When people ask me if they should buy particular vehicle, I often reply, “If you bought the same model two or three generations ago, would you still like it?” I think back to the first-generation Nissan Murano I drove in 2003. If I still owned it, I’d enjoy it. Spending time with the fourth-generation 2026 Murano Platinum we have this week, recalls good memories that start in good favor.
The Murano has always looked like it secretly escaped a concept car turntable and that’s true of this one as well. There’s a lot of connection to the Nissan Ariya and Leaf EVs in the swooping profile, plastic facias, and black 21-inch wheels, but details like the squinty LED headlamps, chrome window arch, smoked taillamps and upturned windowline from the original Murano lend distinction. I especially like its sculpted shoulders and strong stance.
I spent considerable miles in the first Murano, driving it from Atlanta to Memphis when I lived there. It remains one of my favorite test cars, perfect for visiting Graceland, touring Sun Studio and eating on Beale Street with my grandmother – just stepped right in. Clay colored leather seats, aluminum dash trim, Bose audio and a beautiful analog gauge cluster felt special.
That sense of everything being “designed” carries to the latest Murano with its layers of stitched dash materials, ambient lighting, translucent panels and flush-mounted climate controls in a swath of woodgrain. Duel 12.3-inch flatscreens stand proud of dash upholstery. Beige and mocha diamond-stitched leather seats are heated, ventilated and massage up front with the rear bench and two-spoke squircle steering wheel both heated. Devices connect via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – charge wirelessly too. Crank up the Bose audio system, open the dual-pane moonroof and enjoy.
I wish the Murano came as a hybrid, but the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 241 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque – all routed to the all-wheel-drive system through a 9-speed automatic transmission. I’m glad Nissan ditched the revvy continuously variable transmission for a proper geared unit, paddle-shifted if you please. It’s not an abundance of power, but the Murano isn’t aimed at towing or hauling, preferring to carry passengers and luggage on highways and byways. For that, it’s fine if not invigorating. Fuel economy is rated 21/27-MPG city/highway. That’s quite good for a luxury crossover, but I’d still like a hybrid option.
I also like hands-off highway driving and a head-up display, which this Murano indulges. It also comes with a full suite of crash avoidance tech that includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, rear cross path detection with auto brake, and blind spot intervention. Safety is no joke with this chic future-dweller.
That Murano I drove in 2003 cost $35,000, or about $63,000 inflation-adjusted. I loved it then and would like it now, but given all of the additional performance, luxury, safety tech and hands-off driving, our vehicle is a far better value. Murano starts at $41,670, but came to $57,035 in Platinum trim with all the options. Alternatives include the Buick Envision, Mazda CX-70, Subaru Outback Touring and Toyota Crown Signia.
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