Few midsize crossovers have ever tried to be distinctive in the way the Murano has. Since its original debut, it has lived slightly outside the mainstream—more design-forward than utilitarian, more expressive than conservative. With the arrival of its fourth generation, the question is no longer whether the Murano can stand out visually. The real test is whether it can mature into something sharper, more premium, and more rewarding to drive without abandoning the personality that made it memorable in the first place.
This latest iteration suggests that balance was very much the goal.
A Design That Evolves Rather Than Resets
At first glance, the new Murano looks unmistakably modern. The proportions are sleeker and more cohesive, with smoother surfacing and a lower, wider stance that visually anchors the crossover to the road. Ultra-thin LED lighting elements give the front and rear a high-tech, almost concept-car presence, while the familiar V-motion grille—now more refined than aggressive—keeps the Murano grounded in its design lineage.
Rather than chasing extremes, the exterior design feels intentional. It’s expressive without being polarizing, contemporary without resorting to gimmicks. In a segment filled with anonymous shapes, the Murano still reads as a vehicle designed by people who wanted it to be noticed for the right reasons.
That sense of restraint is important. It signals that the Murano is no longer trying to shout for attention. Instead, it’s confident enough to let details and proportions do the talking.
A Powertrain Shift That Changes the Driving Conversation
The most significant transformation lies beneath the hood. The long-serving V6 and continuously variable transmission are gone, replaced by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission. On paper, this might sound like a downgrade to traditionalists, but the real-world effect tells a different story.
The turbocharged engine delivers its torque more deliberately, with a stronger midrange response that suits everyday driving. Merging onto highways, accelerating out of corners, and navigating urban traffic all feel more predictable and composed. The nine-speed automatic, free from the elastic feel that defined earlier CVTs, brings a sense of mechanical connection that was previously missing from the Murano experience.
This isn’t about turning the Murano into a performance SUV. Instead, it’s about refinement and confidence. Throttle inputs feel more linear. Gear changes feel purposeful. The entire drivetrain works in harmony with the vehicle’s upscale ambitions rather than reminding drivers of compromises.
Ride Quality and Road Manners Take Center Stage
Beyond raw power, the Murano’s evolution is most evident in how it behaves on the road. Suspension tuning favors comfort, but not at the expense of control. The crossover absorbs broken pavement with composure, isolating occupants from harsh impacts while maintaining enough body discipline to feel stable through sweeping turns.
Steering is calibrated for ease rather than aggression, yet it avoids the numbness that often plagues vehicles in this class. The Murano doesn’t beg to be driven hard, but it rewards smooth, confident inputs with a calm, predictable demeanor. It feels like a vehicle designed for long distances, daily commutes, and relaxed confidence rather than short bursts of excitement.
In that sense, the Murano’s character remains intact—it has simply been refined.
An Interior That Finally Matches the Exterior’s Promise
Step inside, and the Murano makes its strongest case for growth. The cabin has undergone a comprehensive rethink, anchored by dual large digital displays that serve as both the instrument cluster and infotainment interface. The layout is clean, modern, and intuitive, avoiding the visual clutter that often accompanies tech-heavy interiors.
Material quality has taken a clear step forward. Soft-touch surfaces, subtle ambient lighting, and available massaging front seats elevate the experience beyond basic transportation. Everything feels considered, from the seat contours to the way controls are integrated into the dashboard.
Safety and driver assistance technologies are equally prominent, reinforcing the Murano’s role as a confidence-inspiring daily driver. These systems operate quietly in the background, enhancing awareness without overwhelming the driver with alerts or intrusions.
A Smart Fit in the Midsize Landscape
With updated proportions and thoughtful packaging, the Murano continues to occupy a unique position between compact crossovers and larger three-row SUVs. It offers generous space for passengers and cargo without the bulk or complexity of a family hauler, making it appealing to buyers who value comfort and design over sheer capacity.
This balance may be the Murano’s greatest strength. It doesn’t pretend to be everything to everyone. Instead, it focuses on delivering a refined, distinctive experience for drivers who want something a bit more expressive than the average midsize crossover.
A Confident Step Forward
The fourth-generation Murano doesn’t reinvent the nameplate. It doesn’t need to. What it does instead is address long-standing weaknesses while amplifying its strengths. By pairing modern design with a more engaging powertrain and a genuinely upscale interior, Nissan has given the Murano the maturity it always hinted at but never fully achieved.
This is a crossover that feels comfortable in its own skin—distinctive, refined, and quietly confident. In a segment crowded with safe choices, that may be the Murano’s most compelling evolution yet.
