2026 Nissan Murano Review: A Comfortable Midsize SUV That Prioritizes Refinement
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| 2026 Nissan Murano Review |
For U.S. buyers, that strategy makes sense—but it also creates a difficult question: Is the Murano good enough to justify its price when buyers can find larger three-row SUVs and entry-level luxury vehicles in the same territory?
Based on the latest specifications from Nissan, independent safety data, and feedback from American owners, the answer is nuanced. The Murano is a strong choice for buyers who value a quiet and comfortable two-row SUV, but it isn't necessarily the most compelling vehicle in its price class.
2026 Nissan Murano: What's New?
The current-generation Murano was introduced for the 2025 model year, bringing a substantial redesign. For 2026, Nissan continues with the same basic fourth-generation formula while making all-wheel drive standard across the lineup and offering ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on the Platinum trim with the appropriate package.
Nissan lists three U.S. trims:
| Trim | Starting MSRP* | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|
| Murano SV AWD | $41,670 | AWD |
| Murano SL AWD | $46,760 | AWD |
| Murano Platinum AWD | $49,800 | AWD |
*Before destination charges, taxes, registration and dealer fees.
Nissan's official specifications confirm that all three versions use the same 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent AWD. (Nissan USA)
The starting price therefore places the Murano considerably above mainstream compact SUVs and directly into territory occupied by larger and more premium competitors.
Engine and Performance
The biggest mechanical change in the new Murano generation is its move away from the previous V6.
The 2026 Murano uses Nissan's:
2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder
241 horsepower
260 lb-ft of torque
9-speed automatic transmission
Intelligent AWD
Independent front strut suspension
Independent multi-link rear suspension
Nissan rates the engine at 241 hp and 260 lb-ft, with peak torque arriving around 4,400 rpm according to its published specifications. (Nissan USA)
Automotive analysis
On paper, 241 horsepower is adequate for a five-passenger midsize SUV.
However, this is not a performance-oriented powertrain. The Murano's engineering priorities are more closely aligned with smooth cruising and everyday usability than aggressive acceleration.
That's important because several American owner reviews describe the drivetrain differently from Nissan's marketing.
Some owners praise the powertrain and smooth ride, while others report noticeable turbo lag, engine noise and transmission behavior that doesn't always feel synchronized with the engine. One Edmunds owner specifically described the engine as noisy and complained about perceived turbo lag and drivetrain calibration. (Edmunds)
Another owner reported that the transmission appeared to hold gears longer than expected when attempting to extract additional power. (Edmunds)
This doesn't mean the Murano has a fundamentally bad powertrain. Instead, it suggests that drivetrain refinement may depend heavily on the driver's expectations.
Someone coming from a traditional naturally aspirated V6 may perceive the turbo four-cylinder differently from a buyer accustomed to modern turbocharged SUVs.
Fuel Economy
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| Nissan Murano |
The 2026 Murano is rated by Nissan at:
21 mpg city
27 mpg highway
23 mpg combined
It uses regular gasoline. (Nissan USA)
For a midsize AWD SUV producing 241 horsepower, those numbers are respectable, although not class-leading.
What does 23 mpg mean financially?
Consider a driver covering 12,000 miles per year.
At 23 mpg:
12,000 ÷ 23 = approximately 522 gallons/year
If gasoline averages $3.50 per gallon:
522 × $3.50 ≈ $1,827/year
Actual fuel costs will vary significantly depending on state, driving conditions and gasoline prices.
The important point is that the Murano isn't particularly expensive to operate from a fuel perspective compared with larger three-row SUVs, but buyers shouldn't expect hybrid-level efficiency.
Ride and Handling
This is arguably where the Murano makes the strongest case for itself.
American reviewers and owners frequently emphasize:
Comfortable seats
Quiet highway cabin
Smooth ride
Relaxed cruising
Premium-feeling interior
Edmunds describes the Murano as particularly comfortable and highlights its quiet highway behavior and front-seat comfort. (Edmunds)
That's consistent with Nissan's overall positioning of the Murano.
The suspension uses independent architecture front and rear, which helps Nissan tune the SUV toward comfort without making it feel excessively soft. (Nissan USA)
Automotive verdict
If your typical driving consists of:
Suburban roads → freeway → commuting → road trips
the Murano makes considerably more sense.
If your priority is:
Sporty cornering → fast acceleration → towing → maximum cargo capacity
there are better choices.
Interior: One of the Murano's Biggest Strengths
The fourth-generation Murano takes a substantial step toward the premium end of the mainstream market.
Depending on trim, buyers can get:
12.3-inch infotainment display
Google built-in
12.3-inch driver display
Panoramic moonroof
Heated seats
Heated steering wheel
Bose audio
Quilted leather-appointed seats
Ventilated front seats
Massaging front seats
Premium interior materials
Nissan describes the cabin as a more upscale environment, and the Platinum trim pushes the Murano surprisingly close to entry-level luxury territory. (Nissan USA)
What American Owners Like
Owner feedback on Edmunds shows several recurring positives:
Comfort: Many owners appreciate the seats and ride quality.
Appearance: The new design receives positive comments from owners who like its more distinctive styling.
Technology: Owners generally appreciate the large displays and technology features.
Highway driving: The quiet cabin and comfortable ride are repeatedly mentioned as strengths. (Edmunds)
This is important because the Murano isn't necessarily trying to win a specification war.
Its selling proposition is closer to:
"Spend your commute in a comfortable, premium-feeling cabin."
Technology: Impressive, But Not Perfect
The Murano includes Nissan's Safety Shield 360 technology, while the Platinum can be equipped with ProPILOT Assist 2.1.
The latter is particularly interesting.
ProPILOT Assist 2.1 can provide hands-free highway driving under appropriate conditions, making it one of the Murano's most technologically significant features.
Nissan lists ProPILOT Assist as standard, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is available on the Platinum. (Nissan USA)
But there is a downside
Some American owner reviews report technology glitches.
Complaints include reports involving:
Sensors
Warning lights
Camera behavior
Infotainment
Driver-assistance systems
Software-related inconsistencies
One Edmunds owner reported multiple intermittent technology problems, including a lane-detection sensor issue and occasional camera/display problems. (Edmunds)
These are owner-reported experiences, not proof that every Murano suffers from these problems. However, they are worth considering when evaluating a newly redesigned vehicle.
Safety: A Major Strength
The Murano performs much better when viewed through the lens of crash safety.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2025 Murano a Top Safety Pick+ designation, with good ratings in the tested small-overlap, updated moderate-overlap and updated side-impact tests. (IIHS Crash Testing)
IIHS also lists:
Standard blind-spot detection
Standard lane-departure warning/prevention
Standard rear automatic braking
Standard forward collision prevention
Standard pedestrian automatic emergency braking
The 2025 test results apply to 2025–26 Murano models for the listed evaluations. (IIHS Crash Testing)
Nissan also states that the 2026 Murano has received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. (Nissan USA)
Safety verdict
For a family-oriented SUV, this is a major advantage.
The Murano combines a strong crash-test record with a substantial suite of active driver-assistance systems.
An Important Recall Buyers Should Know About
Anyone shopping for a used or leftover 2025 Murano should check the vehicle identification number for open recalls.
NHTSA documented a 2025 recall involving certain Murano vehicles because one or both front brake caliper assemblies could have reduced strength and potentially break.
The recall involved 472 Nissan Murano vehicles among the affected Nissan/Infiniti population. The remedy involved inspection and replacement of affected calipers at no charge. (NHTSA Static)
This does not mean every 2025 Murano was affected.
It does mean buyers should check the VIN and confirm that any applicable recall work has been completed.
2026 Nissan Murano Trim Comparison
Murano SV — Best Value
Starting MSRP: $41,670
The SV is arguably the most rational Murano.
It already provides:
241-hp turbo engine
AWD
20-inch wheels
Heated front seats
12.3-inch infotainment
Google built-in
Safety Shield 360
ProPILOT Assist
Nissan's specifications show that many of the important mechanical and safety features are standard rather than reserved for expensive trims. (Nissan USA)
Our pick: SV.
Murano SL — Premium Sweet Spot
Starting MSRP: $46,760
The SL adds substantially more luxury equipment and is likely to appeal to buyers who want a more premium experience without going all the way to the Platinum.
Features include additional comfort and technology equipment such as:
Heated steering wheel
Panoramic moonroof
Premium seating
Bose audio
Enhanced camera technology
Our pick: SL for buyers prioritizing comfort.
Murano Platinum — Maximum Luxury
Starting MSRP: $49,800
The Platinum is where the Murano starts feeling genuinely upscale.
Depending on configuration, it offers:
Semi-aniline leather
Massaging front seats
Ventilated seats
21-inch wheels
Bose audio
Advanced camera system
Available ProPILOT Assist 2.1
The problem is price.
At roughly $50,000 before destination and other charges, buyers have access to a much broader selection of vehicles—including larger mainstream SUVs and entry-level luxury alternatives.
That makes the Platinum harder to recommend purely from a value perspective.
American Owner Reviews: What Readers Are Saying
The owner feedback presents a fascinating picture.
Positive themes
American owners frequently praise:
1. Comfortable ride
The Murano feels designed for long-distance comfort rather than aggressive driving.
2. Attractive interior
The redesigned cabin is one of the strongest aspects of the vehicle.
3. Styling
The fourth-generation design is considerably more distinctive than the outgoing model.
4. Technology
Large screens and available advanced driver assistance create a more premium experience.
5. Quiet highway behavior
This is one of the Murano's clearest strengths.
Edmunds currently shows mixed but generally positive owner sentiment, with many owners emphasizing ride comfort, styling and equipment. (Edmunds)
Negative themes
The recurring concerns are more interesting.
1. Powertrain calibration
Some owners aren't impressed with the relationship between the turbo engine and nine-speed automatic.
2. Turbo lag
Some drivers perceive a delay between accelerator input and power delivery.
3. Engine noise
A portion of owners find the four-cylinder engine noisier than expected.
4. Electronics
Some owners have reported intermittent technology and sensor problems.
These reports should be viewed as consumer feedback rather than statistically representative reliability data. (Edmunds)
Is the Nissan Murano Reliable?
This is one area where buyers should avoid making a premature judgment.
The current Murano generation is still relatively new. Long-term reliability data covering many years and high mileage are therefore limited.
That's particularly important because the Murano combines several relatively sophisticated systems:
VC-Turbo engine
9-speed automatic
Multiple cameras and sensors
Large digital displays
Advanced driver assistance
Hands-free driving technology on higher trims
More technology can provide a better user experience, but it also creates more components that can potentially require diagnosis or software updates.
Therefore, I would not call the 2026 Murano either highly reliable or unreliable based solely on early owner reviews.
The more responsible conclusion is:
Long-term reliability remains something buyers should monitor as the fourth-generation Murano accumulates mileage.
Nissan Murano vs. Its Competition
The Murano's biggest problem isn't that it's a bad SUV.
It's that the $40,000–$50,000 price range is extremely competitive.
A buyer should compare it with vehicles such as:
Honda Passport
Toyota Grand Highlander
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
Subaru Outback
Mazda CX-90
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Ford Edge alternatives/used inventory
Entry-level luxury SUVs
The Murano differentiates itself through its combination of two-row packaging, comfort, distinctive design and available hands-free driving technology.
But it doesn't necessarily dominate any single category.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Comfortable ride
Excellent front-seat comfort
Quiet highway cabin
Attractive redesigned interior
Strong standard safety equipment
Standard AWD
241-hp turbo engine
Available ProPILOT Assist 2.1
Strong IIHS safety performance
Premium feel without being a luxury brand
Cons
Expensive for a two-row mainstream SUV
Some owners dislike drivetrain behavior
Turbo lag reported by some owners
Four-cylinder engine can sound busy
Technology complaints appear in some owner reviews
Cargo/passenger practicality isn't class-leading
Platinum approaches luxury-SUV pricing
Our Automotive Verdict
2026 Nissan Murano Rating: 8.0/10 for the right buyer
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exterior design | 8.5/10 |
| Interior | 8.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9/10 |
| Performance | 7.5/10 |
| Fuel economy | 7.5/10 |
| Technology | 8.5/10 |
| Safety | 9/10 |
| Practicality | 7.5/10 |
| Value | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8.0/10 |
The Murano is not the SUV I'd recommend to someone who wants maximum utility per dollar.
But that's also missing the point of the vehicle.
The 2026 Nissan Murano is essentially a comfort-focused midsize crossover for buyers who want something more sophisticated than a typical mainstream SUV without necessarily moving to a luxury badge.
Its strongest attributes are the seats, ride, cabin atmosphere, styling and safety technology.
Its biggest weaknesses are price and powertrain refinement.
The most rational configuration is the Murano SV, because it delivers the fundamental Murano experience without pushing the purchase price toward $50,000.
The Platinum is attractive, but once the price approaches luxury-SUV territory, buyers should shop aggressively across the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Nissan Murano a good SUV?
Yes, particularly for buyers who prioritize comfort, quietness, styling and technology. Independent testing and owner feedback suggest that the Murano's strongest characteristics are its ride and cabin experience. (Edmunds)
How much does the 2026 Nissan Murano cost?
The 2026 Murano starts at $41,670 for the SV, $46,760 for the SL and $49,800 for the Platinum, before destination and other charges. (Nissan USA)
Does the 2026 Murano have AWD?
Yes. Intelligent AWD is standard across the 2026 Murano lineup. (Nissan USA)
How powerful is the Murano?
The 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. (Nissan USA)
Is the Murano fuel efficient?
It is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. (Nissan USA)
Is the Nissan Murano safe?
The 2025 Murano earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+, while Nissan reports a 5-Star Overall NHTSA safety rating for the 2026 model. (IIHS Crash Testing)
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 Murano?
The 2026 is particularly attractive if you want standard AWD and access to ProPILOT Assist 2.1. If purchasing a 2025, check the VIN for completed recall work and carefully evaluate the vehicle's electronics and powertrain behavior.
Final Takeaway
The 2026 Nissan Murano is a much more sophisticated SUV than its mainstream badge might suggest.
Its recipe is straightforward:
Comfort + technology + safety + distinctive styling + AWD.
It doesn't deliver the maximum utility, lowest price or sportiest driving experience in the segment. But for an American driver who spends substantial time commuting or traveling on highways, the Murano's comfortable seats, quiet cabin and advanced driver assistance can be genuinely valuable.
The biggest question is therefore not "Is the Murano good?"
It is:
"Is the Murano's comfort and premium experience worth paying roughly $42,000–$50,000 for a two-row mainstream SUV?"
For the right buyer, the answer can be yes. For value-focused shoppers, however, the competition deserves a very close look.
About the Author
David Mulyana is the founder and editor of AutoReviewUS, an independent automotive publication dedicated to delivering reliable reviews, industry news, buying guides, and expert insights. His work focuses on cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles (EVs), automotive technology, maintenance, and market trends in the United States and around the world.
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