I Was Test-Driving The 2025 Nissan Murano, And While At A Complete Stop a 2015 Altima Slammed Into My Rear, But Look At How Murano Stood Its Ground in a Live Testament To Reliability

I want to start this review with a story that REALLY highlights the 2025 Nissan Murano's safety. Let me tell you, safety isn't just a feature in the 2025 Nissan Murano; it's a feeling. I experienced that firsthand during my test drive. I was at a complete stop when a 2015 Altima slammed into my rear. The impact was forceful, the kind that makes your heart jump. But the Murano? It stood its ground.

As you can see from the image below, the damage on my 2025 Murano was far less than I anticipated. In that moment, I wasn't thinking about horsepower or MPG; I was thinking about how well this vehicle protected me. And that's invaluable. It's the kind of safety that lets you drive with confidence, knowing you're in a vehicle that's built to protect.

A New Era for the Murano

The Nissan Murano has always been a bit of an outlier in the midsize SUV segment. When it debuted in 2003, it broke the mold with its avant-garde design and car-like driving dynamics.

However, in recent years, it began to lag behind more modern rivals. That changes for 2025 as Nissan has given the Murano a sharp new design for its fourth generation. Not only is its styling more contemporary than the outgoing model, but the new Murano’s pinched rear quarter window and a swept-back roofline are reminiscent of the Genesis GV70 - an electrified crossover from the luxury class.

What's New in the 2025 Murano?

In short: everything. The Murano is all-new for the 2025 model year and ditches the V-6 engine and continuously variable automatic transmission for a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine and a nine-speed automatic. The new version's front end trades the old model's large chrome V-Motion grille for a more subtle version with thin LED running lights on the side of the grille, making up the "V." The long hood and thin headlights are reminiscent of the Ferrari Daytona grand tour.

Trim Levels and Pricing of The 2025 Nissan Murano

The 2025 Nissan Murano is available in three trims:

• SV: Starting at $40,470, this base trim offers a solid array of standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of safety technologies. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
• SL: Priced from $46,560, the SL trim adds all-wheel drive as standard, a panoramic moonroof, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and enhanced driver-assistance features.
• Platinum: The top-tier Platinum trim starts at $49,600 and can reach up to $55,030 with options and destination charges. It includes semi-aniline leather upholstery, massaging front seats, 21-inch wheels, and a motion-activated liftgate.

Engine, Power, and Transmission

All Muranos come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower and 260. A nine-speed automatic transmission is also standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the SV and comes standard on the SL and Platinum trims. During my test drive of the new 2025 Murano, I found it to offer considerably better handling than the old model, with more precise steering and a planted feel.

The combination of the turbo-four engine and the nine-speed automatic transmission isn't overtly sporty, but it's responsive and we far prefer it to the continuously variable automatic transmission in the previous Murano.

Interior, Second-Row Seating, Cargo, and Infotainment

A comfy, two-row cabin awaits you inside the Murano, and the interior styling is similar to the electric Ariya crossover’s. A color-shifting, textured dashboard trim adds some visual pizzazz while a touch-sensitive panel integrated into a wood trim piece serves up climate controls.

Platinum trim models add several high-end features, including semi-aniline leather upholstery and massaging front seats. Speaking of seats, both the front and rear ones feature Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, which we’ve found quite comfortable on long drives in other models.

All models come with a power liftgate to access the cargo area.

This a generous 33 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

A pair of 12.3-inch color displays serve as infotainment and gauge cluster inside the Murano’s interior. Nissan’s Google-based infotainment software is offered on the higher trim levels. All trims come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but SL and Platinum models come with in-dash navigation courtesy of Google Maps. Active sound cancellation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, four USB-C ports, and a six-speaker stereo are standard, but SL and Platinum models come with a 10-speaker Bose stereo, Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

Fuel Economy and Cost of Ownership

The 2025 Murano achieves an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined, with 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. While these figures are competitive for the segment, they don't set new benchmarks. However, the improved fuel economy over the previous V6 model is a welcome change.

Nissan vehicles are generally known for their reliability and reasonable cost of ownership. The Murano's maintenance and repair costs are expected to be in line with industry averages, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Driving Experience

On the road, the Murano is peppier to drive but not necessarily faster, which is good for safe driving. The new nine-speed automatic shifts quickly, enhancing the overall driving dynamics.

The Murano's suspension and steering have been tuned for comfort and ease of driving. While it may not offer the sporty handling of some competitors, it provides a smooth and composed ride, ideal for daily commuting and long road trips.

Competitive Landscape: How the 2025 Murano Stacks Up

In today’s crowded midsize SUV market, the 2025 Nissan Murano goes up against some tough competition, including the Toyota Venza, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Ford Edge, and Subaru Outback. Each of these rivals brings something unique to the table—whether it's hybrid fuel efficiency, rugged off-road capability, or three-row flexibility. The Venza, for example, is available only as a hybrid, offering up to 39 mpg combined. The new Santa Fe has undergone a bold redesign with a more boxy silhouette, an extended wheelbase, and more tech-focused features. Meanwhile, the Kia Sorento stands out by offering both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options along with third-row seating, appealing to larger families.

Yet despite not offering a hybrid or a third row, the Murano still makes a strong case for itself. What sets the 2025 Murano apart is its emphasis on comfort, quietness, and elegant simplicity. Unlike many competitors that aim to be all things to all buyers, the Murano stays laser-focused on delivering a refined two-row experience with a near-premium interior.

The ride quality is among the smoothest in its class - making it a strong contender for empty-nesters and commuters who prioritize comfort over utility. Add in standard Google Built-In, Nissan Safety Shield 360, and available all-wheel drive, and the Murano remains a compelling value for tech-savvy drivers who don’t need the complexity of electrification just yet.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Nissan Murano?

The 2025 Nissan Murano is ideally suited for drivers who want an upscale, quiet, and comfortable midsize SUV without jumping to a luxury brand. It's perfect for couples, retirees, or professionals who don’t need a third row of seats or an aggressive off-road setup. The Murano’s low cabin noise, soft suspension tuning, and premium interior materials make it feel more like a crossover from Infiniti or Lexus, but at a noticeably lower price point. If you prioritize comfort over cargo space, and tech features over trail-ready toughness, the Murano delivers a balanced package that is refined without being flashy.

On the other hand, if you're part of a growing family needing third-row flexibility, towing capacity, or a hybrid option for fuel savings, then the Murano may feel a bit too limited in scope. It’s not for the outdoorsy crowd or those chasing maximum versatility. But for buyers seeking a calm, easy-to-drive, tech-forward SUV the Murano fills a niche that few others do. It’s a compelling choice for those who value quiet confidence over bold statements.

2025 Murano's Solid Value and Premium Amenities

The Platinum level that I test-drove at Torque News offers solid value for the money. It’s loaded with premium amenities - like massaging front seats, reserved typically for luxury brands, and its pricing is competitive with other top trims in the segment. Overall, I am impressed with the 2025 Murano. It’s a substantial upgrade over the outgoing model, serving up a polished look and a host of attractive features. It has some flaws, but the Murano can be the perfect choice for those seeking something stylish and distinctive that delivers great value for the money.

1. Have you owned or test-driven a Nissan Murano recently? How do you think it compares to other midsize SUVs like the Toyota Venza, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Ford Edge?

2. Is the smooth 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine and upscale ride quality of the 2025 Murano enough to keep it competitive in today’s market, or do you think Nissan should introduce a hybrid or more advanced powertrain option?

I’d love to hear your thoughts - whether you’re a long-time Murano owner, considering an upgrade, or just SUV shopping in general. Drop a comment below and let’s talk about where the 2025 Murano stands in today’s crowded SUV market.

In the end, the 2025 Nissan Murano stands as a testament to Nissan's commitment to safety, comfort, and modern design. It's a vehicle that doesn't just meet expectations - it exceeds them, providing peace of mind and a touch of luxury in the midsize SUV segment.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.