2025 Nissan Murano – Premium Evolution

SUVs
May 1, 2025
Dan Gunay

The Nissan Murano has long carved out its niche as a stylish, comfortable alternative in the midsize SUV world, and for 2025, it enters a new generation with a bold redesign and a host of modern updates. Sleeker on the outside and more refined inside, the latest Murano aims to build on its reputation for easygoing comfort, user-friendly technology, and standout looks. With an upgraded interior, new tech features, and a fresh powertrain under the hood, the 2025 Murano continues to appeal to drivers who want something a little different from the usual SUV crowd – blending everyday practicality with a sense of upscale flair.

The 2025 Murano makes a strong first impression with a dramatically reworked front fascia that finally pulls the moidel into Nissan’s current design language, which is a step closer to Infiniti. The signature V-Motion grille has been reshaped into a wider, more upright element, flanked by a sharp, angular LED headlights that give the Murano a more aggressive and modern appearance.

There is less chrome this time around, replaced with darker, more premium-looking accents especially with the top trim. Nissan also added a sculpted front bumper with vertical air vents and slim LED daytime running lights, giving the front end more athletic, almost concept-car-like vibe. It’s a big departure from the rounded, softer look of the outgoing model, and it instantly makes the Murano feel more contemporary.

From the side, the new Murano retains its coupe-like silhouette, but it has been cleaned up and tightened for a more cohesive and upscale look. The floating roof design returns, now more pronounced thanks to thinner C-pillars and blacked out D-pillar. Subtle character lines stretch fro the front fenders to the taillights, adding a sense of motion that the outgoing model lacked. Larger wheels fill the arches more confidently, while the slightly lower roofline and longer hood visually stretch the SUV. It still reads as a Murano, but the proportions are more elegant and grounded.

The rear end gets perhaps the most understated evolution, it almost looks boring. The taillights are slimmer and now connected by a gloss black trim bar that visually widens the SUV. The liftgate is more sculpted, and the lower bumper has a cleaner, more integrated look with available contrasting finishes for a sportier edge. Nissan has moved away from the chunky chrome elements of the previous generation, favoring a more minimalistic, and modern approach. It’s not flashy, but well executed – the kind of design that looks better the longer you stare at it.

Stepping inside the 2025 Murano, it’s immediately clear that this isn’t just a refresh – it’s a full rethink. Gone is the old, curvy dashboard layout and dated buttons. It has a cleaner and more horizontal design language that takes clear cues from the all-electric Nissan ARIYA. A wide touchscreen sits neatly integrated into the dash rather than tacked on, flanked by slim air vents and a minimalist center stack. The whole layout feels more open and airy, helped by a lower beltline and slimmer pillars, which helps with overall visibility. Ambient lighting is tastefully integrated, and the cabin now feels more cohesive and less cluttered.

Compared to the outgoing model, it feels much more premium even before you touch anything. That said, the design does play it a bit safe, it’s handsome and clean, but not particularly bold or characterful compared to some rivals. Material quality takes a noticeable step forward and gets the Murano closer to Infiniti levels. You will find a lot of soft touch panels, contrast stitching, and a generous use of faux wood and metallic accents that don’t feel cheap.

Tech-wise, the Murano finally joins the modern SUV pack. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard across the lineup, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in Google apps, and a much snappier interface than before. A fully digital instrument cluster complements it on higher trims, and Nissan includes physical controls for key features like climate and volume. The climate buttons are haptic feedback, which looks cool, but you have to look down every time you use it.

Seat comfort remains Murano’s strong point. Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats return, offering excellent support for long drives, and rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and a nearly flat floor. Cargo capacity is rated at 36.6 cubic feet behind the second row, which expands to 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded – not class-leading, but usable. The load floor is relatively low and wide, and Nissan thoughtfully includes levers to release the rear seats from the cargo area. I wish there were clever storage tricks or underfloor compartments like you’ll find in some competitors, but other than that, it’s a great SUV for families.

The biggest change under the hood of the 2025 Nissan Murano is the departure of the long running 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 engine, a staple of the model since its inception. In its place is a new 2.0-litre VC-Turbo four cylinder engine, which uses Nissan’s innovative variable compression technology to balance performance and efficiency, at least on paper. It produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which looks similar to the outgoing V6 engine with much better torque delivery. On paper, it’s a smart move with better fuel economy, better emmissions, and mroe usable torque. It may not be as smooth as the outgoing V6 engine, but it’s a solid platform that offers decent amount of roll-on power and punchy mid-range.

The variable-compression system itself is a technical feat, allowing the engine to seamlessly shift between high-compression (efficiency) and low compression (for more boost and power) modes on the fly. It’s been used in other Nissan and Infiniti models with mixed results, but in the Murano, it feels more refined than before. Acceleration is brisk for a mid-size SUV, not sporty – but confident. The engin remains relatively quiet unless pushed. That said, it lacks some of the polish and outright smoothness found in competing four-cylinder turbo engines available with the other entries in this segment.

Perhaps the most welcome mechanical upgrade is the transmission. Nissan has finally ditched the old continuously variable transmission (CVT) in favor of a new 9-speed automatic. Shifts feel more natural, throttle response is sharper, and it elevates the whole driving experience without CVT’s rubber-band sensation that plagued the previous Murano and most Nissan models in the past. It’s also a sign that Nissan is listening to long-standing criticism, which is encouring for those who found the CVT to be a deal breaker.

All-wheel drive remains standard across the lineup, though like before, it’s primarily a front-biased setup designed more for all-weather confidence rather than driving dynamics. The system can shuffle torque rearward when slip is detected, and combined with the improved torque from the new engine, the Murano feels composed in rain or light snow. There is no terrain management or advanced off-road modes, this isn’t pretending to be a rugged SUV, but for its intended role as a road-focused, comfort-first crossover, the drivetrain changes are mostly successful.

On the road, the 2025 Nissan Murano delivers exactly the kind of driving experience most buyers in this segment are looking for: smooth, quiet and stress-free experience. It’s not trying to be sporty, and that’s a good thing. Instead, Nissan focused on ride comfort and refinement, and for the most part, they nailed it. The suspension is tuned on the softer side, soaking up bumps and broken pavement with ease. Body motions are well-controlled during highway cruising, and the cabin stays impressively quiet at speed. If anything, soft suspension can make the Murano feel a little floaty over larger bumps, and it leans more than some rivals in corners, but it fits the relaxed character of the vehicle.

One wildcard in the equation is the new 2.0 liter VC-Turbo engine. While it’s a technical marvel and brings meaningful gains in torque and efficiency, long-term durability is still somewhat unproven outside of Nissan’s own lineup. Previous applications in some Nissan and Infiniti models have raised some questions – not widespread issues, but reports of issues reported over time. Nissan claims the latest iteration has been refined and retuned for better longevity, but buyers who plan to keep the vehicle well past the warranty period may want to wait and see how it holds up in the real world.

The Nissan Murano marks a turning point for the nameplate, finally shedding its aging foundations in favor of a much more refined, mature identity that pushes it closer to Infiniti territory. From its upscale new design to the upgraded cabin materials and modern tech interface, the Murano now feels like a genuinely premium offering rather than just a stylish alternative. It doesn’t just catch up to rivals – it quietly repositions itself as a near-luxury crossover that delivers a taste of the premium experience, without the premium badge and price tag.

Engine	Turbocharged 2.0-litre variable-compression inline-4
Transmission & Drivetrain	9-speed automatic & all-wheel-drive
Max power	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Max torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
0-100 km/h	8.5 sec
Curb Weight (estimated)	4445 lbs – 2016 kg
Fuel Economy (observed)	23 MPG – 10.4 L/100 km
Price (as tested)	$58,311 CAD
Website:	www.nissan.ca