Nissan SUV: Reliable Performance with Minimal Repairs

Published Apr 30, 2026, 4:45 PM EDT

Adam Gray, a seasoned automotive journalist and content creator from the UK, joined the How-To Geek editorial team in January 2025.

As an automotive journalist for How-To Geek, Adam breaks first-to-report news on the latest in automotive tech, as well as penning automotive features and reviews.

Adam is also a contributor to one of How-To Geek's sister sites, TopSpeed, where he uses his media accrediation with manufacturers' press offices to gain access to the latest vehicles for subsequent review.

Prior to joining How-To Geek, Adam worked on a freelance basis, contributing automotive content to a variety of business and lifestyle publications.

His experience also includes time spent serving as senior editorial & auction content manager for SBX Cars, automotive content writer for Supercar Blondie, motoring editor for Portfolio North, and motoring editor - North East for Reach plc.

When he's not putting the latest vehicle through its paces or testing out its tech, Adam can be found at his local ice rink playing ice hockey or at the Riverside Stadium supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC. Adam also enjoys spending quality time with his three children: Ellie, Oscar, and Heidi.

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Before you dismiss it too quickly, this isn’t the Nissan Murano you remember from a decade ago. Nissan has finally given it its first major update since 2016, so it’s worth keeping an open mind.

The old Murano may have fallen a bit behind flashier rivals, but it quietly stuck around as a dependable family SUV people could rely on. It wasn’t trying to reinvent anything—it just worked.

Now in its fourth generation, the Murano gets a proper reset with a new exterior design, a turbocharged engine, and a much more modern interior. It’s a clear step forward that brings it back into the conversation without losing its reputation for durability and long-term reliability.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Nissan and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, IIHS, J.D. Power, NHTSA, and TopSpeed.

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What’s new in the 2026 Nissan Murano

A closer look at the design, powertrain, and interior updates bringing it into the modern era

The latest Murano enters its fourth generation with a proper reset, bringing a much more modern look and updated tech throughout. Nissan has widened the stance and added new “Crystal Cube” LED headlights up front, along with a full-width light bar at the rear to match its newer design direction.

Under the hood, the old 3.5-liter V-6 is gone, replaced by a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder paired with a new nine-speed automatic. It’s a big shift for the model, aimed at improving efficiency while keeping everyday performance in check.

Quiz

8 Questions · Test Your Knowledge

Nissan Murano trivia
Read on and test your knowledge

From its bold debut to its latest refresh — how well do you really know the Nissan Murano?

HistoryDesignPerformanceFeaturesGenerations

Begin

In what year did the Nissan Murano make its official production debut?

A2000B2002C2003D2005

Correct! The Nissan Murano debuted as a 2003 model year vehicle, going on sale in the United States in the summer of 2002. It was introduced at the 2002 New York Auto Show and quickly stood out for its unconventional, car-like styling in the SUV segment.

Not quite. The Nissan Murano actually made its production debut as a 2003 model year vehicle, introduced at the 2002 New York Auto Show. It was a bold entry into the crossover market at a time when boxy, truck-based SUVs still dominated the segment.

Continue

What unusual body style variant did Nissan briefly offer for the Murano between 2011 and 2014?

AA pickup truck versionBA three-row SUV versionCA convertible CrossCabriolet versionDA coupe version

Correct! Nissan offered the Murano CrossCabriolet from 2011 to 2014, making it the world's first all-wheel-drive convertible crossover SUV. It was a polarizing vehicle — some loved its uniqueness, while others found the open-top SUV concept impractical, and it was ultimately discontinued due to slow sales.

Not quite. Nissan actually produced the Murano CrossCabriolet from 2011 to 2014, a convertible crossover SUV that was truly one-of-a-kind. It holds the distinction of being the world's first all-wheel-drive convertible crossover, though its niche appeal led to its discontinuation after just a few years.

Continue

Which platform underpinned the first-generation Nissan Murano (Z50)?

ANissan F-Alpha platformBNissan FF-L platformCNissan D platformDNissan Xtronic CVT platform

Correct! The first-generation Murano was built on Nissan's FF-L platform, a front-engine, front-wheel-drive-based architecture that also underpinned several other Nissan and Infiniti models. This platform allowed the Murano to deliver a car-like ride quality that helped distinguish it from more truck-like SUVs of the era.

Not quite. The first-generation Murano rode on Nissan's FF-L platform, shared with other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. This front-engine layout contributed to the Murano's notably smooth, car-like driving dynamics, which were considered a significant selling point when it launched in 2002.

Continue

What type of transmission has been standard on the Nissan Murano since its very first generation?

A6-speed automaticB8-speed automaticCContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)DDual-clutch automatic

Correct! The Nissan Murano has used a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) since its launch in 2003, making it one of the early mainstream adopters of this technology in the SUV segment. Nissan's Xtronic CVT is designed to keep the engine in its optimal power range, improving fuel efficiency compared to traditional stepped automatics.

Not quite. The Nissan Murano has featured a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) from day one, which was relatively forward-thinking when the original model launched in 2003. The CVT helps maximize fuel economy by continuously adjusting gear ratios rather than stepping through fixed gears.

Continue

Which advanced driver assistance feature did the third-generation Nissan Murano offer as part of its Safety Shield 360 package?

AHands-free highway drivingBAutomatic emergency braking with pedestrian detectionC360-degree surround-view cameraDLane change assist with trailer detection

Correct! Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite on the third-generation Murano includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, among other features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Nissan made Safety Shield 360 standard across the Murano lineup, reflecting a broader industry push to democratize active safety technology.

Not quite. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 package on the Murano includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection as a key feature. Nissan standardized this suite across the Murano's trim lineup, which was a notable commitment to making active safety features accessible to all buyers regardless of trim level.

Continue

The name 'Murano' is inspired by a location famous for which craft or product?

ASwiss watchmakingBVenetian glassblowingCFlorentine leatherworkDSpanish ceramics

Correct! The Murano takes its name from the island of Murano, located near Venice, Italy, which has been world-renowned for its exquisite glassblowing artistry since the 13th century. Nissan has a tradition of naming vehicles after upscale locations and destinations, including the Armada, Pathfinder, and Frontier.

Not quite. The Nissan Murano is named after Murano, a small island near Venice, Italy, that has been celebrated for centuries for its master glassblowing tradition. Nissan's naming convention often draws on evocative place names to suggest adventure, luxury, or craftsmanship — and Murano fits that mold perfectly.

Continue

What significant exterior design change distinguished the third-generation Murano (Z52) when it launched for the 2015 model year?

AIt adopted a three-box sedan-style silhouetteBIt introduced Nissan's V-Motion grille design languageCIt was the first Murano offered in a two-tone color schemeDIt switched to a completely aluminum body structure

Correct! The third-generation Murano, introduced for 2015, was one of the first Nissan models to prominently feature the brand's V-Motion grille design language. This bold, V-shaped front fascia became a signature styling cue rolled out across the Nissan lineup and gave the Murano a more assertive, premium appearance.

Not quite. The 2015 third-generation Murano debuted Nissan's V-Motion grille, a sweeping V-shaped design element that subsequently spread across many other models in the Nissan range. This design overhaul gave the Murano a significantly more upscale and distinctive look compared to its predecessor.

Continue

What is the horsepower output of the 3.5-liter V6 engine found in the current Nissan Murano?

A240 hpB260 hpC280 hpD300 hp

Correct! The Nissan Murano's 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower, paired with the Xtronic CVT. This engine has been a consistent performer across the Murano's generations, delivering a smooth power delivery that suits the vehicle's focus on comfort and refinement over outright performance.

Not quite. The Nissan Murano's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower. While it may not be the most powerful engine in the midsize crossover class, it's tuned for smooth, linear power delivery in keeping with the Murano's positioning as a comfort-oriented, premium-leaning crossover.

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Inside, things take an even bigger step forward with dual 12.3-inch digital displays and a cleaner, more modern layout. You also get available ventilated and massaging front seats, a redesigned center console with a push-button shifter, plus Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 and updated ProPILOT Assist for added driver support.

Exterior design: a bolder new look that stands out

The 2025 Murano’s exterior is a noticeable step away from the previous model, giving it a wider, more planted stance thanks to a 2.6-inch increase in width. Up front, you get Nissan’s “V-motion” grille paired with ultra-slim LED headlights that hide the daytime running lights, and Nissan says the whole setup also helps with aerodynamics.

Around the back, things are cleaned up even more with a redesigned tailgate and bumper that tuck away the rear wiper and exhaust tips for a smoother look. The license plate has been moved down to the bumper, letting the full-width LED taillights stand out, while higher trims add a hands-free power tailgate with a kick sensor for easier loading.

Interior comfort and tech take a big step forward

Inside, the 2025 Murano has been turned into what Nissan calls a “road-going sanctuary,” and it genuinely feels like a big step up from the outgoing model. TopSpeed's Seth Miersma even called the cabin “a class above what’s expected here,” which sums it up pretty well.

The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch displays that handle both infotainment and the digital gauge cluster, paired with a new flat-bottom, two-spoke steering wheel. Everything looks cleaner and more modern, with sharper graphics and a more tech-forward feel overall.

Material quality also gets a noticeable boost, including new trim options like “Murano Glass” that shifts tone depending on the light. Front seats can be had with ventilation and massage, rear passengers get a bit more room thanks to slimmer seatbacks, and the cabin rounds things out with 64-color ambient lighting, a panoramic moonroof, and a wireless charger built into the redesigned center console.

Performance and driving experience get an upgrade too

Engine

Power

Torque

Transmission

2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline-4

241 hp

260 lb-ft

9-speed auto

Under the hood, the 2025 Murano swaps out its old 3.5-liter V6 for a new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder making 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a new nine-speed automatic, replacing the previous CVT and giving the SUV a more responsive and refined feel on the road.

Even with the switch in engine layout, fuel economy stays competitive at an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined for both FWD and AWD models. Ride quality also gets some attention, with revised shock tuning that smooths things out without dulling the handling too much.

Top-tier safety and driver assistance tech

The 2025 Murano comes loaded with safety tech thanks to Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which bundles features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. You also get the latest ProPILOT Assist system, adding adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to take some of the stress out of longer drives.

All of this adds to the Murano’s overall appeal, giving it a strong sense of reassurance for both driver and passengers. It’s also backed by top safety recognition, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star overall score from the NHTSA.

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2025 Nissan Murano pricing and trim levels

How much it costs and what you get at each level

The 2025 Murano comes in four trims: SV FWD, SV AWD, SL AWD, and Platinum AWD. Prices start at $40,470 for the base SV FWD and climb to $49,600 for the fully-loaded Platinum AWD.

Even the entry-level version is well-equipped, while higher trims layer on more comfort, tech, and luxury features as you move up the range.

Carrying on a legacy of reliability

One of the main reasons the Murano has stayed popular is its long-standing reputation for reliability. The 2025 model leans into that with a simpler mechanical setup and a more efficient powertrain designed to reduce long-term issues. Its new nine-speed automatic is built for smooth, durable operation, while the VC-Turbo engine uses variable compression tech to balance efficiency and everyday performance.

In the J.D. Power reliability survey, the 2025 Murano ranked as the highest-rated midsize SUV in its class, ahead of rivals from Honda, Hyundai, and Subaru. That kind of result isn’t new for the nameplate either—Murano has built a steady reputation for dependability over time.

Maintenance is also refreshingly straightforward, and with regular care, the SUV is expected to deliver years of trouble-free ownership. It’s that low-stress, long-term reliability that makes the 2025 Murano appealing to buyers who value consistency over flash.

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How-To Geek’s take: the Murano is back and improved

A refreshed take on Nissan’s midsize SUV and what its comeback really means

The all-new 2025 Murano manages to pull an older SUV nameplate back into the modern conversation with updated design, newer tech, and Nissan’s long-standing focus on reliability. With its refreshed exterior, improved interior, and new powertrain, it comes together as a much more well-rounded package than before.

Add in the fact that J.D. Power rates it among the most reliable SUVs in its class, and the Murano becomes a lot harder to ignore. It may still be on the conservative side, but it now feels relevant again in a segment that’s moved on quickly.