2012 Nissan Murano: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Nissan Murano is a light equipment-update year, not a redesign. The main change is a new standard 7-inch monochrome display for the S trim, while the CrossCabriolet’s navigation and touchscreen move from standard to optional.
About the 2012 Nissan Murano
2nd generation Murano (2009-2014), second year after the 2011 refresh.
The 2012 Murano is Nissan’s style-forward two-row midsize crossover for shoppers who want a richer cabin and smoother road manners than many boxier family SUVs. Nissan markets it around strong V6 power, a seamless CVT, available AWD, and an upscale interior with comfort-focused features rather than maximum passenger count. In plain terms, Murano is the five-seat choice for buyers who value design, quiet cruising, and premium touches more than a third row or rugged off-road hardware.
The regular Murano remains a comfortable five-seat crossover, ranging from the well-equipped S to the luxury-focused LE with leather, heated rear seats, xenon headlights, and 20-inch wheels. The SL emphasizes comfort with heated leather seats, Bose audio, and a power liftgate, while the SV adds everyday conveniences such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a dual-panel moonroof. The four-seat CrossCabriolet is the unusual member of the family, pairing a power soft top with a V6, standard AWD, heated leather front seats, and pop-up roll bars.
What changed, by category
2012 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 | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 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 | 12.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 32.7 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 | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Video Input | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Nissan Murano compared with the 2011 model?
The 2012 Murano gets only minor equipment changes. The S gains a standard 7-inch monochrome display, while navigation and the touchscreen become optional rather than standard on the CrossCabriolet.
Is the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet new for this year?
No. The CrossCabriolet carried over from 2011 rather than joining the lineup for 2012. It is a four-seat convertible with a power soft top, a V6, and standard AWD.
Was the 2012 Nissan Murano redesigned?
No. The 2012 Murano remains part of the second generation introduced for 2009 and follows the styling and equipment refresh made for 2011.
Did the 2012 Nissan Murano get a new engine or transmission?
No major powertrain change is identified for 2012. The Murano continues with its V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission, and the year’s confirmed updates focus on trim equipment.
Which 2012 Nissan Murano trims have the most comfort features?
The SL and LE are the most comfort-focused five-door trims for 2012. The SL has heated leather front seats, Bose audio, and a power liftgate, while the LE adds heated rear seats, driver-seat memory, xenon headlights, and 20-inch wheels.