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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  BEST SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By BOB AND TAMI - January 9 - 10:00 am

  STYLING IS EXCELLENT.(IT IS A REAL HEAD TURNER ANYWHERE YOU GO) RIDE IS SUPER .FUEL ECONOMY IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE TO ANYONE. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE THAT OWN THE LEXUS SUV SAY THAT THEY WISH THEY HAD KNOWN OF THE MURANO FIRST BEFORE BUYING.

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  Very fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Chad - January 6 - 3:16 am

  What a great vehicle! It is extremely comfortable to drive with many customized adjustments to make the driving experience even better. The Bose sound system is top notch. There are so many features (for not a bad price) that I am still finding some of them. The CVT transmission takes some getting used to and can feel a little sluggish on cold mornings. Many auto touch features as well (headlights, cliamte, sunroof). Just a very fun vehicle to drive. Very solid construction, especially with the SEs sports suspension. Highly recommend it!

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  As much Fun as the Porsche Cayene - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By dinidenman - January 2 - 12:53 pm

  I love my car, I was looking at the Porsche cayene and then spotted the Murano, I love the style and the interior also it is pretty darned responsive. I bought the Murano and have not been disappointed! Not to mention it was about half the price of the Porsche!

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  You get less for more money - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By nissanwtf - December 30 - 5:29 pm

  If you have the 2009 SL, then keep it. With the 2011 SL - you lose Xeon lights, truck Cargo hold (for bags) It only has (1) CD with a 2 GB but...800 MB to store songs. How can the Rouge 2011 SL come with Xeon lights for $29,000 and the 2011 SL Murano does not, my sticker price $38,495. Really like the new lights on the back. Seat memory function is good too. Still cant believe Nissan is really trying to force their loyal customers to other car companies. This is my 11th Nissan and I bought it yesterday and I can honestly say it will be my last.

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  Luxury Features Without the Cost or Cachet - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Skip Smith - December 30 - 4:05 pm

  We purchased a 2016 Acura RDX and traded in a 2012 Murano to move up to a luxury SUV with the RDX model. With less than 8000 miles on the Acura in the first several months, we traded the Acura on a 2016 Murano. Despite the higher cost, the Acura did not come up to the features, comfort or performance of the new Murano. We traded the Acura with less than 8000 miles for $1.00 for a 2016 Murano Platinum model. The navigation system on the Murano is easy to use and very intuitive. On the interstate, the rest areas are tracked along with exits. The map shows a 3D view, 2D view with various options for showing the map view. Entering a new destination is quick and easy. The CVT transmission is smooth and puts the operation of some luxury models to shame. Our first trip was a 10 hour drive. The seats in the Murano are the most comfortable of any car we have owned—most of which were luxury brands. The lumbar support is excellent and the seat surrounds the body to keep the driver comfortable throughout a long trip. Acceleration is excellent, layout of the dashboard is easy to read. Mileage on the trip was 28.6 with most driving on interstate highways and using regular gas. Our only complaint: The NissanConnect features do not work well with an IPhone. Presumably, it works well with an android phone. The Nissan support line recommended only using an Apple cord to connect with the phone and the USB port. That seems unnecessary but even with the more expensive Apple cord, the NissanConnect system would not operate most of the programs. This is our second Murano. The technology has improved over the 2012 model we owned, the gas mileage is improved, and the seats are more comfortable. The first Murano went 90,000 without any problems. So far, the 2016 is even better.

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  LOVE MY MURANO! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Vickielynn - December 27 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? The Murano is an awesome looking vehicle. I traded my Dodge Durango and have been very pleased with the Murano. Its the most fun car Ive ever had. The ride is smooth and handles very much like a car but has the roominess of an SUV. The CVT transmission is nice. I personally dont think it detracts from the engines performance. It still has pep! Afterall, its not a race car. I love everything about the Murano.

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  Rattles, Rattles, Rattles - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Shelly - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle over a year ago. I have had horrible problems with rattles. On the left front of my dash to the left of the steering wheel, in the center council near the gear shift, on the right dash and the worst one is in the far front where the dash meets the windshield. It is very frustrating, because I have had my vehicle in for rattles several times and they cannot figure the far front dash rattle. My girlfriend has the exact same murano and hers just started with the same rattle at 20,000 miles. I thought they fixed it, only it came back after 3 days. I have read many sites where others are having the same problem. Breaks squeak bad

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  Exactly What I wanted - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By AL - December 22 - 7:43 pm

  The Murano SL is exactly what I was looking for in an urban SUV. It is fun to drive, comfortable and has all of the cargo room that I need. Personally, I enjoy the smooth acceleration provided by the CVT. I enjoy the layout of the instrument because everything is in front of me.

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  From Mercedes ML to Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Cross Creek Dave - December 21 - 12:20 pm

  I traded the ML in for the Murano. The Murano was as well equiped as the Mercedes. I traded the an ML 320 which I had wonderful service from, but the ride was rough. The Murano is very nice gives a better ride than the Mercedes, plus gives better gas mileage and has at least equal or better acceleration. This vehicle is stable in curves, smooth riding and gets plenty of attention. This is my first Nissan, but probably not the last.

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  Fine Auto - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Hart - December 21 - 2:00 am

  After owning Mercedes, Bmws, Porsches and many other makes over the last 30 years, I found the Murano the most car for the dollar Ive ever owned. My Honda was reliable, my Bmw had all the great gadgets and computers, my turbo Saab, Mercedes coupe and Jag XKE turned heads. The Murano has all three of the above traits rolled into one car