“The vehicle feels solid, comfortable, and safe. Easy to drive and gets reasonable mileage.”
Nissan Murano: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Nissan Murano is a two-row midsize SUV known for sleek styling, a calm, upscale-feeling cabin, and relaxed everyday comfort. It favors easy road trips and a premium atmosphere over maximum cargo space or rugged capability.
Across its generations, the Murano has consistently been Nissan’s style-first, comfort-first midsize SUV. Its bold shapes and lounge-like interiors have set it apart from more practical-looking family SUVs. Even as its engines, safety features, and screens changed, its main purpose stayed the same: making everyday driving and long trips feel easy and refined.
Strengths
- The cabin has long emphasized a calm, lounge-like feel that suits daily driving and extended highway trips.
- Distinctive exterior styling gives the Murano a more design-focused personality than many practical family SUVs.
- Newer models pair their comfort focus with useful technology, including dual 12.3-inch displays across the redesigned 2025 lineup.
- Crash-avoidance features became standard across every trim for 2021, making later third-generation models easier to shop for on safety equipment.
- Every 2026 Murano has all-wheel drive, which simplifies the latest lineup for shoppers who want added traction.
Who it's for
The Murano best fits a couple or small family that wants a roomy two-row SUV for commuting, errands, and highway trips. It makes sense for shoppers who value comfort and cabin atmosphere more than a third row, maximum cargo capacity, or trail-ready capability.
Nissan Murano lineup
In recent years, SV has served as the practical starting point; pick it for the Murano’s core comfort, safety, and technology without moving into the richer trims. SL is the middle choice and generally leans further into comfort and convenience, making it the natural step up for buyers who spend more time on the road. Platinum has been the luxury-focused topper since the 2015 redesign, with the strongest emphasis on the Murano’s upscale side. On older models, S was the basic entry trim, while LE filled the top-trim role before Platinum replaced it.
Nissan Murano generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Murano spans three generations. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2025, following the 3rd Generation (2015–2024).
4th Generation (2025–Present)
A full redesign brought a wider body, a more upscale cabin, and dual 12.3-inch displays. This generation replaced the previous V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission with a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder and a 9-speed automatic.
50 In Stock
2026
AWD becomes standard across the lineup, and the front-wheel-drive SV is dropped.
2025New generation
Redesigned inside and out with a turbo four-cylinder, 9-speed automatic, dual 12.3-inch displays, and standard driver-assistance technology.
3rd Generation (2015–2024)
This generation introduced more dramatic styling and a richer, lounge-like cabin while retaining a V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission. Safety and phone-connectivity features became more widely standard as the generation aged.
209 In Stock
2024Trim changes
The base S trim leaves the lineup, while the SL gains a standard panoramic moonroof.
2023
Carryover year with the same four trims, V6 powertrain, and standard safety suite.
2022
The SV gains more standard comfort equipment; the rest of the lineup changes little.
2021
The Safety Shield 360 crash-avoidance suite becomes standard on every trim.
2020
More driver-assistance features become standard on SV, SL, and Platinum, with a few trim-specific equipment upgrades.
2019Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, LED lighting, wheels, and interior trim arrive, along with added safety technology.
2018
Automatic emergency braking, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto become standard across the lineup.
2017
A midyear update expands Apple CarPlay and makes some driver-assistance features more widely offered.
2016
SL Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid trims join the lineup with a supercharged 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain.
2015New generation
Redesigned with dramatic exterior styling, a more upscale cabin, updated technology, and a new Platinum top trim.
2nd Generation (2009–2014)
The second-generation Murano moved to a new platform with a redesigned body, cabin, suspension, and steering. It also received a stronger 265-hp V6 and an updated continuously variable automatic transmission, while the unusual CrossCabriolet joined later.
6 In Stock
2014
Carryover final year for this generation and the CrossCabriolet.
2013
No significant changes to the design, powertrain, cabin technology, or safety equipment.
2012
The four-seat AWD CrossCabriolet convertible joins the Murano family; the regular SUV changes little.
2011Trim changes
The new SV trim and Cross variant join the lineup, alongside mild exterior and interior updates.
2010
Keyless entry and push-button start become standard on every trim, with several trim-specific equipment upgrades.
2009New generation
Redesigned on a new platform with a new body and cabin, a stronger V6, an updated transmission, and a new LE top trim.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Murano.
2026 Nissan Murano2025 Nissan Murano2024 Nissan Murano2023 Nissan Murano2022 Nissan Murano2021 Nissan Murano2020 Nissan Murano2019 Nissan Murano2018 Nissan Murano2017 Nissan Murano2016 Nissan Murano2015 Nissan Murano2014 Nissan Murano2013 Nissan Murano2012 Nissan Murano2011 Nissan Murano2010 Nissan Murano2009 Nissan Murano
Frequently asked questions
What kind of SUV is the Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano is a two-row midsize SUV built around comfort, sleek styling, and an upscale cabin feel. It suits everyday driving and road trips better than rugged trails or jobs that demand maximum cargo space.
How many people does the Nissan Murano seat?
The Nissan Murano seats five people in two rows. It has no third row, so it fits shoppers who value passenger comfort and a calmer cabin over carrying six or more people.
Is the Nissan Murano good for long drives?
Yes. Long-drive comfort is one of the Murano’s main strengths, with a comfort-first cabin and a polished road-trip character. It is aimed more at relaxed travel than sporty handling or rugged use.
Does the Nissan Murano have all-wheel drive?
Yes, but the setup depends on the model year. Earlier Muranos included front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Every 2026 Murano has all-wheel drive, while the redesigned 2025 lineup still included a front-wheel-drive SV.
Does the Nissan Murano come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only for 2016. The rare SL Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid used a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Other years in this history use gasoline-only powertrains.
Does the Nissan Murano have a V6 or a turbo engine?
It depends on the generation. Most 2009–2024 Muranos use a 3.5-liter V6 with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The 2025 redesign introduced a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder and a conventional nine-speed automatic.
What are the main Nissan Murano generations?
The second generation covers 2009–2014, the third runs from 2015–2024, and the fourth begins with the 2025 redesign. The newest generation has a new cabin, dual 12.3-inch displays, and a turbo engine in place of the longtime V6.
Nissan Murano Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Murano.
4.2
Nissan Murano
(7,065 reviews)
“For the price, the safety features and the overall look of this car. It is a great buy.”
“I have had my new car less than two months. I have driven it 10,000 miles already. I may double that in two more months. What a joy!”
“It's a very smooth ride, luxurious And would most definitely go with the same vehicle the next time.”
“it has a lot of things backwards on it. Fuel gauge reads empty to full. The door locks are backyards. The back windows button do not light up or indicate they are for the back windows.”
“Didn't like the style of the 2015 as much so purchased a 2014. Wanted a navigation system but am very disappointed with it.”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2026 / 2026 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2025 / 2025 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2022 / 2022 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Nissan Murano Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Murano / 2015 / 2015 Nissan Murano owner manual
- owners.nissanusa.com — Murano / 2013 / 2013 Murano quick reference guide