Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD
Class: Midsize Crossover
Nation of manufacture: United States
Seating capability: 5
Colour: Aurora Blue Pearl
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A- |
| Energy and Efficiency | B- |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gasoline Economic system | B |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 241-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles Pushed: 130
Noticed gasoline financial system: 21.9
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 21/27/23 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common gasoline
Base worth: $49,800 (not together with $1495 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Know-how Package deal ($2900), Cargo Package deal ($470), Illuminated Cargo Scuff Plate ($520), Panoramic Headliner Illumination ($445), Illuminated Kick Plates ($425), particular paint ($450), mat and cargo bundle ($530)
Worth as examined: $57,035
Audio-System Model
Bose
Audio-System High quality
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Wonderful
Execs and Cons
The nice: Roomy and engaging cabin, clear and fashionable design
The great: Strong gasoline financial system, higher than enough energy
The not so good: Journey and dealing with efficiency trails class greatest
Evaluation
He referred to as it the “energy toad.” He was a man I talked automobiles with on the well being membership, and he had simply bought a 2003 Nissan Murano, a automobile he very a lot appreciated, however he had but to come back to phrases with the design. Wanting again, the primary era Murano doesn’t look all that controversial, however within the early years of the 21st century, Nissan’s 2-row midsize crossover was turning heads.
The “Energy Toad”
However the modern folks mover was being acknowledged for its design—good or dangerous—and being appreciated for its energy, sporty nature, and deft dealing with. All-in-all, the Murano was an apt Nissan model ambassador.
One thing occurred to the Murano, nevertheless, and the plucky crossover by some means misplaced its pluck. A 2009 redesign softened the Murano’s visible options, and, maybe in response to the brand new design, gross sales declined significantly.
Declining Gross sales
One other era of the midsize Nissan got here and went earlier than a 2025 replace restored the Murano to its unique design-leader glory. Newly rendered final yr, the Murano now boasts a clear, edgy, purposeful look, with placing LED headlights and a modern profile.
However, are beauty sufficient to assist this long-marginalized mannequin recoup misplaced gross sales and purchaser curiosity? The quick reply is “possibly,” as there’s loads right here to love.
Shrinking Aggressive Set
The two-row midsize crossover class has shrunk a bit, particularly with the departure of the Ford Edge after the 2024 mannequin yr. Whereas we doubt that midsize crossover intenders store purely on a 2-row or 3-row foundation, we all know the excellence is necessary to many shoppers. To that finish, here’s a checklist of all 2-row fashions accessible for 2026:
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Honda Passport
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (non-L)
- Mazda CX-70
- Nissan Murano
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The all-new Cherokee, by Jeep’s definition, can be midsize, although in actuality it’s on the small aspect for the section. You may learn our evaluation of the brand new Cherokee right here.
Costs and Trim Ranges
So, how does the brand new Murano stack up towards the sector listed above? Let’s take a look. As famous earlier, the Nissan was new for 2025, and is little modified for 2026. Right here’s a take a look at the present trim-level lineup:
- SV ($43,215)
- SL ($48,305)
- Platinum ($51,345)
Engines
All Murano’s are powered a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automated transmission. For 2026 AWD is commonplace on all Murano fashions. A front-drive model of the SV had been provided for 2025.
Check Automobile
Client Information lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2026 Murano Platinum in Aurora Blue Pearl and outfitted with the Know-how Package deal (which incorporates the maker’s ProPILOT Help semi-autonomous driving system). Together with the vacation spot cost, our check automobile got here to $57,035.
Cabin Appointments
As famous earlier, fashion is the Murano’s sturdy go well with, and the cabin seems to be nearly as good as the outside. The inside is comprised of gently contoured traces augmented by refined ambient lighting to glorious impact. Elegant, high-grade supplies and glorious workmanship underscore the luxurious really feel of the Platinum décor.
Connectivity
The infotainment-system touchscreen sits atop the sprint, making it one thing of a attain for folk with quick arms, however that’s our solely grievance. We discovered the display screen simple to learn at a look, most capabilities fast to entry and manipulate, and the system fast to reply to contact inputs. Additionally, as soon as our cell units have been Bluetooth linked to the automobile, they stayed linked, one thing we haven’t been capable of say about quite a lot of latest check automobiles.
Bose Audio
Customary on SL and Platinum fashions, and unavailable on the SV is a Bose-branded audio system that does a pleasant job with mid-century jazz, and wouldn’t appear misplaced in a premium-brand automobile.
Room and Consolation
The Murano is lots roomy, with ample room for 4 adults, and 5 in a pinch. This large editor discovered the Murano simple to enter and exit, and really accommodating underway. Rear-seat head- and legroom are additionally noteworthy, even with the entrance seats adjusted nicely again.
Journey and Dealing with
Given the Murano’s premium attraction, we had hoped for a bit extra within the experience and dealing with division. Whereas typically comfy, the Murano’s experience is susceptible to harshness over damaged surfaces, one thing we suspect is due—not less than partially—to the Platinum’s 21-inch low-profile wheels and tires. Notice that lesser Murano’s are fitted with 20-inch wheels and tires with a bit extra impact-absorbing sidewall.
Dealing with, too, disappoints. In comparison with the class-leading Mazda CX-70, the Murano lacks significant steering suggestions, and feels lifeless in corners. There’s nothing fallacious with how the Murano rides and drives, however customers in search of one thing on the sporty aspect will probably be disenchanted.
Energy and Efficiency
We discovered energy supply to be satisfying sufficient, with good response from a cease, and first rate muscle accessible for passing and merging. For probably the most half, the 9-speed automated did a superb job preserving the Murano’s smallish engine in its powerband. Notice that many of the automobiles on this section supply up extra energy than the Murano, although we are able to’t say we ever felt the our Nissan was missing on this regard.
Gasoline Economic system
Over 130 miles of routine driving we noticed slightly below 22 mpg, strong for the category, and greater than acceptable contemplating the usual AWD.
Worth
The Murano impresses for its contemporary design, elegant inside, and roomy and accommodating cabin. We want this handsome Nissan rode with a bit extra composure and was a bit extra enjoyable to drive, however many consumers don’t contemplate sportiness an necessary new-car attribute.
Given the comparatively small variety of automobiles on this class, we strongly advocate severe customers drive as many fashions as they will—and be sure you spend a while with the Murano, it’s again within the working, and its turning heads once more.
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2026 Nissan Murano Platinum Photos
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