Preview: 2025 Nissan Murano Makes its Move Upscale

When the Nissan Murano was first unveiled in 2002, it made quite a splash. It was the brand’s first crossover sport-utility vehicle, joining the Pathfinder and Xterra but with a more car-like feel, and it quickly became popular with buyers.

An all-new fourth-generation 2025 Murano has just debuted. We only got a look (that means no driving), but it seems like a considerable upgrade over the outgoing version. That includes a new engine and transmission, improved connectivity and driver-assist technologies, and some higher-end features such as a head-up display and massaging seats.

Four Cylinders, Nine Speeds

The outgoing Murano uses a 3.5L V6 engine, mated to an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The new version swaps that for a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine – which runs on regular-grade gasoline – that’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with a push-button shifter. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.

The V6 made 260 horsepower, while the new four-cylinder is lower at 241 horsepower. But it’s torque that gets you accelerating, and the smaller engine makes 260 lb-ft of it, compared to 240 lb-ft in the V6. Again, we didn’t get behind the wheel, but we expect the new Murano’s performance will be similar, if not better than, the V6 version, especially with the new transmission. Canadian fuel figures haven’t been released, but they’ll likely be an improvement over the V6 as well.

Exterior Highlights

This new Murano is a good-looking and considerably modernized SUV. It’s so different that it looks like an entirely new model. That’s helped by its “de-chroming” from the current model, which is lavishly accented with brightwork. The new one is more subdued for a more upscale appearance. The “floating roof” is gone, which eliminated several exterior plastic pieces and works better with the available two-tone paint scheme; while the side window pillars have no visible rubber seals.

The wheelbase and most other exterior dimensions are unchanged, although it’s now 66 mm (2.6 inches) wider. It retains a version of the signature Nissan “V-motion” grille but now puts the LED daytime running lights inside it, while thin LED headlights are tethered with a gloss black strip across the nose. At the rear, an LED taillight spans the vehicle’s width. To reduce rear clutter, the exhaust tips are tucked out of the way, the licence plate moves to the bumper, and the rear wiper hides at the top of the window.

Cabin Changes

Front-seat headroom increases by 33 mm (1.3 inches), while the rear stays virtually the same. Front-seat legroom is 96.5 mm (3.8 inches) more generous than before, but with 60.9 mm (2.4 inches) of legroom taken away from rear-seat passengers – although Nissan says rear knee space improves due to thinner front seats. Cargo volume increases to 931 litres with the rear seats upright, compared to 880 litres in the 2024 version. A power liftgate is standard, and it’s hands-free on the Platinum.

The completely redesigned dash melds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch centre touchscreen into one piece of glass, tucked into soft-touch materials top and bottom. The screens are standard on all trims, those being the SV, SL, and Platinum. The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim, while the two upper trims further add Google Built-In with maps and assistant. There are four USB-C ports divided between front and rear, and a wireless charger is standard.

For better or worse, the Murano lifts the capacitive-touch climate control system from the all-electric Ariya, right down to its woodgrain-style surface. It looks slick, but it can be distracting to find and tap the right icon; and simple buttons and dials are better. On the SL and Platinum, the lower dash panel has a finish called Murano Glass – wordplay on the famous Venetian glass maker – that subtly shifts its colours when light hits it. At night, that’s from a 64-colour ambient light strip hidden above it in the dash.

The SV and SL trims have faux-leather upholstery to the Platinum’s cowhide. Heated front seats are standard, and the two upper trims heat the rear ones also. All trims also get a heated steering wheel. The Platinum further spoils front-seat passengers by adding ventilation and massage to their chairs. Nissan calls its seats “Zero Gravity,” meant to reduce pressure points for long-distance comfort; and for the first time, the Murano has that design in the rear seats too. The rear doors also open wider, making it easier to put children into their seats or boosters.

Updated Technology

All trims include a long list of driver-assist technologies, including front and rear emergency braking, blind-spot intervention, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-view camera with a bird’s-eye view on the SL and Platinum. All have a version of ProPilot Assist highway driving assist. An “invisible hood” camera view is available, which I previously experienced on the new Infiniti QX80. This “hoodless” screen view shows what’s directly ahead of and under the vehicle at low speeds, such as when parking or entering a car wash.

Final Thoughts

The new Murano goes on sale early in 2025, with pricing announced closer to that – and for reference, the 2024 version runs from $44,878 to $51,328 including delivery. With the Murano going from six to four cylinders, the proof will be in the driving, but for its looks and features, this redesign of Nissan’s first crossover looks like it’ll be a contender.