The 2025 Nissan Murano: The Crossover That Refuses to Grow Up
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that crossovers, by their very nature, are supposed to be sensible. They’re designed for families, for the practical-minded, for those who believe a weekend away means fitting the entire contents of their house into the trunk. But the 2025 Nissan Murano is having none of that. Instead, it insists on being fun, stylish, and maybe just a little bit rebellious—as if it’s the rebellious teenager of the crossover world, sneaking out of the driveway at midnight to race its friends.
The Murano has always been a bit of an enigma—an SUV that’s more about looks than climbing mountains. It’s aimed squarely at those who want the high driving position without the feeling that they should be leading a caravan across the Sahara. So, what’s new for 2025? More power, more tech, and just enough personality to keep things interesting.
Performance: Smooth and Sassy
Under the hood of the 2025 Murano lies a 3.5-liter V6 engine—a classic Nissan choice—pumping out 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Now, let’s be honest, in a world of turbocharged four-cylinders and electric this-and-that, a naturally aspirated V6 might seem like a bit of a dinosaur. But here’s the thing: it works, and it works beautifully. The Murano’s V6 is smooth, refined, and makes just enough noise to remind you that you’re driving something with a pulse.
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) has also been reworked for 2025, making it a bit less like a rubber band and a bit more like a proper gearbox. It’s still no sports car, but it responds quickly enough to get you up to highway speeds without any drama—a perfect match for the Murano’s relaxed demeanor.
Of course, all-wheel drive is available, but it’s not the sort of system that encourages off-road adventures. This is an AWD system for rainy commutes and snowy driveways, not for mud-caked trails. But that’s okay—because the Murano is more about comfort than conquering the wild.
Performance Comparison: Murano vs. Rivals
| Model | Power Output | 0-60 mph Time | Top Speed | Drive Modes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano (2025) | 295 hp | 7.2 sec | 118 mph | Standard, Sport |
| Toyota Venza | 219 hp | 7.8 sec | 112 mph | Eco, Normal, Sport |
| Honda Passport | 280 hp | 6.8 sec | 125 mph | Normal, Snow, Sand |
The Murano holds its own in the performance department, sitting comfortably between the sedate Toyota Venza and the more aggressive Honda Passport. It’s not the fastest, but it’s certainly no slouch—making it a well-rounded choice for those who appreciate a bit of pep without the need to challenge every stoplight.
Design: Style Over Subtlety
The Murano’s design is a bit of an acquired taste. With its swooping lines, floating roof, and bold front grille, it’s a car that makes a statement. Whether that statement is “look at me” or “please help” depends on your taste, but there’s no denying that the Murano is a handsome beast in a sea of boxy competitors.
The 2025 refresh has seen some subtle tweaks—the grille is now even more prominent, the LED headlights are sleeker, and the rear end has been cleaned up just a touch. It’s the kind of update that’s noticeable without being overbearing, like getting a fresh haircut that makes everyone ask if you’ve lost weight.
Inside, Nissan has gone all out to make the Murano feel like a luxury car without the luxury price tag. There’s leather everywhere, soft-touch materials abound, and the dash is dominated by a large infotainment screen that looks more at home in a premium sedan than a crossover. It’s a space that feels both comfortable and classy, which is exactly what you want when you’re carting the family around.
Interior Features Comparison
| Feature | Nissan Murano | Toyota Venza | Honda Passport |
| Leather Upholstery | Standard on SL | Optional | Optional |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Available | Standard | Available |
| Digital Dashboard | Yes (12.3”) | Yes (7”) | Yes (8”) |
| Ambient Lighting | 10-color options | No | No |
The Murano’s cabin is a step above the competition in terms of materials and style. While the Toyota Venza and Honda Passport offer plenty of practicality, they don’t quite match the Murano’s upscale vibe. If you want a crossover that feels like a proper luxury SUV without the associated price tag, the Murano is the one to beat.
Technology: The Future at Your Fingertips
Nissan has packed the 2025 Murano with enough tech to make a Silicon Valley exec blush. The latest version of Nissan’s infotainment system is here, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s bright, crisp, and easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, meaning you can keep your phone in your pocket where it belongs.
There’s also a full suite of driver assistance features, because let’s face it, no one actually wants to do the driving anymore. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring—they’re all here, and they work seamlessly. The Murano is as close as you’re going to get to an autonomous lounge on wheels without spending six figures.
Tech Features Comparison
| Feature | Nissan Murano | Toyota Venza | Honda Passport |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3” | 8” | 8” |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android | Standard | No | Optional |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard | Optional |
| Lane-Keeping Assist | Standard | Optional | Standard |
The Murano is undeniably tech-forward, and while it might not have the brand prestige of some higher-end competitors, it doesn’t lack for features. It’s a crossover that’s more interested in making your life easier than in making a fuss.
Price: What’s the Damage?
The 2025 Murano starts at a reasonable $38,000 for the base model, but let’s be real—you’re not buying a Murano just to scrimp. The SL trim, which gives you all the leather and tech goodies, comes in at $44,500. If you want the fully loaded Platinum trim, complete with the panoramic sunroof and every bit of tech Nissan can cram in, you’re looking at $49,000.
Is it worth it? Well, that depends. If you want a crossover that’s stylish, comfortable, and packed with tech, then absolutely. The Murano offers a lot for the money, and while it’s not as cheap as some of its rivals, it’s also a lot more interesting.
Price Comparison
| Model | Starting Price | Fully Loaded Price (Estimate) |
| Nissan Murano (2025) | $38,000 | $49,000 |
| Toyota Venza | $34,120 | $43,000 |
| Honda Passport | $41,100 | $47,000 |
The Murano sits comfortably in the middle of its rivals in terms of pricing. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s certainly not the most expensive either. What you’re paying for is a blend of style, comfort, and tech that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Conclusion: A Crossover with Character
The 2025 Nissan Murano is a crossover that refuses to blend in. It’s a car that’s more about the journey than the destination, offering comfort, tech, and just enough performance to keep things interesting. It’s not a car for everyone—if you need to tow a boat or plan to tackle the Rubicon Trail, there are better options out there. But if you want something that looks good, feels good, and drives like a dream, the Murano is a fantastic choice.
In a world full of sensible crossovers, the Murano dares to be different. It’s stylish, it’s tech-savvy, and it’s got a bit of a wild streak. It’s the kind of car that’s just as happy cruising the city as it is taking the long way home. And in the end, isn’t that what driving should be all about?
