As car buyers lean towards SUVs for their practicality and ride height, automakers constantly release new and update SUVs with the latest tech and features. However, the Nissan Murano has stayed relatively untouched since it came out all the way back in 2015. Since then, many brands like Hyundai and Toyota have made significant improvements to their SUVs in order to stay relevant, but not Nissan. The Murano received minor updates throughout the years, but nothing that separates it from the rest of the competition. For 2023, there still aren’t many notable changes made to the Murano. The Murano comes in 5 different trim levels. The base S model starts at $33,860, and the top-end Platinum trim starts at $45,410, which makes it cheaper than the Mazda CX-90, Kia Telluride, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Murano Is A Comfortable Cruiser
All Murano models come with a naturally aspirated V-6 that makes 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque and is coupled to a CVT transmission. All models come standard with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Murano is by no means an engaging car to drive. The CVT holds the revs which makes the engine drone, and the steering is dull and uncommunicative. There’s also a noticeable amount of body roll around the corners. Other SUVs in this segment that offer a six-cylinder engine like the Mazda CX-90 and the Honda Passport also offer better handling, a better transmission, and a more engaging drive. However, the suspension of the Murano offers an overall smooth and comfortable ride. The Murano, in essence, is a proper car for daily commutes and long-distance journeys. Both the front-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive models have an estimated EPA rating of 20 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway. In comparison, other SUVS offer slightly better fuel economy like the Mazda CX-90, which has an estimated EPA of 24 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway and a combined 25 MPG. Unlike a lot of its rivals, the Murano isn’t offered with a PHEV powertrain.
The Bold Exterior Of The Murano Separates It From The Rest Of The Competition
Despite coming out nine years ago, the Murano's looks are still unique, and it manages to stand out from the rest of the crowd. The front end of the Murano consists of standard LED headlights and a unique V-shaped grill. 18-inch wheels are standard on the S and SV models, while the SL comes standard with 20-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels or 20-inch platinum, dark wheels. One of the newer changes made to the 2023 Murano is the two new paint colors: Super Black and Deep Ocean Blue Pearl. An optional Midnight edition package is also available, which enhances the look of the Murano by adding black accents on the front grill, lower front bumper, and exterior mirrors, along with black exterior badges, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and illuminated kick panels.
The Murano Has A Dated, Yet Fairly Luxurious Interior
The interior is where the Murano shows its age as it remains unchanged for this year. Nonetheless, the Murano boasts a spacious cabin with comfortable seats and leather trim across the interior, including the door panels and the armrests. The Platinum model provides a more upscale interior than the other models with matte wood trim, semi-aniline leather seats with diamond-quilted inserts, and contrast piping on the doors, seats, and the center console. Rear-seat passengers are welcomed with a spacious row with comfortable reclining bench seats. Even though the Platinum model delivers a more luxurious and refined interior, it doesn’t make it look any less outdated than other trims.
All Murano models come with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with features like NissanConnect system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius XM, and navigation are available across all trim levels. Again, most of the competition comes with bigger and more intuitive infotainment systems. The Murano also comes standard with all of Nissan’s safety features and driver assist technology, such as blind spot warning, forward collision warning, emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
Regardless of all these neat details and amenities, the Murano still falls behind when it comes to overall looks, feel, and quality compared to its rivals. Other SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-90 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee offer a more upscale, luxurious, and modern interior with better technology and features. The cargo room is one of the contributing factors to the Murano being behind in the competition, as it is not as spacious as the rest of the vehicle, with below-average cargo space compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Honda Passport. The Murano can be an appealing vehicle to many, but its age is certainly evident from the dated interior, to the dull transmission, lack of cargo space, and poor handling. However, the Murano’s soft and comfortable suspension and its nice and spacious cabin make it a pleasant vehicle to drive.