Nissan Murano Review: Can This Aging SUV Still Compete?

Market Position: How the Murano Stacks Up

The mid-size SUV segment has become fiercely competitive, with nearly every automaker fielding strong contenders. Once a class leader, the Nissan Murano now struggles to stand out against fresher competitors like the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, and redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe.

While the Murano received a mild refresh with updated styling and technology features, it lacks the comprehensive updates that would make it truly competitive. The absence of Nissan's ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system - available on more affordable Nissan models - is particularly glaring in this premium-priced SUV.

Direct Competitors to Consider

• Honda Passport: More cargo space, better standard safety features
• Chevrolet Blazer: More engaging driving dynamics, sharper styling
• Hyundai Santa Fe: Better value proposition, more tech features
• Ford Edge: More fuel-efficient turbo option, sportier ST variant
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What We Tested: 2024 Murano SL FWD

Our evaluation focused on the SL trim with front-wheel drive, representing what many buyers will likely choose. The $1,970 SL Technology Package added several critical safety features:

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Exterior Design: Evolutionary Rather Than Revolutionary

The Murano's distinctive styling remains largely unchanged from the previous generation. The updated front end features Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, now more pronounced, along with available LED lighting at both ends. The controversial "floating roof" design persists, though this styling cue has become more common across the industry.

While the exterior refresh keeps the Murano looking contemporary, it does little to address fundamental issues like the raked windshield that compromises forward visibility or the thick A-pillars that create significant blind spots.

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Interior Quality: A Mixed Bag

Front Seat Comfort

The Murano's front seats offer excellent comfort with generous padding. Material quality generally impresses for the class, with metal-look accents providing visual interest. However, cost-cutting becomes apparent in areas like the hard plastic surrounding window switches.

Rear Seat Accommodations

At 6'1", our tester found rear seat space adequate but not generous. The low seat cushions force taller passengers into a knees-up position, while headroom becomes tight when sitting upright. The Murano does manage to fit three child seats across the back, a notable advantage for families.

Technology Interface

The infotainment system represents a weak point. While the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto brings connectivity, the interface feels dated compared to systems from Hyundai/Kia or FCA. The inclusion of both USB-A and USB-C ports is forward-thinking, but can't compensate for the mediocre screen resolution and sluggish response.

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Driving Experience: Competent But Uninspiring

The Murano's 3.5-liter V6 produces 260 horsepower - adequate for most situations but hampered by the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike competitors offering multiple drive modes, the Murano provides no way to alter transmission behavior for sportier or more efficient driving.

Steering feel remains a particular disappointment. The heavy, underboosted setup makes low-speed maneuvers needlessly difficult without providing any reward in terms of feedback or precision at higher speeds.

Fuel Economy Comparison

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Cargo and Practicality

The Murano's cargo capacity trails most competitors:

• Behind rear seats: 31.1 cubic feet (with moonroof)
• Seats folded: 65 cubic feet

Remarkably, Nissan's own compact Rogue offers more cargo space (39.3/70 cubic feet), making the Murano's packaging particularly disappointing. The Honda Passport provides a significantly more usable cargo area, as does the Ford Edge.

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Safety Features and Ratings

The Murano's Safety Shield 360 package includes important features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist, but lacks the more advanced ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models. Key safety points:

• NHTSA overall rating: 5 stars
• IIHS 2023 ratings (when available) will replace previous Marginal headlight scores
• Excellent child seat installation per our testing
• Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard
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Pricing and Value Proposition

Our tested SL trim with options reached $42,885 including destination - a steep price for what amounts to a middle-of-the-pack offering. The Murano's pricing structure becomes particularly hard to justify when comparing to:

• Hyundai Santa Fe: More standard features at lower price points
• Kia Sorento: Available third-row seating option
• Nissan Rogue: More cargo space and available ProPilot for less money
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Final Verdict: Wait for a Redesign

The Nissan Murano occupies an awkward position in the mid-size SUV market. While it offers a comfortable ride and attractive interior materials, it falls short in cargo capacity, driving dynamics, and value proposition. The lack of available ProPilot Assist - a feature found on less expensive Nissan models - is particularly difficult to overlook.

For buyers committed to the Nissan brand, the Rogue provides more practicality at a lower price, while those open to other brands will find more compelling options from Honda, Hyundai, and Chevrolet. Unless deeply discounted, the Murano is difficult to recommend in its current form. A complete redesign - likely coming within the next few years - could restore the Murano's competitiveness, but for now, it remains an also-ran in a fiercely competitive segment.