2025 Nissan Murano Packs More Comfort, Tech in Bold New Package
Nashville, Tennessee—Nissan today introduced the all-new 2025 Murano, marking the fourth generation of the once popular two-row midsize SUV. The previous one, launched in 2014 as a 2015 model, was getting extremely old and uncompetitive in the segment.
The Japanese automaker says the new Murano is “imagined to deliver a more sanctuary-like experience for everyday commutes, road trips and beyond.” Styling has always been a big part of the vehicle’s DNA since the original debut over two decades ago and that’s not changing here. However, technology is significantly improved this time around, which could definitely help lure customers back to the Murano.
Ariya-Inspired Looks
Those familiar with recent Nissan products will find many similarities between the 2025 Murano and the all-electric Ariya, starting with the almond-shaped silhouette and tapered side window line. The brand’s well-known V-motion graphic is produced by LED daytime running lights that are "hidden" inside the grille. Ultra-thin "Crystal Cube" LED headlights can be found at either side of a gloss black trim strip, separated from the grille.
Nissan designers aimed to convey a sense of power with a more than 2.6-inch increase in overall body width and gracefully flared rear fenders. Meanwhile, the new liftgate is not unlike the Ariya’s, with a single LED taillight element spanning the entire width of the Murano's rear. The Nissan logo appears right in the middle of it, with “MURANO” lettering just below, and the license plate holder is moved to the lower bumper.
Adding to the cleaner look, the rear wiper is now housed above the rear window and the exhaust tips are hidden under the bumper. Three trim levels are available, with SV and SL models riding on 20-inch wheels while the top-line Platinum gets 21-inch alloys. Similar to other Nissan vehicles, a two-tone exterior can be specified with the 2025 Murano.
V6 is Out, Turbo-Four is In
The naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 has been a staple of the Nissan Murano from day one, but with new emissions standards coming into play, the automaker now has to turn to a more fuel-efficient solution. Making its debut under the hood of the midsize SUV is Nissan’s 2.0-litre variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, which is also found in the Infiniti QX50 and QX55.
Seriously, what else did you expect? The difference here is that, instead of a continuously variable transmission, Nissan engineers have opted for a nine-speed automatic transmission shared with the larger, three-row Pathfinder. Output is rated at 241 horsepower and peak torque amounts to 260 lb-ft, representing a loss of 19 horsepower but a gain of 20 lb-ft versus the outgoing V6.
Once again, all-wheel drive comes standard on all Muranos. To help improve ride and handling, the new generation adopts frequency-sensitive dampers in its suspension and switches to electric power steering. Maximum towing capacity is unchanged at 1,500 lbs, which is a huge bummer.
More Connected Interior
Unsurprisingly, the dashboard in the 2025 Nissan Murano gets the digital treatment. More similarities with the Ariya can be found including a pair of 12.3-inch displays. The left-hand one serves as the vehicle's instrument cluster and has multiple configurable display modes, while the centre touchscreen offers entertainment, information and more.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes standard, but you need to move up to the SL or Platinum model to get Google Built-in including Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play. Also like the Ariya, the Murano makes use of a capacitive-touch panel for the climate controls.
A push-button shifter frees up space on the centre console for storage, cup holders and the standard wireless phone charging pad. Adding an extra layer of refinement is a unique dashboard finisher called Murano Glass, which incorporates colour-shift graphics and textures that play with light.
Expanded Content
The list of features accompanying the 2025 Nissan Murano is so long you’d think you’re dealing with a Korean product. Canadian drivers will appreciate the heated front seats, heated steering wheel and heated washer nozzles—all as standard.
Lots of available premium features are worth pointing out including a panoramic moonroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated windshield, heated second-row seats, rear window sunshades and 64-colour ambient lighting. Oh, and for the first time in the Murano, the rear seats adopt the Zero Gravity design, helping provide a more supportive posture for occupants. Accessing them is easier, too, thanks to the larger door openings.
The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance systems is standard. Ditto for ProPILOT Assist in base SV trim. SL and Platinum models get the more advanced ProPILOT Assist 1.1, which uses navigation data to proactively adjust speed ahead of curves based on data about the vehicle's planned route.
Nissan has yet to announce Canadian pricing for the 2025 Murano. That will come closer to launch in early 2025. We’ll keep you posted.