Nissan Murano Review: A Comfortable But Dated Contender in the Midsize SUV Market

The midsize SUV segment has become one of the most competitive automotive categories, with nearly every manufacturer offering compelling options. Once a class leader, the Nissan Murano now finds itself struggling to stand out against newer, more advanced competitors. While it maintains some strengths, particularly in ride comfort and available features, does it still deserve consideration in today's crowded market?

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Performance: Reliable But Uninspiring

Under the hood, the Murano sticks with a traditional 3.5-liter V6 engine when many competitors have moved to turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants. This choice presents both advantages and drawbacks that potential buyers should carefully consider.

The Murano's powertrain delivers what we'd characterize as "sufficient" performance. The V6 provides enough power for daily driving situations, but the CVT transmission saps much of the potential driving pleasure. Unlike many modern SUVs that offer selectable drive modes (Eco, Sport, etc.), the Murano provides just one setting that tries to be all things to all drivers.

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Fuel Economy: Surprisingly Competitive

Despite its larger displacement engine, the Murano manages respectable fuel economy numbers:

• Front-wheel drive models: 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
• All-wheel drive models: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway

These figures place the Murano near the top of its class for V6-powered midsize SUVs. However, it's worth noting that four-cylinder competitors often achieve better city mileage, which may be more important for buyers with primarily urban driving patterns.

How It Compares to Key Rivals

When stacked against popular alternatives, the Murano presents an interesting value proposition:

• Chevrolet Blazer: More engaging drive but less comfortable rear seating
• Honda CR-V: Significantly better fuel economy but less powerful
• Jeep Grand Cherokee: More off-road capability but higher pricing
• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: More cargo space but less refined interior

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Interior Comfort: Where the Murano Shines

The Murano's cabin remains one of its strongest selling points. Nissan has focused on creating a comfortable, quiet environment that excels at long-distance comfort.

Notable Interior Features

• Zero Gravity seats: NASA-inspired design reduces fatigue on long drives
• Premium materials: Higher trim levels offer convincing luxury touches
• Excellent noise isolation: Among the quietest in its class at highway speeds
• Generous rear legroom: Comfortable for adult passengers

Where the Murano falls short is in its aging infotainment system. The 8-inch display looks small by modern standards, and the interface feels dated compared to systems from Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain unavailable, requiring wired connections even on top trims.

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Safety and Technology: Keeping Pace (Barely)

Nissan's Safety Shield 360 comes standard on all Murano models, including:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• High beam assist
• Rear automatic braking

While this suite covers the basics well, the Murano lacks some newer safety innovations now appearing in competitors, such as:

• Advanced lane centering systems
• Traffic jam assist
• Comprehensive driver monitoring
• Augmented reality navigation

The technology gap becomes most apparent in the Murano's semi-autonomous driving capabilities. While it can maintain distance from vehicles ahead and provide light steering inputs, the system feels less polished than offerings from Honda, Toyota, or Subaru.

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Who Should Consider the Nissan Murano?

The Murano makes the most sense for specific buyer profiles:

Ideal Owners

• Comfort-focused drivers: Those prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling
• V6 loyalists: Buyers who prefer traditional powertrains over turbocharging
• Value-conscious shoppers: Strong discounts often available on remaining inventory
• Urban commuters: The comfortable seats and quiet cabin ease stop-and-go driving

Who Should Look Elsewhere

• Tech enthusiasts: The dated infotainment will frustrate
• Performance seekers: More engaging options exist
• Off-road adventurers: Minimal all-wheel drive capability
• Families needing maximum cargo space: Below-average behind-seat storage

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The Verdict: Comfortable But Showing Its Age

The Nissan Murano remains a competent midsize SUV with standout comfort features, but it no longer sets the standard in this competitive segment. While the V6 powertrain offers smooth power delivery and the interior coddles occupants, dated technology and lackluster driving dynamics hold it back from true greatness.

Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Key Takeaways

• Among the most comfortable cabins in its class
• V6 power is adequate but hampered by CVT transmission
• Safety tech covers basics but lacks latest innovations
• Strong value proposition due to available discounts
• Worth considering for comfort-focused buyers who prioritize ride quality over tech

For buyers considering the Murano, we recommend test driving it back-to-back with newer competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Passport, and Chevrolet Blazer to fully appreciate the differences in driving dynamics and technology.