Having been around for over 20 years, the Nissan Murano is one of the vehicles that popularized the modern midsize crossover. It has a reputation for blending car-like driving dynamics with SUV-like versatility while coddling its occupants in an upscale cabin without a premium price tag. Now entering its fifth generation, the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano is continuing that well-earned reputation and giving the Chevy Blazer a run for its money.
An aesthetic overhaul draws clear inspiration from the Nissan Ariya electric crossover. The angular front and rear light signatures, sleek side profile, and modern interior design are all very similar to the high-tech Ariya. While the Nissan Rogue and Pathfinder take on a more rugged and adventurous persona, the Nissan Murano has a decidedly more sophisticated look and feel.
One of the big stories with the 2025 Nissan Murano is the discontinuation of the V6. Powered exclusively by Nissan’s 2.0L VC-Turbo I4 engine with 241 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, this is the first Murano without a V6 option since its introduction in 2003. That makes the available 3.6L V6 LGX engine in the Chevy Blazer a unique selling point in the midsize 2-row crossover class. This variable compression turbo engine is presumably a detuned version of the VC-Turbo engine that powers the Infiniti QX50 and QX60 crossovers. Output is sent to the front or all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission, and AWD is standard on the SL and Platinum trims.
Standard features in the new Murano include the Nissan Safety Shield 360 safety tech suite, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, active sound cancellation, a wireless charging pad, and a power liftgate. A few premium options include massaging front seats with quilted leather, Google built-in, 21-inch wheels, 64-color ambient lighting, a head-up display, and a 3D around-view monitor. The ProPILOT Assist 1.1 driver assist system is available, which can adjust speed on curves based on navigation data, but the Super Cruise-like, hands-free ProPILOT 2.0 system is not.
The 2025 Nissan Murano goes on sale in early 2025, and pricing details will be released closer to the on-sale date. We predict it will start in the neighborhood of $40k, and its top GM rival, the Chevy Blazer, will continue to be a slightly more affordable option in midsize 2-row crossovers.
Comments
First the Armada, now this. If you haven’t been paying attention, Nissan now considers itself a Lincoln competitor. Look at the marketing for this thing. Interior is a “sanctuary”, etc. Blazer need not worry. This, like the Armada, will fall on its face and Nissan might finally learn its lesson.
They’re finally moving away from the CVT but now it’s powered by the even more problematic VC engine. lol
The interior looks sharp – clean design, appealing and conveys quality. Doesn’t look like cheap plastic.
Ditto for the exterior – I have never been a fan of the previous Murano’s, but this is competitive.
Nicely done Nissan.
Absolutely hideous front-end. Reminds me of the Aztek.
Trading one problem for another. The VC-turbo is a potentially very problematic design. That interior however is very nice and gM should start waking up and stop being so cheap and one track minded when it comes to color choices or lack thereof.
Nissan made a mistake by cancelling the JUKE.
Stop advertising Japanese or Korean ones… on the American website. This is scandalous!
Needs the 3.5L to stay competitive to the Altima ladies.
A little bland/derivative for my tastes, but at least it doesn’t have that loaded diaper looking rear bumper that Nissan had used for years.