2024 Nissan Murano

This generation of the Nissan Murano has been around since 2018; therefore, its underpinnings are somewhat dated. However, we still admire its dynamic exterior lines. Moreover, we think the interior styling has held up, as well. Nissan created the Murano with empty-nester adults in mind. Not so much an adventure wagon or a substitute for a family-oriented minivan, Nissan engineered the Murano to satisfy an adult’s requirements for comfort, performance, and ease of use. Its passenger spaces are roomy with seats that coddle. The V6 delivers above-average output and about average fuel economy for the segment. Featuring a generous bundle of advanced driver-assistance technology, the Murano performs well on the safety front. Key competitors include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, and Honda Passport.

The only big news for 2024 is that Nissan eliminated the base S trim level, rendering the entryway to the Murano less affordable. Nissan is preparing to release the next-generation Murano for 2025, which explains why it basically left the 2024 edition unchanged.

Before buying the Nissan Murano, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. To date, the Nissan Murano has a below-average track record for retaining its value.

Providing thrust to the Nissan Murano is the tried-and-true 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that has provided the go since Murano’s debut in 2003. Nissan has tinkered with it a bit over the years, but it’s still the original engine. It has always been paired with a CVT automatic transmission that is engineered to maximize fuel economy, rather than performance. Still, the 2024 Murano provides enough grit for around-town or over-the-highway errands. Its horsepower is about average for the segment. For example, the VW Atlas (269 horsepower) and the Ford Edge (250 horsepower) bracket Murano’s powertrain output.

Driving the Nissan Murano is a pleasant experience. Prepare to be disappointed if you’re expecting rip-roaring thrills or sports car-like agility. Nissan didn’t intend for the target buyer to be in the market for either. The quiet cabin and compliant suspension deliver a relaxed ride. Every Murano comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD); however, you can add all-wheel drive (AWD) to any trim level. We’d certainly recommend spending the extra $1,700 to buyers in the snowbelt. However, even on wet pavement, AWD can help maintain traction.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the Nissan Murano.

Fuel Economy

Regardless of whether the Nissan Murano has FWD or AWD, the mileage is the same: 23 mpg (20 city, 28 highway) in combined driving. Its combined mileage compares well with rivals like the VW Atlas (23 mpg), the Ford Edge (23 mpg), and the Honda Pilot (22 mpg). You can find more fuel economy information on the EPA’s website.

The interior is a strong suit of the Nissan Murano. It has two roomy rows of seats and its above-average rear-seat legroom (38.7 inches) is generous enough to accommodate adults comfortably. Whether the second-row seat is in place (32.1 cubic feet) or with it folded (67.0 cubic feet), the Murano has below average cargo space. For example, the Ford Edge has total cargo space of 73.4 cubic feet with 39.2 cubic feet behind the second-row. In general, the cabin materials are nice for the money, especially in the SL and Platinum trims.

The Nissan Murano has eye-catching styling, making it stand out in traffic. With its unique body lines and light signature, the Murano makes a fashion statement, setting it apart from the average midsize SUV. Using different wheel designs, the look changes a bit with each trim. Moreover, there’s a stylish Midnight Edition option with black accents and wheels.

As for the size, the Murano is slotted between the Rogue and the Pathfinder in the Nissan lineup. Its dimensions are similar to the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Strong and efficient V6
The V6 that powers every Nissan Murano is well-suited to this SUV. It makes 260 horsepower and returns up to 28 mpg on the highway.

Panoramic sunroof
Standard in the SL and Platinum grades, a panoramic sunroof provides plenty of light, giving the illusion of a larger, more airy cabin.

NissanConnect infotainment system
The standard NissanConnect infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and Siri Eyes Free. You get navigation and Bose 11-speaker premium audio in the SL and Platinum trims.

Nissan Safety Shield 360
The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 safety tech suite combines desirable driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more.

Luxurious Platinum trim
The top Platinum trim of the Nissan Murano rivals some luxury SUVs. It’s loaded with premium features like extra-soft, semi-aniline leather seats with diamond-quilted inserts, heated and cooled front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and stylish 20-inch wheels.

Zero Gravity seats
The comfortable seats in the Nissan Murano are carefully designed to reduce fatigue on long drives. The upper trims feel more luxurious thanks to genuine leather seating.

Delivering better-than-average output, the V6 is a bit hampered by its fuel-saving automatic transmission. It makes the run from zero to 60 mph in about 7.3 seconds. This is quick enough, just a bit slower than some rivals.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Standard for most non-luxury carmakers, Nissan provides the Murano with limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain limited warranty extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Nissan also provides free 24/7 roadside assistance for the duration of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Safety Ratings

The government through its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Murano its best overall 5-Star score in its safety testing. Because the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) changed its testing protocols since the current generation Murano debuted, it didn’t score well in the newer tests.