Overview
Don’t let the striking exterior of the 2021 Nissan Murano fool you; beneath its daringly sculpted sheet metal lies a soothing interior and an incredibly smooth ride. All Muranos are outfitted with the same engine and transmission – a 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a variable automatic drivetrain, available in both front wheel and all wheel variations.
The driving experience in the Murano may not be exhilarating, however it is more than suitable to accommodate its laidback nature. Four passengers will have no issue finding plenty of space inside for an enjoyable ride but if you’re looking for a vehicle with abundant cargo storage, then consider alternatives such as the Honda Passport or Hyundai Santa Fe instead.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Lurking beneath the sheet metal of each Murano variant is a 3.5-liter V-6 making 260 horsepower, with front wheel drive as the standard option and all wheel drive available for any trim. Both setups are paired to an efficient continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The last Murano we tested had decent performance on our test track and delivered peppy performance around town. Bury your foot in the throttle—an exercise few Murano buyers will do frequently—and the CVT spikes the engine revs and holds them there, resulting in a loud, droning growl from under the hood. The Murano is in its element on long-distance highway jaunts, where the powertrain fades into the background and delivers a peaceful journey. With a suspension tuned for comfort, the Murano makes easy work of road trips, and its suspension damps out even the roughest of potholes to deliver a smooth ride.
With twists and turns, the Murano will get you to your destination safely without any drama. The steering offers great highway stability, however is not as responsive on winding roads. For those needing a bit more capability for towing small items, this vehicle can handle up to 1500 pounds with ease.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the Murano will generate 20 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on highways. All-wheel drive won’t impact either rating. In our real-world tests, this vehicle came just shy of its highway fuel economy projection at 27 mpg – yet still managed to outperform all of their competitors that we tested!
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Murano earned above-average scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it a reliable choice in terms of safety. Additionally, Nissan boasts an array of driver-assistance technology on all models, guaranteeing you top tier protection during your travels.
Is Nissan Murano a reliable car?
We expect the 2023 Murano will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020 and 2021 models.
Are Nissan muranos good SUVs?
Yes, the 2023 Murano is a good SUV. This Nissan’s interior is classy and treats occupants to comfy seating and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Its engine is powerful and relatively fuel-efficient, and its soft suspension translates to a pleasant ride quality.
What years did Nissan Murano have transmission problems?
Many 2015–2021 Nissan Murano SUVs still face recurring safety issues with its CVT transmissions, with some consumers reporting that Nissan failed to troubleshoot these problems.