Nissan’s next-generation Murano SUV will receive a significant update with an Ariya-inspired design and new powertrains
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- The next-generation Nissan Murano is expected to be revealed later this year as a 2025 model.
- The mid-size SUV will feature a sleeker, more modern exterior design inspired by the Nissan Ariya.
- It’s rumored to ditch the V6 engine for a turbocharged four-cylinder and a possible hybrid option.
We recently caught up with next-generation Murano prototypes testing out in the open, indicating that the midsize two-row SUV is close to being revealed. It’s about time, too. The aging current version has remained virtually unchanged since its 2015 debut, while competitors have significantly evolved, with some even venturing into the electric vehicle landscape.
Want to know more? We’ve peeled back the camo to show you what it will look like and explore everything else we know about the fourth iteration of the Murano to date.
Looking Sharp
Retaining a sleek, coupe-like silhouette that has defined the nameplate since its inception in 2002, the Murano also looks like a cross between the Ariya EV and the not-for-the-US Qashqai compact SUV.
The front fascia adopts a horizontal theme, featuring split-level LED headlamps and vertically scalloped side flanks. The lower lights incorporate horizontally stacked DRL elements, while the indicators are positioned at the top.
Viewing it from the also reveals shades of Ariya, with a similar daylight opening area, chiselled side surfacing, and a sharp shoulder line. At the rear, the Murano sports a full-width rear LED light cluster, with the majority of the creases and folds concentrated around the lower bumper. This design choice results in a clean, monolithic appearance from behind.
Interior Smarts
The cabin undergoes a significant makeover, aligning with Nissan’s modern vehicle design language. The dashboard boasts a ‘layered’ appearance, featuring a shelf-like structure below the dual-screen setup: a digital instrument cluster and a infotainment system extending above the center console.
The upper section will be wrapped in leather with contrasting stitching, while a floating bridge design graces the center console for a refreshingly modern aesthetic.
A sizeable volume/power knob is positioned between the air vents, with physical HVAC controls mounted further down. Tech goodies will likely include a heads-up display (HUD) and a 170-degree surround camera monitor for enhanced visibility. Other upgrades include over-the-air updates and built-in Google features like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store.
Platform and Powertrain
The upcoming Murano is tipped to continue using the current car’s front-wheel-drive biased D platform, shared with the Nissan Pathfinder and various Infiniti crossover models. While details are limited, our sources suggest that the existing 3.5-litre V6, which produces 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque in its current form, might be replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
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Additionally, the Murano will likely abandon its continuously variable transmission (CVT) in favor of a traditional nine-speed automatic. Nissan’s E-Power hybrid technology may also be incorporated, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Rivals and Reveal
There’s no shortage of competitors in the highly popular midsize SUV and crossover sector, ranging from the Chevrolet Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Pilot to the new Toyota Crown Signia, which effectively replaces the Venza.
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The redesigned Murano will debut later this year and be released as a 2025 model. Pricing is tipped to start in the mid-to-high $30,000 range, positioning it competitively among its rivals.
What do you think of the redesigned Murano? Share your views in the comments below.