First Drive: 2025 Nissan Murano

Franklin, Tennessee – Nissan has nailed the design of the 2025 Murano. The fourth-generation of the mid-size SUV is fashion-forward, with a sleek, futuristic exterior design, coupled with an elegant, luxurious interior.

From a distance the SUV might be mistaken for an electric vehicle, with its closed in grille and long horizontal front lights, joined by a dark bar. But since Nissan has no EVs in its lineup, the Murano’s face is simply in keeping with current automotive design trends.

The Murano was Nissan’s first crossover in Canada and has had a unique look since the first generation was introduced in 2002, said Scott Pak, senior product planning manager in the U.S. for Nissan. The vehicle is unique to Canada and the U.S., he noted, a decision which is not that common for Nissan, but means you get lots of attention in the chosen market. “It’s special. It’s unique,” he said. “There’s really no direct competitor for the Murano.”

The 2025 is almost three inches wider than its predecessor, and with its pronounced rear haunches, it seems more planted and road ready than before. Our Platinum – the top-trim –tester was riding on optional 21-inch wheels and sported the Murano-exclusive Aurora Blue Pearl Metallic paint. It’s an eye-catching marine blue that can also be paired with a black roof.

Inside, Twilight Blue quilted upholstery almost matched the exterior paint, which seemed an odd combo, when it could have been decked out with a grey-brown mix or tan over cream, the other interior options. However, the rest of the design made up for the peculiar colour choice in this particular Murano. Ambient light with 64 colour options lets you make the SUV your own, with a LED strip that runs across the dash and doors.

Although the Zero Gravity seats, a Nissan specialty, are meant to be extremely comfortable, these seemed hard and with insufficient bolstering. They do have optional massage, and standard heat, however.

But otherwise, interior ergonomics are superb. The new wheel has a flatter bottom to make entry and exit easier, and a row of shift selector buttons runs along the lower edge of the centre panel, freeing up the centre console for two cupholders and a small cubbyhole. Underneath, there’s an open place to hide a bag, and there’s also a bin under the armrest. Everything is in easy reach and intuitive to operate.

Murano drivers now can get a head-up display, and standard dual 12.3-inch displays that run Google built in as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The new gen also gets the invisible hood that lets the driver see where the front wheels are, as well as the 3D surround view, ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving and a Bose 10-speaker audio system.

In the back, legroom is exceptional, thanks to a skinnier front seat design. Rear passengers also get sunshades and heated seats as an option, and the back doors open wider than before. Cargo space is flexible with a 60/40 rear seat split and 931.6 litres of storage behind the seats and 1798.1 litres with seats folded. The standard liftgate is powered, while the Platinum gets a motion activated opener.

Once the family and gear are safely aboard, the new Murano gets underway powered by a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that produces 241 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is not the nicest, producing a noisy whine that gets annoying after a few minutes of stop and go driving.

Driving dynamics are excellent, however. The 2025 Murano feels planted and surefooted, as well as comfortable on the road. Our test run was not long, but the SUV handled highways and winding, hilly roads with equal ease. Body roll has been reduced in this new generation, with approximately 25% more stiffness in front and rear suspensions, along with active dampers that adapt to road conditions.

The Murano is equipped with active noise cancelling, which seemed to deliver a quiet ride save for the transmission noise and a minor vibration coming from a window. As Nissan’s senior design director said, the Murano is meant to be “an oasis for your commute, your family and your road trips.”

Fuel economy is greatly improved over the outgoing model, with Nissan-reported numbers of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometers city, 8.6 highway and 9.7 combined. Previously it was 12, 8.5 and 10.4.

Three trims will be available when the 2025 Murano goes on sale in Canada in January 2025. The entry level SV starts at a MSRP of $46,848 and includes 20-inch wheels, power, heated front seats and power liftgate. The mid-level trim is the SL, which adds a moonroof, the Bose audio system, heated rear seats, the surround view and invisible hood, and more for $50,498. The Platinum starts at $54.498, adding the 21-inch wheels, head-up display, massaging front seats, the motion-activated tailgate and more. All have a delivery charge of $2,030.

According to Douâa Jazouli, Nissan Canada’s manager, product and technology communications, the company expects that sales will break down at 40% SL, and 38% Platinum. Whichever one buyers choose, they’ll be getting a cool-looking, luxurious ride for their money.