Nissan Murano: A Journey Through Innovation and Design from 2002 to 2025

The Nissan Murano has always been about blending innovation with design. Since 2002 this mid-size crossover SUV has gone through many changes, after all, automotive trends and consumer preferences do evolve.

Introduced in May 2002 for the 2003 model year the first generation Murano was Nissan's entry into the crossover market. Designed in Nissan America in La Jolla, California it was built on the Nissan FF-L platform, the same as the third-generation Altima. This platform choice was to give the Murano car-like handling characteristics, different from traditional SUVs.

Under the hood was a 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine producing 245 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque. This engine was also used in the Altima, Maxima, and 350Z and was tuned specifically for the Murano for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Notably, the Murano was one of the largest vehicles to have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) at the time, for smooth acceleration and better fuel economy.

Safety was a big deal, the Murano had a steel-reinforced cabin, multiple airbags and active head restraints. Mechanical safety features included Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. All these helped the Murano get 5-star ratings in most crash test categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The second generation Murano was unveiled in 2007 for the 2009 model year and had a more refined design and more features. Building on the success of the first generation it had better interior materials, more technology and a more comfortable ride. The 3.5-liter V6 engine had a slightly more power and the CVT was refined for better performance.

The third generation Murano was introduced in April 2014 at the New York International Auto Show. This one had a more premium look with sleek exterior lines and a "floating roof" design. The interior was designed to be a premium experience with high quality materials and advanced infotainment options.

Under the hood the Murano still had the VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 engine producing up to 260 horsepower. This generation also had a hybrid variant in 2016 with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles. Safety and driver-assist features were also upgraded to match modern standards.

The fourth generation Murano was unveiled on October 16, 2024, and is a major step forward in design, technology, and performance. Inspired by the Nissan Ariya electric crossover the 2025 Murano has a sleek and modern exterior with slim LED headlights and a unique grille design. The vehicle is longer and wider now measuring 192.9 inches in length and 78 inches in width for a more commanding presence on the road.

A big departure from tradition is the replacement of the long time 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine. This new powerplant produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque for a more responsive and efficient driving experience. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission the Murano gets 23 mpg combined while maintaining performance.

Inside the Murano's cabin is reimagined to be a "sanctuary-like" environment. Soft-touch materials, detailed finishes, and a new "Murano Glass" dashboard finish give it a luxurious feel. Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable seats are now standard. Rear passengers get Nissan's Zero Gravity seats for optimal comfort on long trips. The rear doors are redesigned for easier access and higher trims get additional amenities like rear sunshades and heated rear seats. Technology is front and center in the 2025 Murano. The dashboard has dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Other available features include wireless phone charging, 64-color ambient lighting, Google built-in services, Bose 10-speaker audio, and a head-up display. The Murano also has advanced driver-assist systems like Nissan's Safety Shield 360 and ProPILOT Assist for safety and convenience.

The exterior design is modern and premium. The front has "Crystal Cube" LED headlights and Nissan's V-motion grille with LED daytime running lights. The side mirrors were moved to the doors for better forward visibility and the rear has full-width LED taillights and hidden exhaust tips for a clean look. The elimination of the floating roof design means the body panels go all the way to the edge of the roof giving the vehicle a more planted stance. Ground clearance is increased to 8.3 inches for better capability on various terrain.

The 2025 Murano comes in three trims: SV, SL, and Platinum. The SV is the entry-level model with a full list of standard features. The SL adds a panoramic sunroof and Bose audio. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim takes it to luxury with semi-aniline seats.