Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Murano was one of the first midsize crossovers introduced in the United States and quickly became a popular alternative to more traditional SUVs thanks to its taut, carlike driving character and avant-garde styling. Later Nissan Muranos are notable for their higher-quality interiors, updated technology features and higher fuel economy ratings.

New or used, the Murano is definitely worth a look if you're on the hunt for a midsize crossover with seating for five. In reviews, our editors have generally praised this Nissan's sophisticated appearance, stylish and comfortable interior and strong acceleration. Middling cargo capacity and poor rearward visibility are our main complaints about the Nissan Murano. You'll find competing models that are better on one or both of these counts, but most won't match the Murano's combination of performance and style.

User Reviews:

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  I wanted to love it... but - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Melissa - February 5 - 10:06 am

  My husband and I bough a brand new 2016 Nissan Murano hybrid PLATINUM edition with every single bell and whistle they offered on 1-31-2016. About a week after owning the vehicle I was driving and started to smell a burning smell. Soon after there was a loud electronic warning noise that was constant but there were no warnings anywhere on the screens as to what it might have been. I pulled over and turned the car off and then back on and it didnt return. When I took it in the dealership they tried to recreate the issue for three days but couldnt, so I had to leave without any answers. The next week my husbands commuter car wouldnt turn on so he had to jump start his car. I then had to take it in again because my husband was able to get the hood latched but it wouldnt close all the way. Luckily they were able to fix that problem. Here I am 2 1/2 month down the road (still under 1000 miles) and today I had the same constant electric warning noise and burning smell with once again, no warning signs to what it could even be. Luckily it happened twice today and my husband remembered to take a video of it so I will be able to show the dealership so they dont thing I am crazy. (Last time they tried to ask me if it could have been the eco hybrid mode shifting. They treated me like I was making things up. I am a woman and I dont know that much about cars but that sound and smell is not normal and anyone that would experience that would know that. Plus, my husband was with me two of the three times it happened and he is VERY knowledgeable with cars and has no idea what it could be.) On top of that, it says Im supposed to get an average of 28mpg city and half of my miles have been on the freeway yet my average MPG is always around 17 MPG. Im by no means the most fuel efficient driver ever, however, I also dont slam on the gas or speed around. I have a newborn with me 98% of the time so Im a very cautious driver. What is the point of paying more for a hybrid if it doesnt actually give you better gas mileage. I paid top dollar for a fully loaded vehicle so I could feel safe with my family in this car and so far its UNFORTUNATELY been nothing but a headache. I love everything else about it. Its comfortable, the tech package is fantastic and it looks amazing. However, thise issues are some HUGE deal breakers. We normally purchase from Infiniti and now in regretting using their sister company. The service and the vehicle has been so much less than what we are used to and expect. I normally dont write reviews unless I have a superior experience or a horrible experience. People need to know about these issues. Especially because this is such a new car that there really isnt anything online about it. Im really hoping that Im the only one. Other than that, the car is beautiful and comfortable. Im hopeful that they can figure out what is wrong because I want to love this car.

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  Blown Engine at 3700 miles!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By J.S.S. - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Took the vehicle in for the first oil change at about 3700 miles and left dealer 40 minutes later. Drove about 5 miles and had the engine blow up. About a week later, a brand new engine was installed and found out that a connecting rod had come loose, gone through the oil pan and caused all engine oil to leak out, causing the engine to seize up and blowing a hole in the engine block. Had to argue with the dealer just to get a loaner car while the vehicle was in the shop. I was told Nissan does not give out loaner cars, but eventually one was given to me to drive for 11 days. The dealer was Rosenthal Nissan in Tysons Corner, VA.

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  Poor fuel economy - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Tom Karelin - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Excelent car. Great handling. Fun to drive. However , I can not get better then 18.5 mpg on a highway. Also, Id appreaciate more convinient position of the power outlet(cig. lighter). I cant plug in a radar without a wire mess.

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  What a sweetheart!!! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By billyboy - January 31 - 12:03 am

  We started out looking at Chevrolets but the salesman showed us the 2007 Nissan Murano. We drove it and loved it immediately!!! We had a 2006 PT Cruiser we both loved but there was no comparison. We made our deal and took it home. Its the basic S model with AWD. Not a lot of frills but enough. It rides like a big car but can be parked like our cruiser. So far the average gas mileage is 23 mpg, city and highway driving. Our family thinks its really cool (Im 70 and wifes younger). Its a real pleasure to drive and the transmission is a piece of work, smooth and quiet. We live on a gravel and dusty road and the body is tight and quiet. This is a car all your friends will envy as you cruise.

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  Glad I got it! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By zlot - January 29 - 2:00 am

  While I was at first a bit hesitant about getting a relatively high ended vehicle the Murano is everything I was looking for and more. Im real pleased with the purchase. Dealerships may leave something to be desired, but the car is a go.

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  Very Nice Mini SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Neil Lundell - January 28 - 10:43 pm

  I am extremely happy with the puchase of my new Murano. The car looks great, drives powerfully and smothly and has a very comfortable interior. Rear storage space is important for me and the Murano delivers (although no where near what it repaced: an 88 Saab 900). Without a doubt, the exterior look is what seduced me- I noticed them on the road for months before my purchase. For me, the look is magic. Five cars ago I drove a Nisson 280 ZX- a fantastic automobile- Nissan simply makes great cars.

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  Nissan, never again - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By nutmeg1416 - January 24 - 10:50 am

  I loved my Murano and had the ability to overlook a major headlight issue at 40,000 mi because of the drive and comfort. Now, at 85,000 mi I am facing AWD transfer case issues which are due to a control panel flaw. The transfer case is susceptible to cracking because of control panel. Nissan fixed the problem in 05 models and on, but will recognize that there is no issue with my car. I have been extremely disappointed with the way Nissan has treated me through this ordeal. Such an expensive car should NOT have $5000 in repairs before 100k miles, very disappointed in reliability.

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  not all its cracked up to be - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By handymansson - January 23 - 5:13 pm

  Gas consumption not even close to sticker data!getting 15mpg city 19 mpg on road Transmission leaves much to be desired.other wise a very nice exterior style, clean lines inside.options were over priced

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  15,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Slicer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have put 15K on this car so far. I enjoy it more the more I drive it. My last tank got 19.6 in city. Usually get 23 on Hwy. The ride is harsh in the SE version but the trade off is a great sports-car like driving experience. Highway driving is the best due to the sports suspension. The power is a little weak off the mark but builds up good momentum and has pleanty of Highway power. Great overall vehicle.

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  Great MPG - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Big Ben - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I Have owned and driven many different vehicles, and the Murano is definitly the best bang for the buck! All these people complaining about MPG are looking at the onboard computer and not considering thier idling time or their driving habits. If you set the cruise at 60 you will see 24-25 mpg as I do every day!I get19-20 around town too! But If "I step on it" it goes down quick. I love the handling on the SE much better than the SL as I tend to "cruise along quickly". Wife loves it so much she say she is getting the 2005 when it comes out!