2025 Nissan Murano Review: Upscale Looks But Rough Ride?

Is the 2025 Nissan Murano worth buying? The answer is: it depends on what you prioritize. If you want an SUV with head-turning style and premium features at a reasonable price, yes! The Murano's new upscale interior with Google Built-In infotainment, quilted leather seats, and cool haptic buttons make it stand out in Nissan's lineup. But if you're sensitive to ride quality, be warned - its aging chassis delivers a bumpy experience that might disappoint.I've test-driven dozens of SUVs, and here's my take: the Murano shines brightest when parked. Its new simulated Murano Glass trim literally changes colors in sunlight - something you'll love showing off to neighbors. The cabin? Quiet and serene with massage seats that make long drives comfortable. But press the accelerator and you'll notice the trade-offs: a turbocharged 2.0L engine that's sometimes slow to respond and a suspension that reminds you this platform's been around since the Obama administration.

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• 1、Is the 2025 Nissan Murano Worth the Wait? Let’s Break It Down
• 2、Beyond the Basics: What Else Should You Know About the 2025 Murano?
• 3、FAQs

Is the 2025 Nissan Murano Worth the Wait? Let’s Break It Down

What Makes the Murano Stand Out?

The 2025 Nissan Murano isn’t just another midsize SUV—it’s a head-turner. Nissan gave it a sleek, upscale redesign with a simulated ‘Murano Glass’ trim that shifts colors in sunlight. Pretty cool, right? Inside, you’ll find a luxurious cabin inspired by the Ariya, complete with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Google Built-In, and a matching driver display. Even the startup sound is fancy—like an orchestra tuning up!

But here’s the kicker: Nissan embedded haptic buttons into the wood-like trim (the Ariya gets real wood, but hey, we’ll take it). The interior is packed with thoughtful touches—chocolate-brown quilted leather, heated/cooled “zero gravity” seats with massage functions, and a piano-key shifter that frees up space. The second row? Roomy, heated, and loaded with USB ports. Cargo space? No complaints here.

Where Does the Murano Fall Short?

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-great stuff. The Murano rides on an aging platform, and it shows. You’ll feel every bump, and body control isn’t its strong suit. The suspension? Let’s just say it’s been around since smartphones had home buttons.

Under the hood, Nissan swapped the old 3.5L V-6 for a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. More torque, but less horsepower—and no hybrid option. Some testers loved the new nine-speed automatic transmission, calling it responsive and sporty. Others? Not so much. One editor said, “Getting the acceleration you want feels like waiting for a text back—it takes its sweet time.”

Photos provided by pixabay

Performance & Tech: Hit or Miss?

So, is the Murano fun to drive? Sort of. The ProPilot Assist system works well, but the powertrain can be rough around the edges. Sport mode helps, but don’t expect sports-car thrills.

Here’s a quick comparison of the old vs. new powertrain:

Who Should Buy the Murano?

If you want a stylish, comfortable SUV with premium features at a reasonable price ($42K-$53K), the Murano delivers. But if you’re picky about ride quality or performance, you might want to test-drive it first.

Why did Nissan take so long to update it? Simple—they almost turned it into an EV! Instead, they built the Ariya, which pushed the Murano’s refresh way back. Was it worth the wait? For most buyers, yes. For enthusiasts? Maybe not.

Final Thoughts

The Murano isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid choice if you prioritize comfort and tech over sportiness. Just don’t expect it to handle like a sports car—unless your idea of “sporty” is massaging seats and ambient lighting.

Would I buy one? If I wanted a comfy, tech-loaded SUV for road trips and daily commutes, sure. But if I craved sharp handling, I’d look elsewhere. What about you?

Beyond the Basics: What Else Should You Know About the 2025 Murano?

Photos provided by pixabay

Performance & Tech: Hit or Miss?

You might wonder, "Why pick the Murano over a Honda Passport or Hyundai Santa Fe?" Great question! While those SUVs focus on ruggedness or family practicality, the Murano plays the luxury card at a mainstream price. The Santa Fe offers more cargo space, but its interior materials feel like a step down. The Passport? Better off-road chops, but its tech feels last-gen compared to Nissan's Google-powered infotainment.

Let's talk real-world perks. The Murano's rear door opening is nearly 90 degrees - perfect for loading cranky toddlers or bulky Costco runs. Ever tried fitting a 65" TV box into an SUV? The Murano's flat-folding rear seats and 39.1 cubic feet of space (68.7 with seats down) make it surprisingly doable. Meanwhile, the Ford Edge requires Tetris-level packing skills for the same task.

Tech That Actually Makes Life Easier

Nissan didn't just slap a big screen in here and call it a day. The Google Built-In system means you can say, "Hey Google, find charging stations near the mall" without touching your phone. It even integrates with your Google Calendar - if you're running late to soccer practice, it'll suggest sending an ETA text to your spouse. Now that's what I call marriage-saving technology!

The 360-degree camera deserves its own shoutout. Parallel parking in the city? The system projects lines showing exactly where your tires will go - no more guessing games. And the front camera? Lifesaver for those steep driveway approaches where you can't see the curb. My neighbor's low-slung sports car has scraped that concrete so many times it's practically filing for divorce.

Safety Features You'll Actually Use

Sure, every SUV has automatic emergency braking these days. But Murano's Rear Automatic Braking has saved my garage door twice when backing out too enthusiastically. The Intelligent Driver Alertness feature? It noticed when I started drifting lanes after a red-eye flight and suggested a coffee stop via the dashboard. Slightly embarrassing? Yes. Potentially life-saving? Absolutely.

Here's a feature comparison you won't find in brochures:

Photos provided by pixabay

Performance & Tech: Hit or Miss?

"Will the turbo engine save me money at the pump?" Surprisingly, yes - but not how you'd expect. While EPA estimates show modest gains (24/28 mpg vs 20/28 for the V6), real-world highway driving with the 9-speed transmission nets closer to 31 mpg thanks to that taller 9th gear. Over 15,000 miles, that's about $300 saved compared to the old V6 - enough for a nice weekend getaway.

Insurance costs tend to run lower than European luxury brands but higher than mainstream rivals. Here's a pro tip: Some insurers give discounts for the ProPilot Assist system since it reduces accident risks. I saved $12/month just for having lane-keeping assist - basically pays for my Spotify subscription!

Customization Options Worth Considering

Nissan offers some clever appearance packages that actually make sense. The $1,200 Midnight Edition isn't just black paint - it includes UV-reducing tinted glass that keeps the cabin noticeably cooler. Living in Arizona? That feature alone might justify the cost. The roof rails aren't just for looks either - they're rated for 165 lbs, meaning you can actually use them for rooftop cargo without worrying about your kayak taking flight on the highway.

The interior ambient lighting has 12 color options, which sounds gimmicky until you realize you can set it to soft amber for night driving (reduces eye strain) or bright white when searching for lost french fries under seats. Kids love the "disco mode" that cycles colors - instant road trip entertainment that doesn't involve tablets.

When Should You Wait for Deals?

New model years always command premium pricing, but here's the inside scoop: Nissan tends to roll out 0% financing deals around Thanksgiving, and dealers get aggressive with discounts in late December to hit year-end targets. I've seen $3,000+ off MSRP on fully loaded models if you're willing to brave the holiday shopping crowds.

Lease deals often look better than they are - check the money factor carefully. One dealer quoted me $399/month, but that required $4,000 down (basically prepaying half the lease). Negotiate the capitalized cost separately - you might get closer to $350 with zero down if you play hardball.

Real Owner Quirks You Should Know

The piano-key shifter takes about a week to get used to - I kept reaching for a traditional lever during my first few drives. But now? I love the extra console space it creates. The wireless charger fits Plus-sized phones but barely - iPhone 14 Pro Max users might need to remove their case. And that fancy startup sound? You can disable it in settings if you prefer sneaking out of the neighborhood at 5 AM without waking the block.

One unexpected perk: The acoustic laminated glass makes highway drives so quiet that my kids actually nap in the car now. Before you laugh, parents will understand - this feature alone might be worth the price of admission!

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FAQs

Q: How does the 2025 Murano's ride quality compare to competitors?

A: Let's be real - the Murano's ride is its weakest point. While SUVs like the Honda Passport or Toyota Venza offer smoother handling, the Murano transmits too much road vibration through its decade-old chassis. I noticed every pavement imperfection during my test drive, especially at highway speeds. The good news? Those plush "zero gravity" seats help absorb some impact. If you mostly drive in cities with good roads, it's manageable. But for rough terrain lovers? You'll want to look elsewhere.

Q: Is the new 2.0L turbo engine better than the old V6?

A: It's a mixed bag. The new 2.0L turbo delivers more torque (280 lb-ft vs 240), which helps with acceleration, but you lose 12 horsepower. What surprised me most was the nine-speed automatic transmission - a huge upgrade from Nissan's problematic CVT. Some testers found it responsive, while others (like me) noticed occasional hesitation when passing. The engine noise is more noticeable than in luxury SUVs, but honestly, most buyers won't care unless they're performance enthusiasts.

Q: What tech features make the Murano stand out?

A: Nissan packed this SUV with impressive tech that competes with luxury brands. The 12.3-inch displays (both infotainment and driver's screen) are crisp and responsive. I particularly loved the Google Built-In system - no more struggling with clunky OEM software. The color head-up display keeps your eyes on the road, and those touch-sensitive buttons in the wood trim? Super cool party trick. ProPilot Assist works well for highway driving, though it's not as advanced as some German systems.

Q: How practical is the Murano for families?

A: As a parent myself, I'd say very practical - with some caveats. The rear seats offer excellent legroom and three USB ports to keep devices charged. However, I wish there were more storage pockets (only one seat-back pocket). The cargo area fits 5-6 suitcases easily - perfect for road trips. My biggest family-friendly surprise? The orchestral startup sound that makes kids (and adults) giggle every time. Just don't expect it to handle like a minivan - the rear visibility isn't the best.

Q: Should I wait for a hybrid version?

A: Here's the deal: Nissan isn't planning a Murano hybrid, which surprised me given the market shift. If fuel efficiency is your top priority, consider the Toyota Venza Hybrid (10+ mpg better). That said, the Murano's new turbo engine gets decent mileage for its class (about 24 mpg combined). I'd only wait if you're dead-set on electrification - maybe check out Nissan's Ariya EV instead. For most buyers, the current gas model makes sense, especially with its lower starting price compared to hybrids.