2025 Nissan Murano Review | Is This Once Again A Lexus RX Fighter?

In all seriousness there was a time when the media praised the Murano for being a value alternative to Lexus' most popular SUV, the vaunted Lexus RX. My how times have changed. The last two generations of Murano have been a bit funky, a bit chunky, and much, much less premium than that RX. This Murano? It's a modern interpretation of the same formula that created the very first Nissan Crossover. Yep, Murano is back! With some caveats of course. It's still not a direct RX competitor, think of it as the same recipe with less expensive ingredients. Also, although Nissan says it's sportier than ever, well, it isn't. The 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds is fine, the handling scores are solid, but it's not going to convince anyone to give up their Acura.

[pokerfred]

Murano has always been a good suv for the money. Very comfortable and high quality.

[rb]

One thing not mentioned is this looks like an improved option for those wanting a new Ford Edge since they're not making those anymore

[jiggnfm]

Loving the deep blue color! Almost looks teal!

[MediumBluWonder]

My mom had an 1st gen 07' Murano as her work/errand car and it worked well until the CVT died 190k miles later in 2016.

She has since moved on to the Lexus RX, but I'm assure she'd give this an approving glance as long as she saw it from behind.

[geft]

I really like it based on the review. I hope it is a success for Nissan. They could use some good news. 😢

[gregp.]

Always liked the Murano but for a brand new 2025 model it’s a big mistake that it’s not a hybrid.

[Dejesusluis]

When in doubt, go with a murano. I have owned two in total. Never an issue, comfortable, peppy engine, quiet interior and roomy enough. It does everything just above average.

[markdavis]

Thanks Alex for showing the sunglass holder. Always the main thing I look for in a car. You are the only reviewer that even pays attention to that part of the car. Great review as always.

[jayhova]

Wow a Depeche Mode reference, great job! +100 pts

[briansutter]

For 51k Platinum, you might as well buy a fully loaded Pathfinder with a V6, which is more reliable, and you can get 2nd row captain chairs and a 3rd row.

[Johnny_Socko]

I was interested until the VC engine. I am not inherently opposed to 4-cylinder turbos, but the VC is kind of legendary for its problems. Are there any naturally-aspirated V6's left in this class? I think you need to go up a size class to Pathfinder, Telluride, Grand Cherokee, etc. to get a V6.

[Mgoblagulkablong]

That VCT engine will probably cause worse problems than the CVT did...

[theBatmanGoeth]

1) touch controls for climate and on steering wheel, I personally hate the idea.

2) For an MSRP of 51, 000 might as well get a Telluride with more space

[fragonarag]

"I love capacitive touch buttons" -Nobody Also, what's with the wheel gap up front being an inch or two higher?

[SamVillegas]

Every car now has what has become the "generic panels". Good classic gauges and an integrated nav and real buttons are what's needed.

[TheTruePrudentOne]

This is a positive move for Nissan, I, like others am glad that they did away with the cvt. (Now they have to remove it from all of their cars etc) now Nissan needs to add both a hybrid with better fuel economy and possibly a plug-in hybrid and a true SR trim. that SR would need to have a better sport tune suspension, more power and a few more standard options.

[MB]

Why even compare the Murano's turbo 241 HP with the Subaru Outback's non-turbo engine's only 182 horsepower? 🙄🤨🤔 The Outback's turbo engine has 260 HP. Must compare an apple to an apple.

[nintendoatarikiller]

ZF9HP is a huge step up from the CVT, but I wonder why manufacturers choose the 9-speed over the more reliable 8-speed from the same manufacturer, ZF?

[jaysonvargas]

A CX-70 has 100hp more and better fuel economy

[mamgte]

Considering that this is the Platinum model, then most models of the Blazer would have more horsepower. Also, it's interesting that you focus on comparing to the Lexus. Isn't that Infinity's job?