A Rainy Road Trip to Put Nissan's Redesigned Murano to the Test
Our first volleyball tournament road trip of 2025 involved hitting the road before sunrise in the dark and steady rain—perfect conditions to test the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD.
This trip took us from Atlanta to Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a stop at the University of South Carolina for a campus visit. That meant long highway stretches, varying road conditions, and plenty of opportunities to evaluate Nissan's latest take on its midsize SUV.
I've driven previous versions of the Murano, and while the styling was always bold, it was long overdue for a refresh—especially under the hood. This new Murano ditches the old V6 in favor of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, finally replacing Nissan's infamous CVT.
Did it make a difference? Absolutely.
A More Premium and Comfortable Cabin Experience
The first thing you notice in the Platinum AWD trim is how upscale the interior feels. Nissan has been improving its cabin materials across the lineup, and the Murano is no exception.
Semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, customizable ambient lighting, and a panoramic moonroof all contribute to a near-luxury experience.
But the biggest surprise? The massage seats. My wife and I didn't expect them, but after a few hours on the road, we were pleasantly surprised at how relaxing they were. This feature is usually reserved for high-end luxury SUVs, and it's a huge plus for long drives.
The BOSE premium audio system, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Google built-in, made sure our trip was enjoyable. It provided seamless connectivity for navigation, music, and hands-free calling.
The quiet cabin also stood out. At highway speeds, wind and road noise were well controlled, creating a refined driving experience that puts the Murano in premium SUV territory.
Cargo Space That Feels Bigger Than It Looks
Packing for a volleyball tournament means loading up luggage, gear, snacks, and everything in between. The Murano handled it all easily, offering plenty of space behind the rear seats.
But what really caught me off guard was when I parked next to a three-row Acura MDX. The Murano actually looked larger, which speaks to its smart packaging and generous cargo capacity—without the added weight of a third row.
Nissan has done a great job maximizing usable space, making this a fantastic option for families who need a spacious SUV without moving up to a larger, less fuel-efficient model.
Performance and the 9-Speed Upgrade
The biggest change under the hood is the switch from Nissan's aging 3.5L V6 to a new 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
While acceleration isn't the Murano's strong suit, the 9-speed automatic transmission makes a huge difference over the old CVT. The shifts are smooth, predictable, and far more refined, especially at highway speeds.
The Intelligent AWD system and Drive Mode Selector ensured confidence on wet roads, keeping the Murano composed even in steady rain conditions during our trip.
The fuel economy has also improved, with an EPA rating of 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway). For a midsize SUV, that's a solid balance of efficiency and capability.
Technology & Safety: A Nissan Staple
Nissan continues to lead in standard safety tech, and the Murano is no exception.
The Platinum AWD trim comes with:
• ProPILOT Assist 1.1 – Nissan’s semi-autonomous driving aid, great for long highway stretches
• Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range & Hold – Smooth braking and acceleration in traffic
• Blind Spot Warning & Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Essential for lane changes and parking lots
• HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor with Invisible Hood View & Front Wide View – Makes parking a breeze
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection & Rear Automatic Braking
In a segment where safety and convenience features are becoming standard, Nissan delivers a well-rounded package that makes the Murano feel like a great value.
Final Verdict: A Stylish, Comfortable, and Well-Equipped Midsize SUV
After spending a week with the 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD, I can confidently say it’s a major improvement over the outgoing model.
• Comfortable, upscale interior
• Massage seats – a surprising luxury
• Smooth and quiet ride, great for long drives
• More refined 9-speed transmission
• Strong safety and technology package
• Generous cargo space for its size
The only real downside? Acceleration could be better, but the new transmission makes up for it with smoother and more efficient performance.
Overall, the 2025 Murano is a formidable competitor in the midsize SUV market—offering luxury-like comfort, smart tech, and practical space at a more accessible price.
2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD Buyer’s Guide
Price:
• MSRP: $55,030 (as tested)
Performance:
• Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
• Horsepower: 241 hp
• Torque: 260 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Intelligent AWD
Fuel Economy (EPA Est.):
• City: 21 MPG
• Highway: 27 MPG
• Combined: 23 MPG
Cargo Capacity:
• Spacious, rivaling some 3-row SUVs
Technology & Features:
• ProPILOT Assist 1.1 (semi-autonomous driving)
• 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
• BOSE premium audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Heated and ventilated seats with massage function
• Head-up display
• Panoramic moonroof
• Wireless charging pad
• Hands-free power liftgate
Safety Features:
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind spot warning & rear cross-traffic alert
• Intelligent lane intervention
• Rear automatic braking
• HD 360-degree camera system with Invisible Hood View
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
• Luxury-level comfort at a mainstream price
• Massage seats – a unique touch
• Much improved 9-speed automatic transmission
• Spacious cargo area for a 2-row SUV
• Excellent tech & safety features
Cons:
• Acceleration is just adequate
• Some competitors offer hybrid or sportier powertrains
Final Take: Should You Buy the 2025 Murano?
If you're in the market for a midsize SUV that delivers premium comfort, upscale tech, and a smooth ride, the 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD should be on your shortlist.
It may not be the sportiest SUV, but its comfort, practicality, and refined driving experience make it an excellent choice for families and road-trip warriors alike.
Would I drive it again? Absolutely. With this refresh, Nissan got a lot right, and the Murano is back in the game.
