Bojan Vrbnjak
Nissan Murano is no longer on European roads for a long time, but it is one of the most successful models of the Japanese company around the world. Now the fourth generation of this large SUV has entered the market. However, as with the third edition, this really beautiful model will not come across the pond to Europe, which was also confirmed by Nissan. What a shame!
Nissan calls the 2025 Murano a "road-worthy shrine," whatever that means. But it offers a lot of features for this series. It's the first Murano with optional massaging front seats, and all Muranos get a new digital cockpit with two 12,3-inch screens. It's also the first to feature the 21-inch wheels available on the Platinum trim. It is equipped with Nissan's Safety Shield 360 driver assistance system as standard. It has been completely redesigned from front to back. Under the hood, however, is a new powertrain that makes the unpopular CVT gearbox redundant.
Considering that the old Murano was introduced in 2015, you might think that the new model is a bit late. The fourth-generation crossover is 66 mm wider and has almost 50 mm more ground clearance. The overall length and height are almost the same as the previous model, and the wheelbase is also 2,82 meters. This results in similar interior dimensions with slightly less rear legroom and slightly more front legroom.
However, the Murano was never attractive because of its spaciousness. Since the start of sales in 2003, the crossover has become famous for its recognizable style, which is still true today. Nissan opted for a split-lighting motif, ditching the large, angular headlights and sharply contrasting angles in favor of slim lamps above the largely symmetrical radiator grille. This one doesn't quite look like the new Qashqai, although Nissan keeps the V-Motion theme to the fore with the Murano's wide, smiling face and LED lights embedded in the corners of the radiator grille.
The side mirrors have been moved from the A-pillar to the doors. The aggressively curved front fenders of the third-generation Murano now feature a straight body line that runs toward the rear, where it intersects with the flared rear fenders. The Murano D-pillars – a design feature carried over from the first generation – are still present, but are separated by a chrome strip that creates a coupé-like roofline. The completely redesigned rear end features slim taillights that span the entire width of the tailgate. The recess for the license plate has been moved to the lower edge of the rear apron. The whole thing, according to Nissan, is the pinnacle of the mid-size crossover's "more premium" styling.
An even more drastic – and much needed – renovation took place inside. The interior of the Murano 2025 is characterized by the two screens mentioned above, which have replaced almost all physical switches with digital and haptic buttons similar to those in the Ariya. Built-in Google is part of a technology package that includes options such as ProPilot Assist 1.1, Invisible Hood View, which allows a "view" through the engine compartment, and a 3D Intelligent Around View camera.
The digital driver's display can be adjusted for different views, and an optional color head-up display is available on some trim levels. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Nissan has added active noise cancellation to the list of standard equipment. But you'll have to pay extra for the 10-speaker Bose stereo system.
The thorough overhaul is also accompanied by a completely new powertrain. The old V-6 engine and CVT transmission are gone, replaced by Nissan's 2,0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with variable compression and nine-speed automatic transmission. In the Murano, this engine develops 241 hp. That's 19 hp less than the previous model, but torque has increased. The transmission continues to drive the front wheels in the standard configuration. All-wheel drive is optional.
Prices for the 2025 Murano will be announced shortly before sales, which are currently scheduled for early next year. Based on current prices, we expect a starting price of around $40.000. The top-of-the-line Platinum AWD version is likely to cost more than $50.000.
