In this day and age where midsize crossovers are more common than corner cafés, it takes something special to stand apart. For the 2025 model year, Nissan has completely reimagined its long-running Murano, giving it sharper looks, modern technology, and a cabin that feels several classes above what its badge suggests. What emerges is an SUV that edges toward the premium tier while remaining accessible to those who want elegance without the steep entry fees of luxury marques.
The Platinum AWD trim sits at the top of the Murano range. With an MSRP of $49,600 (and a tested price of $54,450), it positions itself just under vehicles like the Lexus RX and Acura MDX. But make no mistake—this is no mere placeholder in the Nissan lineup. The fourth-generation Murano has been crafted with an emphasis on comfort, technology, and design that genuinely places it in conversation with more expensive rivals.
Design: Familiar Yet Forward
The Murano has always been Nissan’s stylish crossover, and the 2025 redesign builds on that reputation with a cleaner, more sculpted presence. The front end features what Nissan calls “Crystal Cube” LED headlights—slender, jewel-like elements flanking a gloss-black strip that visually separates them from the grille. Within that grille, the brand’s signature V-motion design is subtly integrated through hidden LED daytime running lights.
It’s a look that balances futurism with restraint. The front end, in particular, recalls a design language I’ve admired since the 1990s. There’s something faintly reminiscent of the old 300ZX. A small nod to Nissan’s design heritage that enthusiasts may pick up on. The stance is confident without trying too hard.
At nearly 193 inches in length and 78 inches wide, the Murano feels substantial on the road. Platinum models ride on striking 21-inch wheels, which fill the arches neatly and add a touch of gravitas to the profile. This isn’t a crossover that blends into traffic. Instead, it carries itself with quiet authority, looking (and feeling) more polished than its price tag suggests.
Interior: A Calm Sanctuary
Step inside the Platinum AWD and the Murano’s real ambition comes into focus. Nissan clearly studied its Infiniti playbook when designing this cabin, and the influence is unmistakable. Two-tone interiors with soft-touch materials and subtle stitching create an upscale atmosphere. The cabin doesn’t overwhelm with chrome or gloss; instead, it relies on textures and tones that feel timeless.
The seats deserve particular praise. They aren’t just supportive, they’re indulgent. The front chairs offer ventilation, heating, and even a massaging function. A first for the Murano. This kind of feature is something one expects in a European luxury SUV, not in a Nissan wearing a sub-$55,000 sticker. The second row also benefits from thoughtful touches, with generous headroom at nearly 40 inches and more than 36 inches of legroom. Passengers will find themselves genuinely comfortable, even on longer trips.
Cargo capacity is another highlight. With 32.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 63.5 cubic feet when folded, the Murano balances daily practicality with weekend flexibility. It’s not the leader in its class, but it’s more than sufficient for everything from grocery runs to a family’s luggage for a holiday trip.
Technology: Luxury-Level Features
If the design and comfort establish the Murano’s premium aspirations, the technology seals the deal. The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch displays, one serving as a digital instrument cluster and the other as the central infotainment screen. Together, they create a cohesive, modern cockpit that feels more akin to what you’d find in a high-end German SUV.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does Google built-in, including Google Maps, Assistant, and Alexa integration. A wireless charging pad, four USB ports, Bluetooth, and satellite radio round out the baseline offerings. Step up to the SL or Platinum trims, and you’ll enjoy a 10-speaker Bose audio system with crisp, immersive sound.
Beyond entertainment, Nissan has packed the Murano with advanced driver assistance and convenience features. ProPILOT Assist, the brand’s adaptive cruise and lane-keeping system, is now available with enhanced functionality. A color heads-up display keeps essential information within the driver’s line of sight, while the 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View simplify parking in tight urban spaces. The combination of these features is impressive, especially at this price point.
Performance: Smooth and Steady
Under the hood, the 2025 Murano moves away from its older V6 setup, now pairing a new powertrain with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The emphasis is on refinement and ease rather than outright speed. Power delivery is smooth, gear changes are unobtrusive, and the all-wheel drive system provides confidence in less-than-ideal conditions.
Fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg combined (I observed 25 mpg combined the week I had it), with 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These numbers aren’t groundbreaking, but they align with what buyers in this category expect. Towing capacity tops out at 1,500 pounds, which falls below some midsize rivals. For most owners, that limitation won’t matter, as the Murano’s mission is comfort-first commuting, not weekend trailering.
What stands out most in daily driving is the way the Murano isolates the cabin from road imperfections. The suspension feels tuned for calm composure, soaking up rough patches without transmitting much into the seats. Paired with excellent sound insulation, the result is a serene driving experience that encourages conversation and relaxation.
Safety: Built-In Assurance
Nissan’s focus on safety is evident in the 2025 Murano. Along with a full suite of driver-assist systems, the vehicle includes structural and detail improvements aimed at protecting all occupants. Rear-seat passengers now benefit from added reinforcements, pretensioners, and load limiters in the seatbelts. A passenger knee airbag is also new, while relocating the side mirrors from the A-pillars to the doors improves forward visibility.
The Platinum trim’s technology further enhances peace of mind. The Intelligent Around View Monitor not only helps with parking but can also provide an invisible hood view, letting drivers “see” the ground directly ahead—useful in urban settings where curbs and tight clearances lurk. For families or commuters, this layered approach to safety is as reassuring as it is practical.
Living With the Murano: Upscale Without the Badge
What makes the Murano Platinum AWD interesting to me is the way it stretches the definition of a mainstream crossover. From the ventilated massaging seats to the 64-color ambient lighting, it offers amenities normally reserved for luxury nameplates. And yet, it never pretends to be something it’s not.
The Murano isn’t chasing BMWs or Audis. Instead, it’s carving out a space for buyers who want more than a Honda Passport or the short lived Toyota Venza, but don’t want to pay Lexus RX or Mercedes GLC money. It’s a premium vehicle in a non-premium market segment, and that positioning is more compelling than ever.
On the road, the Murano feels secure, sophisticated, and remarkably comfortable. In the driveway, it projects a polished image. Inside, it treats its occupants with thoughtful design and generous features. For many families and professionals, this balance will be exactly what they’re after.
Verdict: A Surprising Contender
The 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD is proof that luxury doesn’t always have to come with a prestige badge. By borrowing lessons from Infiniti, adding new technologies, and emphasizing comfort above all else, Nissan has created a crossover that punches above its weight.
It may not tow as much as some rivals, nor will it set pulses racing with blistering acceleration. But that isn’t the Murano’s purpose. Its job is to carry you, your passengers, and your belongings in supreme comfort, with enough style and sophistication to make every journey feel considered. In that regard, it succeeds admirably.
For those who remember the 300ZX of the 1990s, the new Murano offers a small visual callback to a golden era of Nissan design, while also looking firmly toward the future. More importantly, it shows that Nissan hasn’t forgotten how to make a vehicle that feels special, even in the crowded midsize SUV space.
If your life calls for refinement without excess, and you want an SUV that whispers elegance instead of shouting for any kind of attention, the Murano Platinum AWD may be the understated luxury you didn’t know you were looking for.
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