2026 Nissan Murano Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
For the most premium Nissan gas-powered SUV, look no further than the 2026 Murano. The style-forward model was first introduced for 2003 and most recently received a redesign for 2025 that delivered updated looks, power, and refinement. Midsize SUV competitors include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Crown Signia, and Chevrolet Blazer.
What’s New
Nissan delivered a new fourth-generation Murano for 2025. For the 2026 Murano, we expect the lineup to expand beyond SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. Look for the return of an entry-level S or a stylish Midnight Edition model.
What We Think
After nearly a decade of only minor changes, the 2026 Nissan Murano offers a fresh design, modern features, and its signature premium feel. Borrowing styling cues from the electric Ariya, the updated midsize SUV wears its new look well.
Inside, the five-passenger 2026 Murano comes with upscale materials and an emphasis on comfort. The top trim provides plush, supportive seating—complete with optional massage function, a rare feature in this class.
Controls are generally intuitive, though some climate settings are tucked into the infotainment system. Overall, the 2025 redesign begins to blur the line between Nissan and its luxury sibling, Infiniti.
On the road, the Murano feels more refined than ever. The ride is smooth, and the interior remains impressively quiet at speed. A new nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous CVT automatic, offering more composed performance, though acceleration feels markedly less lively than before. Despite the switch to a smaller engine, fuel economy gains are essentially a wash.
Still, the redesigned Murano’s strengths—particularly its elevated cabin and refined dynamics—make it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. It’s a meaningful upgrade over the outgoing model and positions Nissan’s crossover to better compete with the segment’s best.
Performance and MPGs
Every 2026 Murano features a 2.0-liter turbo-four akin to the one found in the Infiniti QX50 and QX55 small SUVs. Output for the Nissan is rated at 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and power is sent through a nine-speed automatic .
Fuel economy should be the same whether with standard FWD or available AWD, 21/27 mpg city/highway. That’s fair for the segment.
What’s Included With the Midnight Edition?
Nissan Midnight Edition models are the stylish street-level counterparts to the brand’s Rock Creek off-roaders. If a 2026 Murano Midnight Edition returns to the lineup, look for it to follow in the footsteps of the previous iteration.
That Midnight Edition was built on the Murano SV and added 20-inch black wheels as well as a black grille, front and rear lower bumper accents, side mirrors, side trim, badges, and license plate finisher. A Midnight Edition badge, splash guards, and illuminated kick plates were also included.
The 2026 Murano already rolls on standard 20-inch wheels, but we’d expect a flashier wheel with any new Midnight Edition regardless of size.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2026 Nissan Murano is a safe SUV; the model gets a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, not an easy designation to earn. In NHTSA government testing, the 2025 Murano gets a five-star overall rating.
Standard driver assists include:
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- A rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring with intervention
- Adaptive cruise control
- Hill start assist
ProPilot Assist 1.1 is standard on the top Murano trims, but this is the earliest version of the self-driving technology and requires hands-on operation (newer versions of ProPilot Assist on other models are hands-free).
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Compared to rivals from Toyota and Chevy, the Murano delivers more first-row legroom and standard cargo capacity. The Nissan trails in maximum hold volume, though.
Technology
Big screens are standard with the Murano, namely a 12.3-inch driver display and identically sized infotainment interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, active noise cancellation, a wireless phone charger, and capacitive-touch climate controls are also included with each SUV.
The Murano’s infotainment runs on Google’s built-in operating system, giving users access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store directly through the infotainment screen. Optional upgrades include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, and hands-free power liftgate.
Value
Recommended Trim
The 2026 Nissan Murano will likely be available with three to five trims this year. Look for the SV, SL, and Platinum models to return, as well as new affordable S and chic Midnight Edition variants to possibly join the family.
The Platinum top trim is a compelling variation, a substantial upgrade relative to the previous model and the Murano we’d choose if we had our way. Pricing for the 2026 Murano Platinum starts at just over $50,000 but feels plenty premium and spacious for that amount of cash.
