Nissan Murano : Should You Wait for the Next Generation

For consumers looking for a midsize two-row SUV, the Nissan Murano is one of those vehicles that don’t really come to mind. There are a few reasons for that, namely the fact that it remains virtually unchanged for 2022, and the current generation is in its eighth year on the market. The biggest update came for the 2019 model year, but it's still hard to tell a recent Murano from one from five years ago.

According to the latest reports, a redesign is planned for 2023 model year. But sources told Automotive News that supply chain delays could push it back. The exterior design and interior will change at that time, but don't expect any big surprises under the hood.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine will likely return, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) could be replaced by a nine-speed automatic just like the one in the 2022 Pathfinder, but it’s all speculation at this time. If you opt for a pre-owned Nissan Murano, be aware that the manufacturer seems to have fixed the reliability problems of its CVT.

Automatic emergency braking was added for 2018, while the 2019 update brought new trim, quilted pattern leather seats as well as the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety features. The base S variants come with FWD and, even with 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, the Murano S can't tow more than 1,500 pounds. And it is among the vehicles with the worst driver visibility according to a Consumer Reports ranking.

Nevertheless, the Murano is still a good choice if you want a smooth ride and superior interior comfort, especially with the famous "Zero Gravity" seats. Plus, it could also cost less than comparable rivals.