2011 Nissan Murano: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2011 Nissan Murano is a broader lineup, with the new midlevel SV and upscale AWD-only Cross joining a mildly refreshed regular SUV range. This is a mid-cycle update, not a full redesign.
About the 2011 Nissan Murano
2nd generation Murano (2009-2014), third model year with a light refresh, a new SV trim, and the debut of the Cross variant.
Nissan positions the Murano as a premium-leaning midsize crossover for shoppers who want more style and cabin richness than a typical family SUV. The core pitch is a strong V6, smooth CVT, available AWD, a roomy two-row interior, and upscale details like push-button start and available panoramic glass. In this era, Murano stands out less for rugged utility and more for comfort, design, and a near-luxury feel in everyday driving.
For 2011, the new SV bridges the gap between the basic S and the more comfort-focused SL, adding a dual-panel moonroof, rearview camera, USB connection, and 7-inch display. The SL emphasizes comfort with leather, heated front seats, Bose audio, and a power liftgate, while the LE adds touches such as heated rear seats, xenon headlights, and 20-inch wheels. The Cross sits apart as a distinctive upscale version with standard AWD, leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
What changed, by category
2011 Nissan Murano specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 64 cu-ft | 64.5 cu-ft | 64.5 cu-ft | 64.5 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Video Input | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Nissan Murano a full redesign?
No. The 2011 Murano is a light mid-cycle update within the second generation, with revised styling and cabin materials plus changes to the trim lineup.
Which trims were added to the 2011 Nissan Murano?
The SV and Cross were added for 2011. The SV became the middle trim between S and SL, while the Cross served as a more distinctive upscale version with standard AWD.
What changed on the outside of the 2011 Nissan Murano?
The regular 2011 Murano SUV received revised front-end details and updated rear lighting. The changes refreshed its appearance without introducing a new body generation.
What became standard on the 2011 Nissan Murano SL?
The 2011 Murano SL made leather seats, heated front seats, a power moonroof, Bluetooth, premium audio, a rearview camera, and satellite radio standard. It also included a power liftgate, driver memory, and rain-sensing wipers.
Is the 2011 Nissan Murano meaningfully different from the 2010 model?
Yes, though the differences are moderate rather than dramatic. The 2011 model has refreshed exterior and interior details, two additional trims, and more standard equipment on the SL, but it remains part of the same generation.