Nissan Murano Review in Europe and USA (2025–2026)
Author: Azka Kamil – Automotive Enthusiast
The Nissan Murano has long been positioned as a stylish mid-size crossover SUV that blends comfort, design innovation, and everyday usability. In this in-depth review, we will explore how the Nissan Murano performs in both the United States and Europe, highlighting differences in market availability, driving characteristics, features, safety ratings, and overall value proposition.
This article follows Google EEAT principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and is designed to provide clear, factual, and practical automotive insight.
1. Overview of Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Nissan since 2002. Known for its “floating roof” design and premium interior feel, it targets buyers who want comfort and style rather than off-road ruggedness.
Key Positioning:
Mid-size crossover SUV
5-passenger seating
Comfort-oriented driving experience
Strong focus on design and cabin refinement
2. Market Availability: USA vs Europe
United States Market
In the U.S., the Nissan Murano remains widely available and continues to be part of Nissan’s SUV lineup.
Strong sales in suburban family segments
Competes with Ford Edge, Toyota Venza, and Honda Passport
Positioned as a near-premium crossover
Official Nissan USA:
https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/murano.html
Europe Market
In Europe, the Murano has a very different story:
Limited or discontinued availability in most EU countries
Previously imported in small numbers
High emissions and fuel efficiency regulations reduced competitiveness
Instead, Nissan focuses on smaller SUVs like the Qashqai and X-Trail in Europe.
Nissan Europe:
https://www.nissan.eu
3. Engine & Performance
USA Specification (Typical)
The Murano in the U.S. uses a consistent powertrain:
~260 horsepower
Front-wheel drive or AWD option
Driving Feel:
Smooth acceleration
Quiet highway cruising
Not performance-focused, but stable and comfortable
Europe Expectation (When Available)
When sold in Europe historically:
Same 3.5L V6 engine
Considered inefficient by EU standards
Higher CO₂ emissions compared to rivals
4. Fuel Efficiency Comparison
| Region | Engine | Fuel Economy (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 3.5L V6 | 20–28 MPG |
| Europe (historical import) | 3.5L V6 | 9–11 L/100km |
The Murano is clearly optimized for comfort rather than fuel efficiency.
5. Interior & Comfort
One of the strongest selling points of the Nissan Murano is its interior quality.
Key Interior Features:
“Zero Gravity” seats for long-distance comfort
Premium soft-touch materials
Dual-zone climate control
Optional panoramic sunroof
Spacious rear seating
Cabin Experience:
The Murano feels closer to a luxury crossover than a mainstream SUV, especially in higher trims.
6. Technology & Infotainment
Modern Murano models include:
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Bose premium audio system (higher trims)
Navigation system
Driver assistance features (ProPILOT Assist in newer versions)
External reference:
https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/murano
7. Safety Ratings & Features
Safety is a major selling point in both U.S. and global markets.
Safety Features:
Automatic emergency braking
Blind spot monitoring
Rear cross traffic alert
Lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control
Safety Ratings:
Strong performance in U.S. crash testing (NHTSA)
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/NISSAN/MURANO/SUV/FWDGood structural safety reputation in IIHS testing
https://www.iihs.org
8. Exterior Design
The Murano remains one of Nissan’s most distinctive designs.
Design Highlights:
Floating roof effect
LED daytime running lights
Sculpted aerodynamic body
Coupe-inspired SUV styling
This design approach makes it stand out compared to more conservative competitors in both the U.S. and Europe.
9. Trim Levels (USA Market Example)
| Trim | Key Features |
|---|---|
| S | Base model, essential features |
| SV | Added comfort and tech |
| SL | Leather interior, premium upgrades |
| Platinum | Fully loaded luxury features |
10. Competitors Comparison
USA Market Competitors:
Toyota Venza
Ford Edge
Honda Passport
Hyundai Santa Fe
Europe Alternatives:
Nissan X-Trail
Toyota RAV4
Mazda CX-5
Kia Sorento
11. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Comfortable ride quality
Premium interior feel
Strong safety features
Stylish exterior design
Cons:
Fuel efficiency below hybrid competitors
CVT may feel less engaging
Limited availability in Europe
Not suitable for off-road use
12. Pricing Overview (USA)
Approximate pricing:
Base trim: $38,000+
Mid trim: $42,000+
Top trim: $48,000+
Pricing varies depending on packages and AWD option.
13. Expert Verdict
The Nissan Murano is best described as a comfort-focused crossover SUV rather than a performance or utility vehicle. In the U.S., it remains relevant due to its smooth ride and premium interior. However, in Europe, stricter emissions regulations and strong competition from hybrid SUVs have significantly reduced its presence.
14. Final Conclusion
If you are looking for:
A comfortable daily SUV
A stylish crossover with premium feel
A reliable long-distance cruiser
Then the Nissan Murano is still a strong choice in the U.S. market.
However, for European buyers, modern hybrid SUVs may offer better efficiency and lower running costs.
External References & Resources
Nissan Official USA: https://www.nissanusa.com
Nissan Europe: https://www.nissan.eu
Author Bio
Azka Kamil – Automotive Enthusiast
Azka Kamil is an automotive writer and enthusiast focusing on global car markets, SUV trends, and comparative vehicle analysis between the U.S., Europe, and Asian automotive sectors. His reviews emphasize practical usability, technical understanding, and market-driven insights.
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