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2026 Nissan Murano Platinum POV test drive, spirited drive, highway drive, launch control, 0-60 acceleration, exhaust sound, review.
The Nissan Murano has always been one of the more interesting vehicles in Nissan’s boring line up, and I’ll be completely honest, I’ve always liked as it always stood out and had great design, especially the Cross Cabrio ;)
The newest, 4th generation is no different, maybe be a little bit more conservative, however it is still a pretty attractive vehicle.
As a 2-row mid-size SUV, the Murano uses a modified, front wheel drive platform from the Pathfinder. We have a strut front suspension, multilink in the back combined with frequency sensitive dampers, which aren’t adaptive per say, you cannot adjust the damping power, but they change their characteristic based on the driving conditions, so they can have better damping when you hit potholes, or improve body control when you enter corners.
Nissan also put a good amount of effort to reduce NVH, we have lots of isolators and deadening materials, laminated side windows, and I can already tell you, the ride comfort is pretty high in this thing.
Another big change in the Murano is the powertrain. First of all, the naturally aspirated V6 also the infamous CVT are gone.
We have a 241-hp 2-liter turbo-4, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, with AWD as standard starting in 2026, 2025s were FWD standard, and AWD was an option.
So the terrible CVT is gone and and you may think it’s a change for better. Well, yes and no.
I’m happy to see a conventional, 9-speed automatic, but the engine is a variable compression turbo unit, something Nissan has been pushing in their vehicles for the past few years.
When you need more power and torque, the compression ratio is lowered, allowing for more boost from the turbocharger, and when you drive normally, the compression ratio will be higher for better fuel economy.
It sounds like a good idea, but doesn’t really work. The tuning is far from perfect and if you expect some crazy MPG numbers, you’ll be disappointed. I averaged around 20 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on a highway and 22-23 MPG combined, so far from perfect for a “groundbreaking” technology.
We start with an SV for $41,000, then we have an SL for around $47,000, which seems like the sweet spot, and in case of our tester, a top of the line Platinum we’re looking at around $55,000.
MORE INFO
The 2025 Nissan Murano is here, and it's defiantly holding onto its smooth V6 engine while competitors switch to turbo-fours. Is this stylish SUV a powerful rebel or a relic? We dive deep into its bold new design, luxurious interior, and that glorious 300-horsepower engine to see how it stacks up against the Toyota Venza, Honda Passport, and Ford Edge.
The 2025 Nissan Murano isn't for everyone, and that's the point. With its head-turning style, incredibly comfortable cabin, and a potent 3.5L V6, it carves out a unique niche. But is it the right choice for you? Watch to get the full story.
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- Interestingly, I went to buy another vehicle for my wife. I already have a 2018 Murano Platinum, so I was looking at the 25 Platinum. I drove all 3 trims, and was sorely disappointed. I agree with your complete assessment of the cars shortcomings. The engine and transmission are a horrible experience. My 2018 V6 with the hated CVT is smooth as glass. This was horrible.Then there are three controls. Dreadful is being kind. I had to stop at the rest area on the interstate to figure out how to get the cruise control to work. Then I figured out it didn't have ProPilot Assist 2.1. I always test cars to see if I could get 4 full sized golf bags in the trunk...fail! The rear seats also don't recline.
So, after a couple hours of driving the 25 Murano, 25 Pathfinder (another horrible driving experience and too big of a vehicle for my wife), and the 25 Rogue Platinum, I ended up with the Rogue Platinum for $14,000 less than the Murano. It has a much better cargo area and similar passenger space. Also, ProPilot Assist 2.1. I gave up ventilated seats, and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, but not much else. It suits my purpose just fine.
- Kudos to Nissan for not enabling that rear seat occupancy reminder horn by default. CR: not everyone has kids. I’d lose my mind if that was the default behavior. Nissan makes it a standard feature, thereby giving owners the option to enable it if their family situation would benefit from it. Nissan should get the score credit. Stop forcing driver aids that are not universally applicable on us CR.
- When it comes to touching buttons or screens, do auto engineers ever realize that drivers and passengers actually need to use them as the vehicle is bouncing along going down the road? And having buttons that are small or difficult to see only makes it more likely to hit the wrong damn button!
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