“This is an excellent SUV for a growing family, where kids are bigger with longer legs and need more room. The comfort of it overall is great for the whole family.”
2021 Nissan Murano: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Nissan Murano is that the Safety Shield 360 driver-assistance suite becomes standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light feature update with no redesign or powertrain change.
About the 2021 Nissan Murano
3rd gen (2015-2024), post-2019 refresh.
Nissan positions the Murano as a style-forward, premium-leaning two-row midsize SUV rather than a boxy utility-first family hauler. The emphasis is on standout exterior design, a quiet and comfortable five-passenger cabin, easy phone integration, and available AWD confidence. Review sources line up with that pitch: the Murano is most appealing to shoppers who want comfort, strong V6 power, and an upscale feel for everyday driving and road trips more than maximum cargo space or rugged capability.
The 2021 Murano ranges from the well-equipped S, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and LED headlights, to the comfort-focused SL with leather, Bose audio, and a 360-degree camera. The Platinum is the plushest version, adding cooled front seats, quilted semi-aniline leather, and a panoramic moonroof.
What changed, by category
Safety
Safety Shield 360 becomes standard across the lineup. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Tech
On the S trim, blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning change from optional to standard. On the SV, LED fog lights change from optional to standard.
2021 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 |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Nissan Murano?
The biggest change is standard Safety Shield 360 on every 2021 Murano. This safety suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Was the 2021 Nissan Murano redesigned?
No, the 2021 Murano was not redesigned. It remains part of the third generation and carries over the five-seat, two-row layout and overall design introduced before this model year.
Did the 2021 Nissan Murano get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Murano keeps the same 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission used for 2020. There is no major powertrain update for this model year.
What changed on the 2021 Murano S trim?
The 2021 Murano S gains broader standard driver assistance, including blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and dual-zone climate control.
What sets the 2021 Murano Platinum apart?
The 2021 Murano Platinum is the most upscale trim. Its signature features include cooled front seats, quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, a 360-degree camera, and heated rear seats.
2021 Nissan Murano Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Nissan Murano.
4.2
2021 Nissan Murano
(575 reviews)
“The Marano is my favorite car. Looks great, runs great and I have never had a problem with expensive break downs or repairs.”
“Nice vehicle, good interior design, good pickup, smooth and quiet ride, not the greatest mileage”