Text by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD
Class: Midsize Crossover
Country of manufacture: United States
Seating capacity: 5
Color: Aurora Blue Pearl
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A- |
| Power and Performance | B- |
| Fit and Finish | A- |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 241-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged four |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles Driven: 130
Observed fuel economy: 21.9
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21/275/23 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $49,800 (not including $1495 (destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Technology Package ($2900), Cargo Package ($470), Illuminated Cargo Scuff Plate ($520), Panoramic Headliner Illumination ($445), Illuminated Kick Plates ($425), special paint ($450), mat and cargo package ($530)
Price as tested: $57,035
Audio-System Brand
Bose
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy and attractive cabin, clean and modern design
The good: Solid fuel economy, better than adequate power
The not so good: Ride and handling performance trails class best
Review
He called it the “power toad.” He was a guy I talked cars with at the health club, and he had just purchased a 2003 Nissan Murano, a vehicle he very much appreciated, but he had yet to come to terms with the design. Looking back, the first generation Murano doesn’t look all that controversial, but in the early years of the 21st century, Nissan’s 2-row midsize crossover was turning heads.
The “Power Toad”
But the sleek people mover was being recognized for its design—good or bad—and being appreciated for its power, sporty nature, and deft handling. All-in-all, the Murano was an apt Nissan brand ambassador.
Something happened to the Murano, however, and the plucky crossover somehow lost its pluck. A 2009 redesign softened the Murano’s visual features, and, perhaps in response to the new design sales declined considerably.
Declining Sales
Another generation of the midsize Nissan came and went before a 2025 update restored the Murano its original design-leader glory. Newly rendered last year, the Murano now boasts a clean, edgy purposeful look, with striking LED headlights and a sleek profile.
But, are good looks enough to help this marginalized model recoup lost sales and buyer interest? The short answer is “maybe,” as there’s a lot here to like.
Shrinking Competitive Set
The 2-row midsize crossover class has shrunk a bit, especially with the departure of the Ford Edge after the 2024 model year. While we doubt that midsize crossover intenders shop purely on a 2-row or 3-row basis, we know the distinction is important to many consumers. To that end, here is a list of all 2-row models available for 2026:
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Honda Passport
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (non-L)
- Mazda CX-70
- Nissan Murano
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Jeep Cherokee, by Jeep’s definition, is also midsize, though in reality it’s on the small side for the segment. You can read our review of the new Cherokee here.
Prices and Trim Levels
So, how does the new Murano stack up against the field listed above? Let’s have a look. As noted earlier, the Nissan was new for 2025, and is little changed for 2026. Here’s a look at the trim-level current lineup:
- SV ($43,215)
- SL ($48,305)
- Platinum ($51,345)
Engines
All Murano’s are powered a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. For 2026 AWD is standard on all Murano models. A front-drive version of the SV had been offered for 2025.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Platinum in Aurora Blue Pearl and equipped with the Technology Package (which includes the maker’s ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system). Including the destination charge, our test car came to $57,035.
Cabin Appointments
As ne noted earlier, style is the Murano’s strong suit, and the cabin looks as good as the exterior. The interior is comprised gently contoured lines augmented by gentle ambient lighting to excellent effect. Classy, high-grade materials and excellent workmanship underscore the luxury feel of the Platinum décor.
Connectivity
The infotainment-system touchscreen sits atop the dash, making it something of a reach for folks with short arms, but that’s our only complaint. We found the screen easy to read at a glance, most functions quick to access and manipulate, and the system quick to respond to touch inputs. Also, once our mobile devices were Bluetooth connected to the car, they stayed connected, something we haven’t been able to say about a number of recent test cars.
Bose Audio
Standard on SL and Platinum models, and unavailable on the SV is a Bose-branded audio system that does a nice job with mid-century jazz, and would not seem out of place in a premium-brand vehicle.
Room and Comfort
The Murano is plenty roomy, with ample room for four adults, and five in a pinch. This big editor found the Murano easy to enter and exit, and very accommodating underway. Rear-seat head- and legroom are also noteworthy, even with the front seats adjusted well back.
Ride and Handling
Given the Murano’s premium appeal, we had hoped for a little more in the ride and handling department. While generally comfortable, the Murano’s ride is prone to harshness over broken surfaces, something we suspect is due—at least in part—to the Platinum’s 21-inch low-profile wheels and tires. Note that lesser Murano’s are fitted with 20-inch wheels and tires with a little more impact-absorbing sidewall.
Handling, too, disappoints. Compared to the class-leading Mazda CX-70, the Murano lacks meaningful steering feedback, and feels lifeless in corners. There’s nothing wrong with how the Murano rides and drives, but shoppers looking for something on the sporty side will be disappointed.
Power and Performance
We found power delivery to be satisfying enough, with good response from a stop, and decent muscle available for passing and merging. For the most part, the 9-speed automatic did a fine job keeping the Murano’s smallish engine in its powerband. Note that most of the vehicles in this segment offer up more power than the Murano, though we can’t say we ever felt the our Nissan was lacking in this regard.
Fuel Economy
Over 130 miles of routine driving we saw just under 22 mpg, solid for the class, and more than acceptable considering the standard AWD.
Value
The Murano impresses for its fresh design, classy interior, and roomy and accommodating cabin. We wish this good-looking Nissan rode with a little more composure and was a little more fun to drive, but many shoppers don’t consider sportiness an important new-car attribute.
Given the relatively small number of vehicles in this class, we strongly recommend serious shoppers drive as many models as they can—and make sure you spend some time with the Murano, it’s back in the running, and its turning heads again.
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2026 Nissan Murano Platinum Pictures
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