I have been waiting for this car for a long time. The old Nissan Murano was getting very old. It looked the same for almost ten years. But now, the 2025 Nissan Murano is finally here, and it is completely new. I got to spend some time with it, and I have a lot to say.
This review is for regular people who just want a comfortable SUV for their family. I am not a race car driver. I just want to know if this car is good for grocery runs and road trips.
Quick Spec Table
Here is the data for the car nerds.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| MPG (Est.) | 21 City / 27 Hwy |
| Screen Size | Dual 12.3-inch Displays |
| Wheels | 20-inch (SV/SL) or 21-inch (Platinum) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
What is New?
Everything. Literally everything is different. The biggest news is under the hood. The old V6 engine is gone. The CVT (that rubber-band transmission everyone hated) is also gone. This is a huge deal.
Nissan wants this car to feel like a “sanctuary.” They want it to be a relaxing place. After driving it, I think they did a pretty good job. It feels much more expensive than the old one.
Exterior Design: It Looks Wide
The first thing you notice is how wide the car looks. It is actually a few inches wider than before. It gives the car a very strong stance on the road.
The front is very smooth. The headlights are super thin. Nissan calls them “Crystal Cube” lights. They are separated from the grill, which is different from most cars today. The daytime running lights are hidden inside the grill. You can’t see them until they turn on. It looks very futuristic.
At the back, they moved the license plate down to the bottom bumper. This makes the trunk look very clean. There is a light bar that goes all the way across the back. It looks great at night. They also hid the rear wiper up under the spoiler, so you don’t see it. It makes the car look very smooth and clean.
Interior: Like a Spa on Wheels
This is where the Murano shines. The interior is beautiful. It feels like a luxury car, almost like an Infiniti.
The dashboard has two big screens. They are both 12.3 inches. They sit next to each other under one piece of glass. It looks very modern. The materials are soft. On the dashboard, there is this cool glass-like trim that changes color a little bit.
The Seats
Nissan is famous for their “Zero Gravity” seats. They are back again, and they are amazing. They are so comfortable. In the top model (Platinum), you can even get massaging seats for the driver and passenger. I turned on the massage feature during traffic, and I didn’t want to get out of the car.
The Tech
The car has Google built-in. This means you have Google Maps right on the screen. You don’t need to plug in your phone. But if you want to, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One thing I found a bit annoying is the climate controls. They are touch buttons on a wood panel. They look nice, but you have to look down to press them. I prefer real knobs for the volume and temperature.
Also Read My Real World Review of the 2026 Lexus RX: The King of Comfort
The Engine: A Big Change
Okay, lets talk about the engine. The old Murano had a V6 engine. It was smooth but old. The new 2025 Murano has a 2.0-liter Turbo 4-cylinder engine.
Some people are mad about losing the V6. But this new engine is good. It has 241 horsepower. That is a little less than the old one (which had 260 hp). But it has more torque (260 lb-ft), which is the power you feel when you step on the gas at a stoplight.
The Transmission
This is the best part. The CVT is dead. The new Murano has a real 9-speed automatic transmission. This changes everything.
When you drive the old Murano, the engine would just drone “moooooo” when you stepped on the gas. The new one shifts gears. It feels normal. It feels connected. It is much better to drive.
Driving Impressions
I drove the car on the highway and in the city. It is very quiet. Nissan put a lot of sound insulation in this car. You don’t hear much wind noise.
The ride is smooth. The suspension soaks up the bumps very well. However, the Platinum model comes with huge 21-inch wheels. They look awesome, but they make the ride a little bit stiffer. If you want the smoothest ride, maybe stick to the smaller wheels on the SL trim.
It is not a sports car. Don’t expect to race a BMW. It is made for cruising. The steering is light and easy. It is very easy to park for such a wide car.
Cargo and Space
The back seat is very roomy. There is plenty of legroom for adults. The floor is flat, so three people can sit across.
The trunk is a good size. It has about 32.9 cubic feet of space. It is not the biggest in its class (the Honda Passport is bigger), but it is enough for most families. The back seats fold flat easily if you need to carry big boxes.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Nissan kept it simple. There are three main trims. All of them come with AWD (All-Wheel Drive) optional or standard depending on where you look (most dealers will order AWD).
- SV: This is the base model. It is actually very well equipped. It has the big screens and heated front seats. It has fake leather (leatherette).
- SL: This is the middle one. It adds a panoramic moonroof (big glass roof), a Bose sound system, and Google built-in. It also has a 360-degree camera which helps with parking.
- Platinum: This is the fancy one. It has real semi-aniline leather (very soft), massaging front seats, and the big 21-inch wheels.
The price has gone up a bit. The base model starts around $40,000, and the loaded Platinum is over $50,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the 2025 Murano have a CVT?
A: No! Nissan finally got rid of it. It now has a standard 9-speed automatic transmission. It shifts much better.
Q: Is the new engine faster than the V6?
A: Not really. It has less horsepower (241 vs 260). However, it has more torque, so it feels punchy around town. But on the highway, the old V6 might have felt a tiny bit stronger at high speeds.
Q: Does it require premium gas?
A: No, Nissan says it runs fine on regular gas. But to get the best performance from the turbo, premium is usually recommended, though not required.
Q: Is it a 7-seater?
A: No. The Murano is strictly a 2-row, 5-seater SUV. If you need 7 seats, you should look at the Nissan Pathfinder.
Final Verdict
Is the 2025 Nissan Murano worth buying?
Yes, if you prioritize comfort.
The old Murano was hard to recommend because of the CVT transmission. The new 2025 model fixes that problem. It looks great, the interior is lovely, and the technology is finally up to date.
It is a little bit expensive now. And the touch buttons for the AC are a bit annoying. But if you want a car that looks stylish and feels like a sanctuary after a long day at work, the new Murano is a great choice. It is a massive improvement over the old one.
Pros:
- No more CVT transmission!
- Beautiful, high-quality interior.
- Very quiet and comfortable ride.
- Standard safety tech is excellent.
Cons:
- Less horsepower than the old model.
- Touch controls for climate are finicky.
- Rear visibility is a bit poor (but the cameras help).
- Towing capacity is low (only 1,500 lbs).
Go test drive one. Just make sure to sit in those massaging seats on the Platinum trim. You might end up buying it just for that.
