Nissan Murano Review 2026: Price, Specs & See If It’s Worth It

While the 2026 Nissan Murano may be easy to like, it might be more difficult to justify. It's important to remember that an SUV wants you to pay for something that could be a larger or better-equipped car instead.

The actual test is not the number of features that the Murano might have. There's something for everyone to love. The real challenge is whether its specific combination of comfort, technology, space, and everyday use is right for you and your driving style.

That's what we will do here. Rather than list the features, we'll examine the considerations and rationale for buying the Murano. By the end, you'll be able to tell if the Murano is right for you, not just on paper.

Key Takeaways

• Comfort is the Murano’s main selling point. Its strongest appeal is a relaxed, premium-feeling experience rather than sporty performance or heavy-duty utility.

• The SL deserves the closest look. It can bridge the gap between the value-focused SV and luxury-oriented Platinum, especially when equipped with the features you actually need.

• The right buyer matters more than the spec sheet. The Murano makes the most sense for people who want a comfortable five-seat SUV for commuting and road trips. Its cargo area is useful for everyday needs, but buyers prioritizing maximum cargo versatility, fuel economy, or towing should compare alternatives.

Quick Take: Is the Murano a Good SUV?

The Murano is best suited for those who value comfort over style, particularly in terms of usability. Again, it seems easy, but it changes people's buying decisions. You're selecting what this SUV will be like on the road day after day, not what it will have on the back of the brochure.

The first question it has is fit. Someone who spends hours on the road might not care as much about the Murano as someone who wants more cargo space, heavy-duty towing, or the best gas mileage. That means that a test drive is more crucial than a simple trim comparison.

Buyers also have an advantage in terms of the timing. The Murano is currently in an unusual inventory situation, with unusually slow turnover, which can allow the buyer to negotiate rather than accept the price as final.

We're not recommending that buyers just rush and purchase the Murano; however, if they're looking for a more comfortable experience, they should definitely consider it.

What's New for 2026?

Compared with the 2025 Nissan Murano, the 2026 model replaces the previous V6 with a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder and switches to standard all-wheel drive across the lineup.

There's no cheaper front-wheel-drive version to start with now – the lineup is now all AWD. That's an important distinction for drivers. It would make sense if all-wheel drive were already something you wanted, since you're getting the drivetrain you want without having to choose it separately. But if you live in a moderate climate, Nissan has taken away the chance to save money by opting for FWD.

What's more interesting is the change in the middle of the lineup. Nissan offers the SL with an available Comfort Package that adds a range of upscale touches to the model's range. This means that the SL is not just a middle tier between SV and Platinum, but could be a sweet option for someone who wants some luxury features without the Platinum level.

Another not-so-obvious purchase consideration is ProPILOT Assist 2.1. The hands-free system isn't standard on the Murano either. It's part of the Platinum technology package, which requires each buyer to choose whether they want that driving convenience.

As such, navigating the 2026 model year requires a close look at how the value was distributed across the new generation. Thus, it becomes more significant to ask what's new when comparing the SV, an SL with the Comfort Package, and the Platinum.

Pricing and Trim Levels

It's not about asking, "Which trim has the best features?" on the 2026 Murano. So, ask yourself, “Which trim offers the features that I will use?” That little change can add up to a lot of value to your purchase price.

The range of models, listed by Nissan at $41,670 for the SV, $46,760 for the SL, and $49,800 for the Platinum, before destination, taxes, and other charges, is capped. The SL is $5,090 higher on an MSRP basis, while the Platinum is $3,040 higher.

Those price rungs give us an important message: The biggest financial move is jumping into SL. Then it's less expensive to switch to Platinum, in absolute terms. The logical question then becomes whether you are getting what you want at the SL level or if it would be better to pay the extra money for Platinum.

SV: Start Here If You Want Value

For those who do not want the luxury extras, the SV is the logical choice for buyers who value the Murano experience. Several features make the car feel like a complete car already, and going up will largely be more about comfort, convenience, and luxury than completing a base car.

If you don't want the extra comfort features offered at higher trim levels, don't spend the money. If it's all you need every day, then you have no reason to settle for a less expensive option.

SL: The Trim That Deserves the Closest Look

The SL sits between the value-focused SV and the luxury-oriented Platinum. It adds more comfort and convenience features than the SV, while an available Comfort Package provides additional upgrades for buyers who want more luxury without moving to the Platinum.

The Comfort Package adds features such as ventilated and massaging front seats and heated rear seats. These should be considered package options rather than standard SL equipment.

Before moving to Platinum, compare the standard SL with an SL equipped with the Comfort Package. This makes it easier to determine whether Platinum's additional features justify the higher price for your needs.

Platinum: When the Extra Spend Makes Sense

The Platinum is the top trim and is aimed at buyers who want a more luxurious Murano. It adds features such as quilted semi-aniline leather, massaging front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a head-up display.

For buyers who specifically want these premium features, Platinum can justify the additional cost. For others, the standard SL or an SL equipped with the Comfort Package may provide enough of the features they actually use.

Which Trim You Should Choose?

Avoid selecting Platinum just because it's a flagship. Use only the features you really want to make the SL on paper, and then look at Platinum.

The three-step check can show something a standard trim table cannot: the best Murano for you is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. It is the one where the added equipment ceases to be useful enough to warrant "one more dollar.”

2026 Murano Specs at a Glance

The spec sheet is only a partial record. The figures here illustrate Murano's position: a spacious five-door midsize SUV with more utility in mind than just utility.

The Murano is quite long at 193 inches, and yet it retains 2 rows and 5 seats. It also has a 1,500-pound towing capacity, which indicates its intended use: not for heavy-duty hauling but for everyday driving.

Engine and Performance

The Murano's performance comes from its driving, not its horsepower figure. It's powered by a 241 hp, 260 lb-ft 2.0-liter VC-Turbo that powers through in a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The question is, when does that power come? The engine is quiet at higher speeds but lacks consistency at low speeds. A few tests have detected a gap before the power comes in and a heavier spike.

The Best Way to Test It

This can be confused by a short dealership loop. Stop, take a rolling turn, then pick up speed to around 30 mph and merge onto a highway. Those situations require different work from the engine and the transmission.

That test is also the reason that acceleration can be misleading. Some independent testing has reported 0-60 mph times ranging from 7.2 to 7.4 seconds, but the driving impressions differ. The numbers indicate the rate of acceleration, not how naturally the power is delivered.

What About the Nine-Speed?

The Murano's automatic transmission is a nine-speed automatic rather than the CVT found in the previous generation. That's a good character shift for a driver who likes feeling a different kind of shift.

However, it does not behave exactly as expected. Low-speed shifts can feel busy, while a quick downshift may take longer than expected. This may not be noticeable if you drive smoothly. It is easier to see when it is frequent stop-and-go driving.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2026 Murano has a highway fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon, an urban rating of 21 miles per gallon, and a combined rating of 23 miles per gallon. Those numbers take on greater significance when translated into driving range – its 18.7-gallon tank is rated to drive up to 505 miles.

The combined EPA rating comes out to approximately 430 miles per tank. With the highway rating, the theoretical distance increases to about 505 miles. These are projections and not guarantees, as fuel consumption may vary during actual driving.

What Does That Mean for Your Wallet?

At 23 mpg, the amount of fuel needed for an annual driving distance of 12,000 miles is approximately 522 gallons per year. If you are driving at 20 mpg, you will use approximately 600 gallons of fuel.

The difference is 78 gallons per year. The amount will depend on your fuel price, but the calculation illustrates why a small MPG difference can make a significant difference to high-mileage drivers.

The Real-World Catch

Independent testing has resulted in ratings lower and in the vicinity of the EPA combined rating; owner experiences vary. The number can vary based on traffic, short trips, weather, tire pressure, driving style, and vehicle load.

So do not look for the Murano each week expecting to buy the EPA number. Set the standard at 23 mpg and measure your own driving against it. The Murano's gas mileage is more relevant if you do a lot of highway driving. When you have short trips to the city in your schedule, this is worth considering.

Technology and Convenience Features

The Murano's tech is more about eliminating friction than about adding gadgets to the mix. All trims are standard with dual 12.3-inch displays, smartphone connectivity, 4 USB-C charging ports, and wireless charging.

The bigger value split comes higher up. SL includes Google built-in, Wi-Fi, and Bose audio, whereas Platinum includes a head-up display and more advanced connected functions.

There is one aspect worth noting regarding the functioning of the systems. Google built-in can be used, and even voice commands can be used without using your phone at all, while wireless CarPlay and Android Auto will allow you to retain your familiar phone setup.

Precision is the problem the available 3D camera system and Invisible Hood View address. They can make it easier to park and drive at low speeds, particularly in crowded areas.

The most sensible thing to do for most buyers is to simply purchase the technology they would use, not a bunch of features which sound good on paper.

Interior: Comfort, Quality and Technology

The Murano cabin design is built around one concept: giving the two-row layout more purpose than it appears to have in a mini 3-row SUV. This ensures a comfortable front seat while still providing enough rear legroom for adults.

One thing most customers may overlook is the difference in passenger volume between the trims. Despite the equalized legroom, hip space, and shoulder space, Nissan claims 112.0 cu. ft. for the SV and 107.1 cu. ft. for the SL and Platinum. This renders the volume figures published less relevant to seating sizes than the actual figures when comparing trims.

There's also a compromise with the sleek design of the cabin. Lots of controls are touch-sensitive, and the low, wide dashboard is clean. This can make the interior feel modern; however, it can require much more maintenance for tasks like temperature adjustments.

That is more important than the material for everyday use. The Murano is most effective if you're willing to sacrifice some maximum utility and control simplicity in exchange for a comfortable, premium-feeling cabin.

The smart thing to do is to sit in both rows, adjust to a normal driver's seat position, and test the main controls before purchasing. A cabin looks great in the picture but is terrible in person.

Cargo Space and Everyday Practicality

The Murano offers 32.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That is useful cargo capacity for everyday shopping, luggage, strollers, and recreational gear, especially for a five-seat SUV. However, its two-row layout and overall dimensions do not make it a substitute for a larger, more utility-focused SUV when you regularly carry unusually bulky items or tow heavy loads.

Nissan also provides 39.7 inches of cargo-floor length behind the second row and 55.9 inches between the wheel wells. These measurements help put the headline cargo-volume figures into perspective when you're deciding whether the Murano can accommodate the items you actually carry.

Don't purchase anything without measuring the biggest expense. A vehicle can be spacious for cargo and yet fail to accommodate a single large item due to length, width, or height.

Safety and Driver Assistance

There are two layers to the safety story of the Murano. Protection and crash avoidance are the first, and equally key, systems in the lineup. The latter is driver assistance: As you progress through the trims, the experience evolves.

That's why the SV is more interesting than its price value would lead you to believe. It doesn't come with the top trim, but it has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot intervention, rear automatic braking, lane intervention, and adaptive cruise control.

The actual upgrade is ProPILOT Assist 2.1. It can be used with Platinum to offer hands-off, foot-off support in some circumstances. However, a driver-monitoring system continues to monitor attention, and Nissan is emphatic that the driver is responsible at all times.

That makes a difference for those buying, as hands-off isn't necessarily responsible-off. The system can be affected by weather conditions, road markings, traffic, and road surfaces, so it is meant to be used in combination with the driver and not as a replacement for them.

The Murano is also well received by independent safety ratings, such as the IIHS 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award.

Most buyers are getting the safety they need with the standard safety equipment. The Platinum upgrade is more of an opportunity for those who often drive on highways and get value from advanced assistance, not just for the sake of being impressive.

Ownership Costs, Warranty and Long-Term Value

The simplest way to evaluate the Murano's cost of ownership is to divide it into fixed and variable costs. Warranty comes with a set of predetermined parameters. Not fuel, insurance, repairs, resale value, etc.

Nissan offers a basic warranty of 3 years and 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is also valid for 36 months or 36,000 miles. It is easier to measure fuel. If you drive 12,000 miles a year at 23 mpg, you would consume approximately 522 gallons of gasoline per year. If the car gets 20 mpg, then it would use 600 gallons. Your fuel price and driving habits will determine the actual cost.

Depreciation is an area that needs more focus than is typically given. Industry estimates suggest that the Murano could depreciate by approximately 50% over five years, but this will vary with mileage, condition, market demand, and incentives.

This is an important buying rule: Do not just compare monthly payments. Consider the cost you are paying and the fuel, insurance, maintenance, and likely resale value you anticipate over the years you will be driving the car.

For a new model, it is not easy to make a confident long-term reliability judgment. Don't be misled into treating forecasts as guarantees; allow for some budgeting margins to cover costs not included in the warranty.

What We Like

The Murano has a well-defined identity. The best aspects of its design all contribute to the same goal: to make everyday travel calm, comfortable and less demanding.

It doesn't come standard with the highest trim. The SL offers a solid combination of comfort and driver-assistance features, with the option to install some luxury upgrades without committing to all of Platinum, and it comes with a well-rounded blend of the two.

While it may seem like a minor detail, the two-row design can be a significant benefit for the ideal owner. When you need to transport 5 people or fewer, the Murano won't require you to pay for a third row you may never use. This allows its big footprint to be justified as a comfort vehicle.

Its best qualities work better when combined. They are designed to support the same type of ownership that includes long commutes, road trips, and relaxed daily driving, with comfortable seating, a quiet cabin, standard driver-assistance features, and useful connected technology.

That's what we enjoy the most. The Murano does not have to take all the categories. It's good when your SUV concept makes the miles feel easier.

What Could Be Better

The Murano's greatest problem is not a single bad attribute. It's the space between its near-luxury aspirations and the day-to-day elements that remain normal.

It's most obvious in the powertrain. It's a good production car, but it may feel less predictable to accelerate than the numbers suggest due to a lack of low-end power. It's the most important thing to look at in traffic, where smooth response is more important than the horsepower in the headliner.

The same balance can be observed inside the cabin. While the Murano is a polished model, a few controls will need extra attention. What seems new and high-tech when out of the car can turn less convenient when you're in the car.

Not to mention the ride. The Murano's seats and cabin are comfort-focused, although its suspension can feel firm over rough pavement.

There's another boundary: Utility. The Murano's two-row layout provides useful space for passengers, luggage, and everyday gear, but its 1,500-pound towing capacity limits it to lighter trailers. Buyers who regularly tow, carry unusually bulky loads, or need maximum cargo flexibility should consider more utility-focused alternatives.

All these compromises should not detract from its strengths; they are worth valuing. They might be comfortable and luxurious if you're looking for luxury and comfort in the cabin. When it comes to easy power, easy controls, a smoother ride, or just utilitarian, they're easier to ignore.

Murano vs. the Competition

The Murano is easier to understand if you refrain from asking “which SUV is best?” and you ask “which compromise can I live with?” Each competitor offers something that the Murano doesn't.

Murano vs. Hyundai Santa Fe

Opt for the Murano if you rarely need a third row and want the cabin experience to be for about five people. Pick the Santa Fe when extra passengers or family gear take priority over a strict two-row layout.

Murano vs. Toyota Crown Signia

This is the obvious selection for people who want to use less fuel. The Crown Signia's hybrid system provides it with a significant efficiency boost. In contrast, the Murano may be more suitable for those who prefer a traditional gas engine and a more traditional SUV design.

Murano vs. Honda Passport

The Passport is a better option for those who want their SUV to work harder. The Murano better suits owners who like to use it for leisurely commuting and road trips, whereas the stronger engine and focus make it a better fit for owners who want utility.

Murano vs. Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 is the driver's favorite. It's more oriented towards driving, and with its range of powertrains, it's appealing to those who like to handle it. The Murano offers a different deal: less thrill for a more laid-back day-to-day experience.

The Smarter Way to Choose

• Need seven seats? Take a look at the Santa Fe.

• Looking to save the most fuel? Notice the Crown Signia.

• Want a more utility-focused SUV? Compare the Passport.

• Looking for more responsive driving? Look at the CX-70.

• Looking for a comfortable five-passenger SUV? It is worth considering the Murano.

The Murano is not a winner in all categories. The good thing is that its compromises are easy to explain. This makes it more about finding the SUV whose flaws affect you the least, rather than finding the perfect SUV.

Who Should Buy the Murano?

The Nissan Murano is ideal for people who live in a five-seat, two-row environment. When you're traveling with a small group of passengers, a small SUV can be more convenient than a large SUV that lacks your favorite seats.

Also, it is suitable for those who spend a significant amount of time in the car. People who use the vehicle for commuting or road trips tend to value a relaxed cabin more than those who view an SUV as an adventure tool for weekends.

Here is a simple way to test the fit: count your busiest passenger day, not your average day. When family or friends join you on five seatings, the layout of the Murano should not bother you.

Your cargo habits matter as well. Everyday items, luggage, groceries, and regular recreational gear are well suited to the Murano's two-row layout. However, if you regularly carry unusually bulky furniture, large equipment, or a trailer, a more utility-focused SUV may be a better fit.

The Murano makes the most sense if you typically travel with five or fewer people and value cabin comfort, everyday cargo space, and relaxed driving. If your passenger, cargo, or towing needs change frequently, consider a more versatile SUV before making your decision.

Is the 2026 Nissan Murano Worth Buying?

Yes, but only if it's the right things you value. If you don't care about maximum fuel efficiency, towing, or sporty performance, the Murano is a good choice for you.

The worst thing you can do is look at the number of features. The more important question is if those features address the problems you're facing. Comfort is the key element of Murano's design, so if you spend long hours commuting, this can make a huge difference. When you need serious utility, you've got to deal with its compromises.

One useful point for Japanese-car shoppers is also worth noting. Although the automaker is Japanese, the current Murano is manufactured in the USA. Now Nissan is scheduled to launch this U.S.-made product in Japan in early 2027.

The distinction is important when comparing it with cars from Japanese exporters like SAT Japan. We have enough Nissan vehicles in stock to suit your driving style. A Japan-market import is not guaranteed to be the same specification, equipment, warranty, or parts support as a North American Murano.

If you prefer it to be comfortable and live that way, then purchase the Murano. Compare the exact trim price, test the powertrain in actual traffic, and review ownership costs before signing. If those three tests apply to you, the Murano is a much easier SUV to recommend.