2025 Nissan Murano: A Bold and Refined Overhaul Elevates the Mid-Size SUV

 Nissan’s 2025 Murano has entered the spotlight with a compelling and much-needed refresh, offering a stronger and more competitive presence in the mid-size SUV segment. After years of maintaining an aging design and underwhelming sales, the Japanese automaker has delivered an impressive overhaul to its flagship SUV. The 2025 Murano is not a full-on redesign but rather a substantial makeover that addresses a multitude of issues and introduces exciting updates in both performance and comfort.

Aesthetic Overhaul and Exterior Updates

The most noticeable change to the 2025 Murano is its refreshed exterior, signaling a bold new direction for the model. While the basic structure and dimensions remain largely unchanged, the SUV boasts significant design revisions that improve its stance and curb appeal. The new Murano has been made 2.6 inches wider than its predecessor, which contributes to a more stable and confident presence on the road. The vehicle’s wheelbase and overall length remain relatively consistent, yet the wider front and rear tracks—by 2.1 inches—add to the vehicle’s more aggressive and athletic look. This widened frame pairs nicely with its larger 20-inch or 21-inch wheels, adding a modern edge.

The Murano's design now includes a sleeker profile, featuring a more dramatic roofline, enhanced fenders, and distinctive lighting elements that complement its sharp lines. The wide, sculpted front grille and dynamic headlight shapes provide an unmistakable presence, while the new rear end boasts an integrated, modern look with updated lighting elements. This stylish aesthetic not only makes the Murano look more premium, but also contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and improving overall fuel economy.

Under the Hood: A Fresh Engine and Transmission Combo

Nissan has addressed a key performance area with the introduction of a new powertrain for the 2025 Murano. The previously criticized continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been retired in favor of a more traditional nine-speed automatic transmission. This change alone is one of the most welcome updates to the Murano lineup, as the old CVT was often seen as a weak link in the driving experience, causing the SUV to feel sluggish and disconnected.

Under the hood, the 2025 Murano is powered by Nissan's innovative VC-Turbo engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine features variable compression and variable displacement, which allows for improved performance and efficiency. The 2025 version produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering a more responsive driving experience compared to the previous V6 engine, which was down on power by 19 horsepower but up by 20 lb-ft of torque.

The engine’s output is paired with the new nine-speed automatic transmission, which promises smoother shifts and improved acceleration over the old CVT. The new drivetrain makes the Murano more engaging to drive, with better overall responsiveness. Although the nine-speed isn't particularly sporty, it delivers the smooth shifts and refinement that one would expect from a premium mid-size SUV. When cruising at highway speeds, the transmission’s quick ability to shift to the highest gear possible also helps with fuel economy.

On the fuel efficiency front, the 2025 Murano maintains the same combined rating as the previous model, offering an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, with 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While these numbers are competitive, it’s clear that the biggest gain here is the driving experience itself—fewer annoyances and more seamless power delivery.

Handling and Ride Comfort: Enhanced Driving Dynamics

A key criticism of past Muranos was its handling, which felt a bit too loose and uninspiring for a mid-size SUV. Nissan has responded with significant updates to the suspension and steering systems. The new Murano features updated passive dampers and a refined suspension system designed to minimize body roll, which previously plagued the vehicle during cornering.

Thanks to a wider stance, the 2025 Murano feels more stable and planted on the road, providing greater confidence behind the wheel. During an initial test drive, the Murano handled Tennessee's smooth roads with ease, delivering a comfortable, controlled ride. The larger 21-inch wheels, while providing a bold aesthetic, did not translate to a harsh or bumpy experience—evidence of improved suspension tuning.

Equally important is the major improvement to the steering. Gone is the old hydraulically assisted steering system, replaced by an electronically assisted setup that offers much better precision and feedback. This change makes the Murano feel more connected to the road, with a greater sense of control and confidence when navigating corners. While it may not be sports-car sharp, the Murano now handles with much more refinement than before, making long highway trips and city driving equally enjoyable.

Interior Comfort and Tech: A More Premium Experience

Inside the cabin, the 2025 Murano marks a notable step forward in terms of luxury and technology. Nissan's focus on comfort is evident, as the Murano is equipped with high-quality materials and a spacious, welcoming design. The top-tier Platinum trim, priced at $50,990, features a plush interior with leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and ample headroom, thanks to the SUV’s slightly lower H-point for the front seats.

The cabin feels open and airy, especially with the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, which adds to the vehicle’s sense of spaciousness. Notably, the Platinum trim also comes equipped with a head-up display, heated rear seats, and the aforementioned 21-inch wheels. The design is clean and modern, with a minimalist approach that exudes sophistication. Soft-touch materials dominate the dashboard and door panels, which give the Murano a premium feel—more in line with higher-end competitors like the Honda Passport and Chevrolet Blazer.

The middle row offers ample legroom, and the rear seats provide generous space for passengers to sit comfortably, with an additional eight cubic feet of passenger volume when equipped with the moonroof. The cargo space is also generous, providing 64 cubic feet behind the first row and 33 cubic feet behind the second row, giving the Murano ample room for luggage, sports gear, or groceries.

On the technology front, the Murano makes a big leap forward. All models feature a dual 12.3-inch display setup—one for instrumentation and the other for infotainment. The system is user-friendly and offers standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier than ever to connect your phone for navigation, music, and other apps. The infotainment system is fast and responsive, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. The SL trim, priced at $47,950, adds a 360-degree camera system, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, and customizable ambient lighting (64 colors, if you like that sort of thing). These tech features not only improve the driving experience but elevate the cabin’s luxury quotient.

Pricing and Trim Levels: Accessible Luxury

The 2025 Nissan Murano offers four trim levels: the base SV, mid-level SL, and high-end Platinum, as well as an all-wheel-drive option across all models. Prices start at $41,860 for the base SV, with the SL trim priced at $47,950 and the Platinum trim at $50,990. The base model comes with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,000. Despite its competitive pricing, the Murano offers a suite of features that puts it squarely in the luxury SUV category, particularly in the Platinum trim.

These prices place the Murano in a competitive range, undercutting premium rivals like the Lexus RX and the Audi Q5, while offering a robust list of features that rival more expensive models. Nissan’s approach of offering value with a high level of equipment and comfort makes the Murano a compelling choice for families and buyers seeking both practicality and luxury in their next vehicle.

Final Thoughts: A Strong Contender in the Mid-Size SUV Segment

The 2025 Nissan Murano represents a significant step forward for the model, reintroducing it as a stronger contender in the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV market. With its updated design, improved performance, and upgraded interior, the Murano now feels more refined, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. While it may not match the sharp driving dynamics of some sportier competitors, it offers a balanced blend of comfort, technology, and value that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

For those looking for a stylish and spacious family SUV with a focus on comfort, advanced technology, and a modern design, the 2025 Nissan Murano is a great option. While it may not fix all of Nissan’s sales issues, it undoubtedly brings new life to a once-stale model, positioning it as a serious player in the mid-size SUV segment once again.

Nissan has certainly found its footing with this refreshed version of the Murano, and it is well-equipped to take on the competition head-to-head in the years to come.