A Criminally Underrated Mid-Size Japanese SUV

There are plenty of reasons to want a Japanese vehicle. Brands from the island nation have come a long way and sit among some of the leaders in the automotive world. This is especially true in the SUV class, where they have really identified things that are most important to buyers and executed on them.

You have tons of choices as a buyer if you’re looking to go with a Japanese SUV. However, there is one option that exists as kind of an underdog. The Nissan Murano often gets overlooked because of its age, but it really is quite a complete package, and we think it is one of the most underrated options out there.

We take a look at the current model year of the Murano and what Nissan offers. We take a look at just how much one will cost and what the best trim might be for you. We also take a look at the upcoming model and how Nissan might upgrade it into an even better competitor in the mid-size segment.

The Murano Offers Quite A Lot For Its Price Tag

Despite being fairly old in a lot of ways, the Murano is still priced super similarly to its main rivals in the mid-size segment. We believe that despite this, Nissan is still offering a really complete vehicle, one of the best-rated, and it is well worth considering next time you're looking to buy a brand-new SUV.

Trims And Pricing

The Murano is definitely starting to get a little gray in the tooth, and the 2024 model year marks another year with very few changes. One of the most notable changes is that Nissan has gotten rid of the base S trim and given the SL a standard panoramic sunroof. We didn't think the S was worth buying, to begin with, and the remaining models are definitely the best of the bunch.

While this means that its starting price is very similar to mid-size SUVs like the Kia Telluride and the Mazda CX-90, the Nissan doesn't have a sparse entry model, and you don't really have to upgrade to get desirable features. Every one of the Murano's four trims features the equipment that you would most want.

The Best Value Trim

In our opinion, the base SV Murano is the way to go. With the spartan, yet more affordable, S model now out of the picture, it makes more sense than ever to go with the SV. Again, it really helps that you don't have to go climbing the trim ladder to find the equipment that you would want most out of your new SUV.

The Murano is a super attractive-looking SUV and is quite unique. The SV trim finds the best balance between appearance and equipment at a reasonable price. It comes standard with features like adaptive cruise control, remote start, and heated front seats that are power adjustable.

A Sturdy 260 Horsepower V-6 Is The Standard Powertrain Offering

Powertrains are one of the biggest topics of conversation when it comes to modern cars. People demand a lot out of the engine that sits under the hood. The 2024 Murano may not come with a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain or a super powerful performance engine, but it sits quite comfortably somewhere in between.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood of any 2024 Murano, you'll find quite a sturdy V-6 that provides a decent amount of power. It has enough torque to get it up to speed at a rate that is frankly above average for the segment, especially when looking at base powertrains. It is also capable of towing, even if it's not that much, with a max rating of 1,500 pounds.

The biggest point of concern about the Murano is the CVT. There are plenty of complaints that it can be loud and a little grating. However, this only really happens when you put your foot flat against the pedal, something that most people who own a Murano will rarely do. It definitely is a negative though, and is something you should consider.

Fuel Economy

A big win for the Murano is fuel efficiency. When it comes to mid-size SUVs with a V-6 engine, the Murano is one of the most efficient choices you have. This is especially true if you often find yourself driving on the highway, with it capable of achieving 28 miles per gallon. If you're confined to urban driving, you'll note much worse fuel economy.

Compared to other V-6 mid-size SUVs, the Murano does quite well. For example, the Kia Telluride comes standard with a similarly powerful 262 horsepower V-6 but only manages 22 miles per gallon combined, with its highway efficiency averaging 26 miles per gallon. This is pretty par for the course for the segment.

The Murano Is Super Reliable And Super Safe

Modern technology and interior design are not the strong points of the Murano. Its strong points are found elsewhere, particularly in its reliability and its high safety ratings. This mid-size family SUV aims to save you money with low maintenance costs and promises to be safer than the average car on the road.

Reliability And Maintenance

According to sites like J.D. Power, the Murano has consistently been one of the most reliable SUVs that you can buy across many model years. The 2024 model in particular scored 91 out of 100 for quality and reliability, in spite of its controversial CVT. It's really difficult to find a model year that drops below 80 points, though.

According to CarEdge, the average cost of maintaining a Murano over the course of ten years is $7,810. This puts it slightly below the average for similar SUVs. RepairPal estimates the annual maintenance costs of the Nissan SUV to be $507, which is pretty respectable.

Safety Ratings

The Murano, overall, scored five stars out of five in the NHTSA's crash testing. The only test that it scored lower than five stars in was the rollover test, where it scored four stars. This puts it among some of the safest cars on the road in the case of an emergency situation.

Nissan has been known to offer a ton of driver-assist and safety equipment as standard across all of their vehicles, and the Murano is no exception. Things like forward-collision warnings, automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alerts, and more are standard equipment on all trim levels.

Its Cabin May Be Outdated, But It Is Super Spacious

The Murano's interior is difficult to gauge. It comes loaded with amenities and equipment that you'd find super desirable, but there is no denying that it looks like the interior of a car from ten years ago. While this may appeal to some, there are plenty more modern options on the market.

Comfort And Cargo

This two-row SUV comes with plenty of space for both those in the front and those in the rear. Those in the back, in particular, are treated well, with reclining seats and tons of legroom. In fact, in terms of passenger space, the Murano comes out as one of the best in the segment.

At the end of the day, the Murano is a Nissan. This means that on top-tier trims you'll find interior materials that create a near-luxury vibe. Soft leather comes together nicely along with the open pore wood. It's just a shame that the Murano's design is so ridiculously outdated.

Technology And Infotainment

At the very least, the infotainment system in the Murano is functional. Every model comes equipped with an eight-inch screen capable of utilizing Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM. The Murano has a nice mixture of USB-C and USB-A ports throughout its cabin as well.