2025 Nissan Murano: Complete Design and Performance Overview
The 2025 Nissan Murano represents a significant evolution in the crossover SUV market, combining bold exterior styling with advanced technology and improved performance metrics. This comprehensive guide explores the latest Murano's design language, powertrain options, interior amenities, and how it stacks up against both its predecessors and key competitors in the increasingly competitive midsize crossover segment.
The 2025 Nissan Murano arrives with a comprehensive redesign that builds upon its reputation as a style-forward crossover SUV while introducing significant technological and performance upgrades. As Nissan’s premium crossover offering continues to evolve, this latest iteration balances striking visual appeal with practical functionality, advanced safety systems, and refined driving dynamics. The 2025 model represents the most substantial update to the Murano lineup in several years, positioning it to compete more effectively in the crowded midsize crossover segment.
Exterior Design Evolution and Styling Features
The 2025 Nissan Murano showcases a bold evolution of Nissan’s design language, featuring more pronounced character lines and a more commanding presence. The front fascia has been completely reimagined with a wider, more distinctive V-motion grille that seamlessly integrates with slim, horizontal LED headlights. These signature lighting elements extend visually into the sculpted hood, creating a cohesive and premium appearance. The profile maintains the Murano’s distinctive floating roof design but with more refined proportions and a slightly more aggressive stance.
Wheel options have expanded for 2025, with new 19-inch and 20-inch alloy designs featuring intricate spoke patterns and two-tone finish options. The rear design incorporates horizontal LED taillights connected by a chrome accent bar, enhancing the perception of width. New exterior color options include Sunset Drift ChromaFlair, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Boulder Gray Pearl, expanding the palette to allow for greater personalization.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency Specifications
The 2025 Murano comes equipped with an updated powertrain lineup that balances performance with improved efficiency. The standard powerplant remains a revised version of Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, now producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque—an increase of 15 horsepower over the previous generation. This engine is paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission replacing the outgoing CVT, providing more responsive acceleration and improved highway fuel economy.
For the first time, the Murano lineup includes an available hybrid powertrain option combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 310 horsepower. This hybrid system delivers an estimated 30 mpg combined, representing a significant improvement over the standard V6’s 25 mpg combined rating. Both powertrains are available with either front-wheel drive or an enhanced intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can distribute torque more effectively in varying driving conditions.
Interior Comfort, Technology, and Infotainment Options
The 2025 Murano’s cabin has been completely redesigned with an emphasis on premium materials and a more intuitive layout. The dashboard features a horizontal design theme with slim air vents and minimalist controls, dominated by a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display that floats above the center console. This system runs Nissan’s latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, natural voice recognition, and over-the-air update capability.
The driver faces a fully digital 10.8-inch instrument cluster that can be configured to display various information layouts. Premium interior appointments include available semi-aniline leather seating, open-pore wood trim, and ambient lighting with 64 color choices. The climate control system now features tri-zone capability with rear controls, while a new 15-speaker Bose premium audio system delivers immersive sound. Additional technology features include a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports throughout the cabin, and an available head-up display that projects critical information onto the windshield.
Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Systems
Nissan has significantly expanded the Murano’s safety technology suite for 2025, making its ProPILOT Assist 2.0 system standard across all trim levels. This enhanced system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and can now handle stop-and-go traffic situations more smoothly. New for 2025 is the addition of hands-free driving capability on mapped highways, though drivers must remain attentive with an infrared camera monitoring their gaze.
The comprehensive safety package includes front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system with high-resolution display. The 2025 Murano also introduces a new intersection collision avoidance system that can detect oncoming vehicles during left turns and apply brakes if necessary. Additional safety enhancements include traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, and an updated automatic high beam system that can selectively shade portions of the light pattern to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.
Cargo Space and Seating Configurations
The 2025 Murano maintains its five-passenger configuration but with improved interior space utilization. Rear legroom has increased by 1.2 inches compared to the previous model, while the redesigned seats offer better support for long-distance comfort. The front seats now feature Nissan’s Zero Gravity design with enhanced lumbar support and available massage functionality on higher trim levels.
Cargo capacity has been optimized with 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row—a slight increase over the outgoing model—and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The rear seats now feature a 40/20/40 split configuration rather than the previous 60/40 arrangement, allowing for more versatile cargo and passenger combinations. Practical additions include an adjustable cargo floor height, side storage compartments, and a hands-free power liftgate that can be activated by a kick sensor beneath the rear bumper.
Comparison with Previous Murano Models and Competitors
The 2025 Murano represents the most significant redesign since the model’s third generation debuted in 2015. Compared to its predecessor, the new Murano offers more powerful engine options, a conventional transmission replacing the CVT, expanded technology features, and more refined styling. Interior quality has taken a substantial leap forward with premium materials now standard even on lower trim levels.
When positioned against key competitors like the Honda Passport, Toyota Venza, and Ford Edge, the 2025 Murano distinguishes itself with its unique styling, newly available hybrid powertrain, and comprehensive technology suite. While the Passport offers more rugged capability and the Venza delivers slightly better hybrid fuel economy, the Murano provides a more premium interior experience at a comparable price point.
| Model | Base Engine | Horsepower | Cargo Space | Starting Price (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Nissan Murano | 3.5L V6 | 295 hp | 36.3 cu ft | $34,900 |
| 2025 Honda Passport | 3.5L V6 | 280 hp | 41.2 cu ft | $38,100 |
| 2025 Toyota Venza | 2.5L Hybrid | 219 hp | 28.8 cu ft | $33,600 |
| 2025 Ford Edge | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 250 hp | 39.2 cu ft | $37,500 |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
The 2025 Nissan Murano emerges as a compelling option in the midsize crossover segment, balancing distinctive styling with practical functionality and advanced technology. With its expanded powertrain options, premium interior appointments, and comprehensive safety features, the new Murano addresses the needs of buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped crossover with a touch of luxury. While maintaining its identity as a style-forward option, the 2025 model’s improvements in performance, efficiency, and technology should help it remain competitive in an increasingly crowded market segment.