Nissan Murano 2023:The Nissan Murano’s distinctive appearance makes it stand out. There aren’t many other five-seat SUVs as unique as this midsize SUV, and the interior design is also superior. The well-furnished interiors of the SL and Platinum trim levels and extras like high-end audio systems give them the appearance of junior-league Infinitis. Nevertheless, despite all that flair, the current Murano is over ten years old and falls short of more modern competitors in fuel efficiency, interior storage, and onboard technology.
Nissan hasn’t made many changes to the Murano for 2023, and the fundamental design is from late 2014, with a complete makeover anticipated the following year. Similar to the manufacturer’s previous models, the base S and mid-level SV trim levels are followed by the near-luxury SL and Platinum. The SV trim level can add the Midnight Edition, which debuted last year. With gloss-black 20-inch wheels and black external elements, the appearance package improves the style.
The Honda Passport and the Pilot are two comparable two-row smallish-midsize SUVs, whereas the Murano is between them. Newer models like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and the brand-new Pilot for 2023 are now the top players in this fiercely competitive market. Compared to the V6-only Murano, rivals like the Chevrolet Blazer and Subaru Outback, which have four-cylinder engines available, provide superior fuel efficiency and typically more excellent dynamic characteristics.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine of the Murano, with its 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, provides enough passing power and sharp handling, making it a delightful companion on the road. An automated continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the sole possible transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on any trim level for an additional $1,700, while front-wheel purpose is standard on all models. However, this is not an off-road warrior, and the Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner would appreciate a word if that’s what you’re looking for.
Nevertheless, Murano’s interior will not be lacking in comfortable amenities. Dual-zone temperature control and heated front seats are included on even the entry-level S. With luxury features like diamond-quilted leather upholstery, the Platinum’s interior is opulent. Comparing the Murano’s front legroom to rival models, it comes in midpack, and the second row’s legroom measures 40.5 and 38.7 inches, respectively.
Although the Essential S does not have adaptive cruise control or a 360-degree camera as standard equipment on later trim levels, the safety equipment is rather extensive. The onboard technology of the Murano is becoming antiquated—Especially the actual menu buttons on the 8-inch touchscreen. Regardless, a navigation system and front and rear USB power connections are included with every model. Even with its senior age, the Murano isn’t a bad option, but more modern competitors provide many more features for the same price.
Performance: Nissan Murano
The only engine for the Murano is a V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque when paired with a CVT. All trim levels may be selected with all-wheel drive (AWD), although front-wheel drive is standard. Rain and snow, two dangerous low-traction road conditions, do not match the AWD system’s capabilities. The mechanism only directs power to the back wheels when necessary, sending energy to the front wheels most of the time. Again, with just 6.9 inches of ground clearance, it’s not designed for off-road exploration.
Nissan has tried eliminating the grating hum that sometimes coexists with a CVT. It remains, but it’s not offensive. The V6 engine is smooth and has enough power to overtake other cars on the highway, but the Outback and Bronco have true off-road capability, even with the Outback’s CVT, and the Blazer is a more engaging option. The Murano has some driving enjoyment because of its precisely weighted and balanced handling, but it’s not fun to drive.
Compared to its competitors, the Murano’s towing capacity of 1,500 pounds is not very impressive. With the right accessories, the Blazer can pull up to 4,500 pounds, while its minimum rating is 1,500. The Passport and Pilot are suitable for 5,000, while the Outback can pull up to 3,500. Conversely, the Telluride can handle up to 5,500.
Fuel Efficiency: Nissan Murano
The Murano, which only has a V6 engine, uses more gasoline than comparable cars with four-cylinder engines that are smaller. It gets 20 cities, 28 highways, and 23 combined mpg whether driven in front-drive or all-wheel drive. Well, at least it runs on 87-octane gasoline. There isn’t a hybrid option, but most rivals don’t either, except the somewhat smaller Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
The Honda Passport is likewise only available with a V6 engine, gets 21 mpg with AWD and 22 mpg overall for front drivers. The Blazer V6 models’ fuel efficiency figures are identical to the Passport’s.
Combining its 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, the Outback achieves 26 mpg. Although the non-turbo Outback only has 182 horsepower, it still delivers 29 mpg overall. The combined fuel economy of front-drive, turbocharged four-cylinder Blazers is rated at 25 mpg; however, AWD will reduce a few mpg.
Tech for Safety and Driver Assistance:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Murano a Top Safety Pick+ title in 2022, but in 2023, more rigorous testing resulted in a downgrading. Despite this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded it a high five-star crash rating.
Aside from its excellent crash construction, Nissan equips the Murano with many active safety features. The features are standard: lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, front automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver alertness monitor, and high-beam headlamp assistance. Moreover, every trim level—aside from the entry-level S—has a 360-degree
Coziness & Space:
All Murano owners, regardless of trim level, will find the vehicle pleasant. Power driver’s seat and heated front seats are standard equipment even on the basic S. Heated steering wheel and back seats are included in Platinum and SL models. The front seats of the Platinum model are also ventilated. Dual-zone temperature control is available on all trim levels.
With 39.9 inches of front headroom, the Murano is slightly more than the Blazer and Passport, which have 39.8 and 39.5 inches, respectively, but it is still less than the Outback’s 40.1 inches. All the Passport’s 40 inches of back headroom are surpassed by the Nissan’s 39.8 inches. The Murano’s large 38.7 inches of rear legroom for backseat occupants is somewhat less than that of the Outback (39.1), Passport (39.6), and Blazer (39.6).
Infotainment: Nissan Murano
All Murano model levels have standard features of an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Both the front and rear seats have USB-A and USB-C power outlets available. Every model in the range has onboard navigation with a linked phone app, even the entry-level Murano S. The Platinum and SL trims come with a high-end audio system that includes two subwoofers.
The little touchscreen seems old-fashioned, and the physical menu-access buttons beside it add to the feeling of old technology. The navigation system’s pinch-and-zoom feature is also excruciatingly inaccurate. Still, some people may find Nissan’s layout less intrusive than that of more significant, sophisticated systems since it is easy to operate.
Storage & Cargo Space:
When the second-row seats in the Murano are folded flat, the cargo space increases to 67 cubic feet from 32.1 cubic feet. 30.5 cubic feet of storage space are available behind the back seats of the Chevy Blazer. The largest car here is the Honda Passport, which has 41.2 cubic feet of room behind the second row (or 50.5 if you include the floor well area, as Honda does) and 77.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded. The Outback is next in line with a maximum capacity of 75.7 cubic feet.
Additional storage cubbies would also be beneficial for the Murano’s interior. Only the glove compartment, tiny door bins, and the center console are available to occupants for small item storage.
Design: Nissan Murano
Regardless of your opinion of the Murano’s curved body, it is sure that it stands out in a market sector where milquetoast and often boxy style are the norm. It’s undoubtedly more aesthetically beautiful than the GMC Acadia or the Passport. The chrome-trimmed beltline kicks up forcefully, virtually emulating the tailfins of a 1950s American automobile, while the blacked-out pillars give the impression of a floating roof. Reduced visibility from the outside is the price you pay for good appearances.
The car’s wide, wraparound dash and elegant interior accents reward Murano owners with an almost luxurious atmosphere. Although the design was relatively modern in 2015, it’s starting to seem dated compared to high-end models like the Telluride. Genuine, semi-aniline leather covers the comfy seats on SL and Platinum trim levels; lower-end vehicles blend fabric and leatherette.
Is the Nissan Murano 2023 a Good Buy?
Murano price for an essential FWD S begins at an affordable $34,605, which includes a $1,295 destination fee. The price increases to $36,305 when AWD is added, including destination fees. The beginning prices of the Chevy Blazer and Subaru Outback are less than those of the Murano, while the cheapest Honda Passport costs $3,900 more.
We would choose the $38,245 Murano SV if it were our money. This mid-level version has heated power-adjustable front seats, a remote start, adaptive cruise control, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, and enhancements. A Midnight Edition might be added for an extra 1,395 dollars. If you insist on having one, you must shell out $42,105 for an SL and an additional $1,420 for the sunroof.
A full-house Murano Platinum AWD approaches the fifty-grand mark dangerously close at $48,600, including destination costs; for that money, the Telluride, Palisade, and Pilot are better options.
How Much Does Nissan Murano Insurance Cost?
An average yearly premium of $2,154 is what a 30-year-old female driver with a clean record may anticipate from the lineup. The Hyundai Santa Fe average runs from $1,914 for the XRT trim to $2,137 for the Calligraphy grades, while the Ford Edge is somewhat cheaper at $1,924. The basic model of the Subaru Outback begins at around $1,722, while the Touring XT goes up to $1,903.
Nissan Murano Generations
Third Generation
2015 to Present
Nissan dubbed the third-generation Murano its “flagship crossover” when it debuted for the 2015 model year. The external design was more premium, but the powertrain remained the same.
Second Generation
2009 to 2014
After a 2008 model year hiatus, the fully redesigned second-generation Murano made a 2009 debut. The Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet was a misguided two-door convertible that debuted in 2011 to an unimpressed public. In 2014, the confusing convertible was withdrawn.
First Generation
2003 to 2007
When the Murano debuted in 2003, it had a V6 engine and a highly styled, often divisive design—features it still has today. The company saw regular modifications for the Murano as it became one of its best-selling models. New exterior trim was introduced in 2006, and further improvements were added in 2007.
Verdict
The Murano stands out from the crowd because of its distinctive appearance, standard V6 engine, and precise driving. It also makes for a fun drive. That same V6 does, however, use more gasoline than its turbocharged four-cylinder competitors, which deters it from having performance on par. The top-tier SL and Platinum Muranos are in the near-luxury range; even the lowest trim levels have many features. Even yet, modern technology is falling behind. There won’t be much time to wait: the current generation of Murano will end in 2023.
