The 2024 Nissan Murano stands out for its striking exterior design and comfortable seats. It also has a powerful engine. But that styling comes at a cost. The sloping roofline cuts into rear visibility, making the Murano feel larger than it is. Towing capacity is also low for the class. This midsize SUV offers value and character, but it is not as versatile as competitors.Read full review
Part of the third Murano generation introduced for 2015
Overview
The 2024 Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV that slots between the compact Rogue and three-row Pathfinder in the automaker's lineup. It offers standard V6 power that can be paired with either front- or all-wheel drive. The Murano sets itself apart from other midsizers with its curvaceous styling, including a sloping roofline that lends it a sleek silhouette. Inside, there's space for five people. Though the Murano is showing its age, it offers a lot of value if you're looking for a moderately spacious SUV with a good amount of features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Nissan Murano SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.37 per gallon for regular unleaded in Illinois.
The Murano's cabin features high-quality materials, an upscale design and intuitive controls. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives, and that comfort only improves when it's equipped with the available heated and ventilated seats. The standard 8-inch touchscreen is a little dated, but it's responsive and easy to navigate. Get the full picture of what we think of the Murano's interior by reading our Expert Rating.
Competitors to consider
The Nissan Murano competes with other midsize SUVs, including the Honda Passport, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Subaru Outback, Chevrolet Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Consumers might also consider the newer Nissan Rogue, which is slightly smaller but delivers comparable rear seat space and more cargo volume than its larger sibling.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Below Average
7.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2024 Nissan Murano stands out for its striking exterior design and comfortable seats. It also has a powerful engine. But that styling comes at a cost. The sloping roofline cuts into rear visibility, making the Murano feel larger than it is. Towing capacity is also low for the class. This midsize SUV offers value and character, but it is not as versatile as competitors.
How does the Murano drive? The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine packs enough power for typical daily driving, delivering good acceleration when called upon. It's helped by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that's better than the industry average. Consistent, reliable power is delivered to the road without noticeable gear changes except under hard acceleration.
The Murano's driving dynamics are generally positive as well. The speed-sensitive steering aids stability, and the Murano handles increased speeds around corners better than many midsize SUVs. You really have to jam on the brakes to deliver maximum stopping power, but otherwise the pedal feel is consistent and actual braking performance is adequate.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Murano? The Murano's front and rear seats are plush and supportive in all the right spots, providing the exact comfort you want on long drives. Dual-zone climate control is standard and has hard-working yet quiet air conditioning. You might even find yourself dialing the system back. The heated and cooled seat features are powerful, though seat ventilation is only available on the top Platinum trim.
Again, the CVT automatic doesn't compromise the Murano as much as similar transmissions do in other vehicles. There's no droning sound inside the cabin and it makes a pleasing noise at full throttle. The ride quality could be smoother, but we suspect the culprit was the 20-inch wheels on top trim levels.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? The Murano's buttons and dials are intuitive to use. It's easy to find a comfortable driver's position, and there's ample headroom and shoulder room. But legroom for rear passengers is a bit cramped for a midsize SUV.
The large doors and wide openings make getting in and out easy, though the size of the doors means you need to be careful in tight spots. The unique styling compromises the Murano when it comes to visibility too. The tall hood and sloping roofline translate to small front and rear windows. The SUV feels bigger than it is, forcing you to rely on the blind-spot warning system.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $6,197 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $6,197 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Platinum trim.
How’s the tech? The 8-inch touchscreen immediately looks dated and simple, but that makes it easy to use. It's responsive and easy to operate, and the optional 11-speaker Bose audio system delivers crisp and clear music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and pairing Bluetooth is a straightforward process. Other tech features include navigation with effective voice control and NissanConnect services.
The advanced safety equipment is generally a highlight, and for the most part, these features work well. The adaptive cruise control system slows down smartly with traffic but is hesitant to resume speed again.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? Some midsize SUVs can tow more than 5,000 pounds, but the Murano musters a maximum capacity of just 1,500 pounds. It also has less cargo space than its competitors, though the max 32.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the 67 cubic feet with the second row folded flat is adequate.
Inside, there aren't many storage spaces for small items. The center console is modestly sized, and the door pockets can't hold a water bottle. The back seat offers little more than a center armrest with two cupholders. Got kids? The Murano's accessible LATCH lower anchors and tether points make it easy to install child safety seats.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? Our all-wheel-drive test Murano beat its EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is better than most competitors. But its 18.9 mpg average over the course of roughly 800 miles of mixed driving in two weeks fell under the EPA's city rating of 20 mpg.
Value
7/10
Is the Murano a good value? Fit and finish is generally positive in the Murano, and marble-like interior plastics give a luxurious impression. The exceptionally comfortable seats add to the value equation. A nicely equipped version with the features you want comes close to $40,000, which is in line with direct competitors.
Nissan offers an industry-average basic and powertrain warranty. Extended protection is available for up to eight years and 120,000 miles. There is also an available three-year free trial subscription for remote door locking and maintenance alerts and a six-month free trial program for collision notification and stolen vehicle location.
Wildcard
6.5/10
Like it or not, the Murano stands out because of its distinctive styling. The driving experience, however, is hampered by poor visibility and average handling that make the Murano feel larger than it is. A powerful engine helps but doesn't kick the SUV into the upper echelon of fun vehicles to drive.
Which Murano does Edmunds recommend?
Now that the lineup starts with the SV model, every Murano comes decently equipped. But if you want your midsize Nissan SUV to have a bit more of a premium feel, we recommend the SL trim. That model gets you genuine leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, an 11-speaker premium Bose stereo system, and a 360-degree camera system.
I am posting as long time Nissan owner (Pathfinder, Rogue, xTerra, Murano), and specifically now a Murano owner. I purchased a Murano when they first came out. After a few years we switched over to Rogue which was nice but too small inside for our needs. I now have a 2017 Murano, and will soon purchase a new 2024 Murano.
I have seen that online reviews such as Edmunds and … Motorbiscuit say the Murano is past its prime, and "dead last" in sales. I can tell you that every person I have encountered that has a Murano loves their car.
I love the space and general look of the Murano. The Chevy, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Buick SUVs in the same class all look alike. The colors they offer are terrible, and for the most part, only offer dark grey, black or a small about of "maple" (basically a brown color) as their interior. I also notice reviews consider Murano "technically behind". I am not sure what they are talking about that Murano doesn't have, unless it concerns back seat streaming. It has the back up assist, lane change assist, GPS; certainly everything I need to drive. MOST importantly, this car has been the most reliable car I have ever driven. An oil change or tune up take no time and are reasonably priced. The car performs great in snow (we take it skiing up the hill all Winter long), is quiet, gets great mileage, has plenty of pick up, and is comfortable. I Iook at other SUVs on the road and they all look the same from the back end, and are very boxy from the side.
I can't say enough positive things about this car. I hope that Nissan continues to make this model for many more years. Don't listen to Edmunds, GoodCarBadCar or Motorbiscuit. Test drive one for yourself. Listen to an actual owner; you will get different opinions.
outstanding
5 out of 5 stars
carl, 03/30/2022
2021 Nissan Murano SV 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
why this vehicle is rated so low is hard to understand , the vehicle looks good , drives good and has all the tech a 60 year old man like me needs = and it does not look like very other suv
would buy it again
4 out of 5 stars
Jeff, 10/04/2021
2021 Nissan Murano SV 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Overall it is a good deal. Fairly sporty, comfy, Bose speakers, low road noise. Had the distance pacing cruise replaced due to malfunction after a few thousand miles. The front A pillars can affect visibility more so when you look for vehicles coming from the sides. Got used to it. Mileage is not bad, mid 20's average.
2nd Murano 16 years later, even better, Love It!
5 out of 5 stars
Lisboa, 06/10/2022
2021 Nissan Murano SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Great Vehicle and I have driven several SUV's over the years including a Lexus G series. Emergency breaking saved me from an accident yesterday with the auto braking when everyone came to a panic stop. The SL is almost the top of the line and is very well-appointed inside and out and super comfortable. 260 hp v6, great winter driving. Nissan Rocks!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Nissan Murano, so we've included reviews for other years of the Murano since its last redesign.
The Honda Passport is our current favorite in the midsize SUV category. It is comfortable, has plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and is surprisingly capable off-road. Like the Murano, the Passport comes standard with a V6 engine. But the Passport's six-cylinder is more powerful and better integrated with its transmission, a nine-speed automatic. The Murano gets better fuel economy on paper, though in our tests the Nissan underperformed its EPA estimates.
The Santa Fe is an often overlooked option in the midsize SUV category. It's decently powerful with the turbocharged upgrade engine, has a comfortable ride, and comes with an impressive complement of tech and convenience features. The Santa Fe's base engine is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 190 horsepower on tap, but step up to the Limited trim and above and you get a turbocharged inline-four good for 281 horses. It's not only more powerful than the Murano's V6, but it also gets slightly better fuel economy. In addition, a comparably equipped Hyundai will have a lower price tag and carry one of the best warranties around.
Redesigned in 2021, the Nissan Rogue still feels new and fresh, especially when placed side by side with its larger Murano stablemate. Though it's perhaps not as upscale as the Murano's cabin, the Rogue's interior feels more modern and in some parts nearly as spacious. Backseat headroom is identical to the Murano's and the Rogue gives up only 0.2 inch of legroom to its larger sibling. Meanwhile, the Rogue offers more cargo room thanks to the Murano's interior volume-limiting raked roofline. You'll save some money going with a Rogue, but you might miss the extra power of the Murano's V6.
The Murano is Nissan's answer to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Venza. It's similar in size, offers a modicum of luxury touches like Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, and is relatively affordable compared to others in its segment. What it does not share with the likes of the Toyota and the Hyundai is age. In fact, the Nissan's midsize SUV is far older, and its age is starting to show.
Despite that, we haven't heard even the slightest whisper about the Murano's future. We think 2024 will feature nothing significantly new. Perhaps Nissan will shuffle some features around, delete a trim, or add a new one, but that's all we expect from the Murano at this juncture. Hopefully Nissan freshens up the Murano soon because the competition is already miles ahead.
Edmunds says
The Murano with the all-electric Ariya's futuristic looks and fresh interior tech would make quite a compelling package.
FAQ
Is the Nissan Murano a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Murano both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Murano gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 33 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Murano ranges from 31.1 to 32.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan Murano. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Nissan Murano?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Nissan Murano:
Base S trim level no longer offered
Panoramic moonroof now comes standard on SL
Part of the third Murano generation introduced for 2015
To determine whether the Nissan Murano is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Murano. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Murano's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Nissan Murano a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Nissan Murano is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Murano and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Murano gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 33 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Murano is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Nissan Murano?
The least-expensive 2024 Nissan Murano is the 2024 Nissan Murano SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $38,190.
Other versions include:
SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $38,190
SV 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $39,890
SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $42,150
SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $43,850
Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $46,200
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $47,900
If you're interested in the Nissan Murano, the next question is, which Murano model is right for you? Murano variants include SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), SV 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), and SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT). For a full list of Murano models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more