2025 Nissan Murano First Drive: More Modern, Less Refined…

• The Nissan Murano receives a major makeover for 2025, the first in ten years.

• This new model adopts interior and exterior designs that are reminiscent of the Ariya.

• For the first time ever, the Murano is not powered by a V6 engine.

After ten years on the market, the Nissan Murano was long overdue for a new generation. Fortunately, Nissan has unveiled an all-new version of its largest two-row crossover that will arrive on dealer lots early in 2025.

While the basic idea behind the Murano stays the same, a few key details have changed with this new fourth generation, namely in terms of design and powertrain.

Elegant and upscale, if slightly generic

The 2025 Nissan Murano adopts a smooth exterior design that recalls the overall lines of the Ariya electric SUV, especially at the rear. This makes the Murano look fairly modern and quite upscale, at least in top-of-the-line Platinum trim, but it also makes it more generic than its predecessor. Indeed, a quirky design had been a hallmark of the Murano since its introduction in 2003, but the new model is moving in another direction.

While the side profile and the rear can be mistaken for other similar crossovers, the front end is still quite distinctive with its high-mounted headlamps and gloss black accent panel which sit above the grille and daytime running lights.

Another thing that can help the new Murano stand out in a sea of compact and mid-size SUVs is its choice of two-tone paint combinations which allow a higher degree of personalization.

2025 Nissan Murano Unveiled: V6 Engine Replaced by Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine 

A Premium and Modern Interior

Inside, the comparison with the Ariya continues, as the horizontal-themed dashboard is clearly inspired by Nissan’s largest EV.

This means the 2025 Murano features a low-mounted dashboard topped with two large screens integrated into a single panel. These 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system, are standard on all three trim levels.

Just under the screens is a striped grey plastic accent which runs the entire width of the dashboard and covers a part of the doors. According to Nissan, this décor item is supposed to emulate the glass art made on the Italian Murano Island, but we are not entirely convinced. On the other hand, the touch-sensitive climate controls integrated into a wood panel right below are very well executed and fairly unique, as only the Ariya employs a similar solution.

The center console houses four new buttons which replace the gear selector, like in the new Armada, a drive mode switch, two cup holders, an open storage area, a wireless device charger, and two buttons that are used to cancel the standard engine Start/Stop system and to bring up the extensive surround-view camera system in the center screen. Included in the Platinum trim level are numerous additional views, one of which makes it possible to see under the front of the vehicle as if the hood was invisible.

Here again, Nissan helps the Murano stand out by making the interior available in three two-tone combinations of quilted semi-aniline leather in the Platinum model, including a striking blue and black option.

An ambient lighting system with 64 customizable colours adds another level of visual appeal, especially at night.

Thanks to a wider body, the 2025 Nissan Murano offers slightly more passenger space in both rows as well as more cargo space, both with the rear seats folded and in place, than the 2024 version did.

An engine that lacks refinement

Since its inception over twenty years ago, the Nissan Murano had been powered by the same 3.5L V6 engine paired with a CVT transmission. In 2025, this changes, but not necessarily for the better. Indeed, the new Murano inherits from the 2,0L VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine which is also found in the Infiniti QX50. Unlike this model however, the 2025 Murano pairs it with a 9-speed automatic transmission, giving it the same powertrain that will be featured in the 2025 Infiniti QX60.

This engine uses an advanced system that allows it to vary its compression ratio from 8.0 to 14.0 : 1 to better adapt to different driving conditions by maximizing efficiency or performance.

In the Murano, this engine delivers 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is the reverse of what the old V6 generated. Thanks to the increased torque and the quick response of the new automatic transmission, the 2025 Murano offers satisfactory performance, and its target buyers are unlikely to be left wishing for more.

What they might wish for, however, is more mechanical refinement, especially if they currently own an older Murano.

Indeed, while the V6 used in the previous generation was getting old and not particularly efficient, it was very smooth and it made a fairly dignified noise, which is not something we can say about the new four-cylinder.

If the tinny engine sound can be drowned out by the very good available Bose audio system, the vibrations that permeate the cabin at various speeds are harder to ignore, especially in a vehicle that otherwise looks and feels almost like a premium model.

Furthermore, the advertised fuel efficiency gain is fairly small since RNCan rates the 2025 Murano at 10.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.6 L/100 km on the highway versus 12.0 L/100 km and 8.5 L/100 km respectively for the 2024 version. In real-world driving, the difference is likely to be minimal.

More solid, but still comfortable

All is not bad about the driving experience of the 2025 Nissan Murano, and changes made to the suspension system have achieved a more planted feeling while still keeping the comfort the Murano was known for.

Thanks to increased roll stiffness front and rear and a new electric power steering, the Murano feels more agile than before and takes corners with more aplomb, without however having any sporty intentions.

Combined with zero-gravity front and rear seats, a standard active noise cancellation system, and available rear sunshades, this revised suspension system ensures every passenger remains comfortable on short and long trips.

Further contributing to the relaxed driving experience are the standard ProPILOT Assist driver assistance systems. The entry-level SV trim level features the basic system while the SL and Platinum versions are equipped with the slightly more advanced version 1,1.

Curiously, the latest version 2,1, which allows the driver to let go of the steering wheel on some sections of highway is not available at launch, and Nissan says vehicles that come without it won’t be retro-fitted later.

Three trim levels to choose from, starting at $46,848

The 2025 Nissan Murano will be available in three trim levels on the Canadian market, all with all-wheel drive as standard. The base model is the $46,848 SV, which features a six-speaker audio system and black 20-inch wheels, and should account for 22% of total sales.

Next is the $50,498 SL which adds a 10-speaker Bose sound system, a Google built-in infotainment system, and enhanced cameras, among other features, and should be the best seller, with a 40% proportion of expected sales.

At the top of the range is the $54,498 Platinum, complete with semi-aniline leather, 21-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a head-up display, and a seat-mounted center airbag. This model should make up 38% of total Murano sales in Canada.

If the SV model seems a bit expensive, the Murano Platinum at the other end of the spectrum is reasonably priced considering its long list of features.

Conclusion

The new 2025 Nissan Murano has a bit more trouble standing out from its competitors now that its design is less distinctive and it abandons its V6 engine, which was a rarity in this segment. Nevertheless, it remains a good option for drivers who want a spacious five-passenger SUV that prioritizes comfort above all else, with a generous helping of modern design and technologies to boot.