luxury crossovers, making it a highly appealing choice for everyday drivers who enjoy refinement without paying luxury-brand prices.
2. Exterior Design: A Bold and Sculpted Look
The Murano’s exterior design has always been one of its biggest selling points. With sweeping curves, sharp edges, and Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, the SUV looks dynamic from every angle. The floating roof design gives it a futuristic touch, while LED headlights and taillights create a premium presence on the road.
Key Exterior Highlights
- Sculpted body lines that give a sense of motion even when the vehicle is standing still
- LED headlamps and DRLs for sharper visibility
- Floating roof design with blacked-out pillars
- Bold alloy wheel designs, often available in 18- or 20-inch sizes
- Aerodynamic profile, reducing wind noise and improving fuel efficiency
Unlike many midsize SUVs that favor boxy and aggressive shapes, the Murano takes a more artistic approach, appealing to buyers who appreciate elegance and smooth styling over ruggedness.
3. Interior Experience: Comfort, Space, and Premium Feel
Step inside the Murano, and you’ll immediately notice a luxurious cabin that feels refined and thoughtfully designed. Nissan has prioritized comfort, using high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and ergonomic controls that make daily driving effortless.
Premium Cabin Materials
The interior uses leather upholstery on higher trims, accented with contrast stitching and metallic or wood-style inserts. The seats are engineered with Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” design, inspired by NASA to give excellent long-distance comfort. Whether you’re traveling across town or taking a long road trip, the Murano’s seats help reduce fatigue.
Spacious Seating
The Murano is a true five-seater SUV with generous legroom and headroom in both rows. It avoids the cramped third row found in many SUVs and instead offers spaciousness and comfort for all occupants.
Cargo Space and Utility
Behind the second row, the Murano provides ample cargo space suitable for luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or weekend getaways. The seats fold flat to offer even more storage room when needed.
Technology and Infotainment
The Murano’s infotainment system usually includes:
- A touchscreen display with intuitive layout
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Voice command features
- USB ports and wireless charging (in newer versions)
- Optional premium sound system
Overall, the interior experience is one of the Murano’s strongest highlights. It feels upscale, welcoming, and extremely comfortable—qualities that many buyers prioritize.
4. Performance and Driving Experience
The Nissan Murano provides a driving experience that focuses on comfort and smoothness rather than aggressive performance. Its powertrain is tuned for relaxing highway travel and easy maneuvering in city traffic.
Engine and Power
Most Murano models come equipped with a V6 engine paired with Nissan’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination provides:
- Smooth acceleration
- Quiet performance
- Good fuel efficiency for its size
While the Murano may not be the sportiest SUV in its class, its performance is refined and predictable. The CVT ensures the engine remains quiet and efficient, especially during long drives.
Ride Quality
One of the Murano’s biggest strengths is its ride comfort. The suspension absorbs bumps and rough patches with ease, creating a cushiony ride that feels luxurious. Many owners praise the Murano for its ability to glide over uneven roads.
Handling and Control
The steering is light and responsive, making the Murano easy to maneuver. It may not offer the sharp handling of a sport-focused SUV, but it excels in delivering confidence and stability during everyday driving.
Fuel Efficiency
Thanks to its aerodynamic design and optimized powertrain, the Murano delivers respectable fuel economy for a midsize crossover. This makes it a practical choice for daily commutes and family trips.
5. Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety has always been a major part of Nissan’s identity, and the Murano comes equipped with a strong suite of advanced features to keep passengers protected.
Standard Safety Technologies
Depending on the model year and trim, features may include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Intelligent Around View Monitor (360-degree camera)
These technologies make driving safer and more convenient, especially in busy traffic or when parking in tight spaces.
Crash Ratings
Nissan Murano – Features Table
| Category | Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain & Performance | Engine Options | 2.0 L VC-Turbo 4-cyl (new model) |
| Power Output | ~241 hp | |
| Torque | ~260 lb-ft (≈ 353 Nm) | |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | |
| Drivetrain | FWD (base) / AWD (available) | |
| Towing Capacity | Up to ~1,500 lbs (approx.) | |
| Fuel Efficiency | City / Highway Mileage | ~21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway (AWD model) |
| Dimensions & Capacity | Length | ~4,900 mm (approx) |
| Width | ~1,916 mm (for some trims) | |
| Height | ~1,722 mm (for some trims) | |
| Wheelbase | ~2,825 mm (for some trims) | |
| Seating | 5-passenger SUV | |
| Cargo Volume | ~32.9 cu ft (rear seats up) | |
| Interior & Comfort | Seating | Semi-aniline quilted leather (higher trims) |
| Seats Features | Massaging front seats, climate-controlled seats | |
| Dashboard / Trim | Glass-inspired dash design | |
| Liftgate | Available motion-activated liftgate | |
| Technology & Connectivity | Infotainment Screen | Dual 12.3″ high-definition displays |
| Connectivity | Google Built-in, Alexa built-in (on some trims) | |
| Head-Up Display | Available | |
| Safety & Driver Assistance | Driver Assistance | ProPILOT Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Lane-Keeping Assist |
| Parking Help | Around View® Monitor (360° camera) | |
| Stability & Control | Traction control, stability control, ABS | |
| Other Features | Ambient Lighting | Multi-color ambient lighting |
| Roof | Panoramic moonroof (available) | |
| Comfort Extras | Zero-gravity front seats, memory system for driver position |
The Murano has historically performed well in safety tests, often receiving top marks from major safety organizations. This reinforces its reputation as a reliable and secure family vehicle.
6. Comfort and Convenience: A Family-Friendly SUV
The Nissan Murano excels in providing comfort and convenience features that make daily life easier for families.
Convenience Features
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Power liftgate
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rear AC vents
- Ample storage pockets and cupholders
These features may seem simple, but together they contribute to an effortless ownership experience.
Rear Passenger Experience
Rear passengers enjoy wide-opening doors, excellent visibility, and comfortable seating with supportive cushioning. The Murano is designed to be enjoyable for everyone, not just the driver.
7. Technology and Connectivity
The Murano blends modern technology with user-friendly controls. Nissan avoids overcomplicating the dashboard, creating a balance between physical buttons and touchscreen commands.
Infotainment Features
- Touchscreen interface
- Smartphone integration
- Navigation (on higher trims)
- Premium audio system (optional)
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Wireless charging
The infotainment system is intuitive and does not overwhelm users with unnecessary complexity.
8. Practicality and Everyday Usability
The Nissan Murano is engineered for everyday family life. Its spacious cabin, large cargo area, and smooth drive make it perfect for:
- Daily commutes
- Long-distance travel
- Weekend getaways
- Family road trips
- City driving
The vehicle’s height, visibility, and wide doors also make it easy to enter and exit, which is especially helpful for children and elderly passengers.
9. Ownership Experience: Reliability and Low Maintenance
Nissan vehicles are known for their reliability, and the Murano is no exception. With proper maintenance, the Murano can serve owners for many years without significant issues.
Maintenance Costs
The overall maintenance cost is moderate and competitive compared to other midsize SUVs. Routine servicing, tire rotation, and brake checks keep the vehicle performing smoothly.
Durability
The Murano’s engine and build quality have proven to be durable over time. Many owners report long-term satisfaction and minimal repair needs.
10. Who Should Buy the Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano is best suited for buyers who want:
- A stylish and modern-looking SUV
- Exceptional ride comfort
- A spacious and premium interior
- Strong safety features
- A reliable daily driver
- A smooth, quiet driving experience
It may not be the ideal choice for those seeking towing power or off-road performance, but for families and professionals who value comfort and elegance, the Murano is a fantastic option.
11. Conclusion: A Premium Crossover With Everyday Practicality
The Nissan Murano stands out in the crowded midsize SUV segment by offering premium styling, unmatched comfort, and impressive safety features. It combines luxury-like refinement with Nissan durability and practicality, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want something more upscale than a typical mid-range SUV.
The Murano remains one of the most attractive and comfortable crossovers on the market, perfectly suited for families, professionals, and anyone who prioritizes a smooth and relaxing driving experience. With its elegant interior, bold design, and dependable performance, the Murano continues to be a standout model in Nissan’s lineup.
