2025 Nissan Murano Ditches Sportiness for a Sanctuary-Like Experience

Nissan has just removed the cover from the fourth-generation Murano, and it may be the vehicle’s biggest change to date.

The brand states the goal of the 2025 Nissan Murano is to deliver a more sanctuary-like experience, which translates to a bit less sport for a lot more elegance and premium comfort. The brand wants to move the Murano up a level in this regard.

The new Murano grows in size, adding 1 inch (25 mm) to the vehicle’s overall length which now measures 192.9 inches (4,900 mm) in total. More dramatically, the width is up more than 2.6 inches (66 mm) for a total of 78.0 inches (1,981 mm). Part of the extra width can be attributed to the flared rear fenders.

Up front, the 2025 Murano has what Nissan calls Crystal Cube LED headlights. They flank the ubiquitous V-motion grille that contains hidden LED daytime running lights. The side mirrors have been relocated to the doors, which should improve forward visibility for the driver. Nissan is quick to point out the lack of chrome on the vehicle to give it a more modern look. There is also no exposed rubber sealing around the windows to add an elegant touch.

At the back, there are full-width LED taillights, and the exhaust tips are now hidden. The latter is just one of the many ways the Murano is transitioning away from sporty into a more premium vehicle. The floating roof design feature is no more, as the body panel just reaches the edge of the roof. 

While on the topic of changes, the fourth-generation Murano features 8.3 inches (211 mm) of ground clearance. That’s the same amount as the 2025 Nissan Kicks and has us wondering if this could be a new standard for all Nissan SUVs. For those that are curious, the current Nissan Murano has a far less capable 6.9 inches (175 mm) of ground clearance.

Another indicator that performance is not at the top of the 2025 Murano’s priorities is the drivetrain. Details on it are buried at the very bottom of the brand’s media release. The 3.5-liter V6, a mainstay of the Murano since day 1, is now gone. In its place is a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine. It produces 241 horsepower (hp) and 260 lb-ft (lb-ft.) of torque. That’s an increase of 20 lb-ft compared to the outgoing Murano, but 19 hp less as well, which is fine by us as we’d gladly trade horsepower for usable torque.

Fuel economy is another area where gains and losses basically even out. Rated at 23 mpg combined, the new Murano equals that of its predecessor. How it achieves those are quite different though. City fuel economy is way up at 23 mpg, while highway fuel economy takes a hit and drops to 24 mpg.

All trim levels of the new SUV utilize a 9-speed automatic transmission and have standard all-wheel drive. The front brake rotors are just under 14-inches, while the rears measure in at just under 13-inches. Like the current Murano, the new generation is officially rated to tow upwards of 1,500 lbss (680 kg).

Being a larger overall vehicle, it’s no surprise the fourth-generation Murano includes a bit of a weight gain. It tips the scales a few hundred pounds heavier, slotting in between 4,325-4,445 pounds (1,962-2,016 kg). To help improve the Murano’s handling and ride comfort, it

Includes frequency sensitive dampers in its suspension and switches to electric power steering.

Inside, Nissan claims that there are soft-touch materials throughout the cabin and finely detailed materials. The dashboard features a finish the brand refers to as Murano Glass which incorporates a color-shift effect to graphics and textures. The steering wheel has a flatter bottom for easier ingress and egress from the driver’s seat.

The 2025 Murano comes standard with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, an 8-way power driver seat, and a 6-way power passenger. Leatherette seating surfaces are standard while the Platinum trim includes semi-aniline quilted leather. The Platinum also includes ventilated seats with a massage function for both occupants up front.

In the back, the seats adopt the Nissan Zero Gravity design, which is said to provide better comfort and posture. The rear doors now open wider as well, making it easier for passengers to get in and out. The Platinum trim includes rear door sunshades and heated seats.

The cargo area offers 32.9 cu ft (931.6 L) of storage with the seats raised and 63.5 cu ft (1,798 L) with them lowered. A power liftgate is standard, while the Platinum trim adds a motion-activated power liftgate.

In front of the driver is a customizable 12.3-inch digital information center that shares a pod with a second 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen sits center of the dashboard. As we first saw in the Nissan ARIYA EV, the Murano uses capacitive-touch controls for the HVAC system. The gear selector consists of a series of buttons that Nissan states save space.

Other available technology highlights include a wireless phone charging pad, 64-color ambient lighting, Google built-in, a Bose 10-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, color head-up display, and a power telescopic steering wheel.

All 2025 Nissan Muranos will come standard with the manufacturer’s Safety Shield 360. Additionally, ProPILOT Assist and ProPILOT Assist 1.1 will also be available. To help see in tight coordinates, the Murano can be equipped with the Invisible Hood View and the 3D Around View Monitor.

The pricing for the 2025 Nissan Murano will be announced closer to its release date, set for early next year. Based on current trends and the outgoing model's pricing, it’s anticipated that the base model will start in the low-$40,000 range. Meanwhile, the fully equipped Platinum AWD trim is expected to exceed $50,000.

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