Short answer: yes. Longer answer: all it takes is one look at what Nissan has done with the Murano for the 2025 model year and its full redesign to see that they’re looking to break the mold a bit with their midsize SUV. I’m not going to say that this is revolutionary or anything, but the 2025 Murano is a significant step up from the 2024 model you’ll find at a Nissan dealer right now. Inside and out, Nissan has given the Murano a well-deserved revamp that improves just about everything about it—this is important because the Murano has not been performing all that well the last few years. The dated looks and features of Nissan’s midsize SUV is probably a big part of that and the redesign brings the Murano into the modern SUV market. Let’s take a closer look at what it’s got going on and you’ll see what I mean.
New Looks and a Great Exterior
From the first moment you see the all-new, redesigned Murano, it’s clear that Nissan recognizes the looks of the 2024 model were long past their prime. I’m not one to gush too much about styling on cars, but I’m also more than happy to give compliments where they’re deserved. Nissan’s designers did very well with the looks of the new Murano; from front to back, it has sleek lines and elegant curves that pull your attention across its body. 20-inch wheels are standard on the 2025 Murano, while the Platinum trim gets larger 21-inch wheels; either choice gives it a bold stance that’s perfect for a midsize SUV.
The front end is eye-catching without being eye-watering, which is to say, it grabs your attention for all the right reasons. Some brands have been going a bit overboard with front grilles to make them stand out (looking at you, BMW), but the Murano has an understated yet stylish grille that works well. It flows into the headlamps in a way that’s both functional and elegant, creating a stylish and attractive front end overall. Although not offered on the starting model, the two higher trims have two-tone exterior colors available with hues like Scarlet Ember and Boulder Gray Pearl paired with a Super Black roof to create quite an impact.
An Open, Modern Interior
Looking inside, I’m just as impressed by what Nissan has done with the cabin of the 2025 Murano to make it feel both comfortable and functional. It’s abundantly clear that Nissan’s designers focused a lot on creating an inviting interior, and I’d say they nailed it. This is still a two-row model with seating for up to five passengers, and overall, the interior is well-designed and appointed. Available features take things to the next level, including options like quilted leather seating with massage functionality, heated and cooled front seats, 64-color customizable ambient interior lighting, and a panoramic moonroof for a great view of the sky overhead. They’re not looking to reinvent the proverbial wheel with this interior, which is fine by me; it looks great and seems like a comfortable ride, which is mostly what I care about.
Much Improved Tech Features
Some of the best improvements I can see in the 2025 Murano are the tech features Nissan has packed into it, which are a welcome change. Looking at the 2024 Murano, it felt pretty dated in the modern market due to things like an eight-inch infotainment display; even worse, this was the only option with no larger screen available. Nissan has kept to this pattern of only providing one display, but now it’s a far superior 12.3-inch Infotainment screen. Better yet, it’s joined by a second 12.3-inch display for the driver, creating a pair of screens that make it easy to keep track of important information.
These displays are nestled into an interior dashboard that Nissan describes as “glass-inspired,” which seems spot on—it gives me a sea-glass feel that’s quite refreshing. Google built-in and Nissan Connect Services are available to enhance the functionality of this setup, plus Nissan offers a head-up display to keep information right in your sightline without you taking your eyes off the road. While a six-speaker sound system is standard, the highest Platinum trim features a 10-speaker Bose audio setup, which should sound fantastic. Overall, these tech features ensure the Murano has a place among other modern midsize SUVs with a lot to offer.
New Engine: Not Much Has Improved
Now we come to the one aspect of the 2025 Murano that I’m not all that impressed by: its new engine. To be fair, I haven’t driven it yet or even gone for a ride in one, so I can’t say with first-hand experience how it feels or performs. That said, looking at the specs, I’m not exactly overwhelmed. For reference, the current 2024 Murano features a 3.5L V6 engine with 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2025 Murano comes with a 2.0L VC-Turbo I-4 engine that delivers 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
So, looking at the numbers, the new engine is a bit of a tradeoff in terms of power compared to the previous model: a bit less horsepower and a bit more torque. That said, as a new engine from Nissan, I’m willing to give it some benefit of the doubt and I imagine it feels better than the old engine simply due to enhanced engineering. I’m also one who prefers the feel of an automatic transmission over a CVT, so I’m happy to see that change. Towing potential remains at 1,500 lbs (no change from the 2024 model), which is fine but not impressive. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available; again, that’s fine, but it would’ve been nice to see standard all-wheel drive as you’ll find on some of its competitors, such as the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback—those other SUVs also have more powerful engines on offer.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 Delivers (As Usual)
As much as I’m disappointed to see performance similar to last year’s model, I’m delighted to see the 2025 Murano remains as safe as the 2024 version. Every Murano comes with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance features, including Automatic Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Rear Automatic Braking to help drivers avoid a collision. It also comes with a Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert for when someone’s about to cross behind it.
Capping things off, standard High Beam Assist helps Murano drivers avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Of course, a number of options are available to take safety even further such as an 3D Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor that provides a virtual 360-degree view around the vehicle while maneuvering at low speeds. Plus, there’s ProPILOT Assist that allows for hands-on Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assist, lane centering, and stop-and-hold functionality to make every drive safe and less stressful.
Is This Enough to Reinvigorate Sales for the Murano?
That’s the big question and one that I’m sure many people in fancy suits at Nissan are asking themselves as they prepare to launch this redesigned Murano. Sales for this SUV have not been great in recent years: after selling more than 83,000 models here in the US in 2018, numbers have dipped year after year, and Nissan sold only about 31,000 Murano models in 2023. There’s no doubt that Nissan wants this redesign to breathe new life back into their midsize SUV, and from everything I’ve seen, I think it certainly could.
I’m no fortune-teller or wizard, however, so I’ll have to see how it sells right alongside you; Nissan seems to have done everything possible to give the new Murano a real fighting chance (other than put a bit more fire under its hood). One final point: there’s no official pricing for the 2025 Murano yet, which is the last factor that I think could make or break the launch of this new generation. We’ll find out soon enough.
