Automotive
Nissan was long celebrated for its rugged SUVs and off-road vehicles, such as the iconic Pathfinder and Patrol. However, until 2002, the Japanese automaker had no offering in the increasingly popular midsize crossover segment. That changed with the introduction of the Nissan Murano, which was built on the same platform as the Maxima sedan. Its distinctive ovoid shape quickly earned it the nickname “The Maxima of off-roaders.”
The Murano quickly established itself as the flagship of Nissan’s SUV lineup in the U.S., blending the sportiness of a car with the elevated stance of an SUV. The second generation Murano was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and launched as a 2009 model. While the first generation was designed primarily for the U.S. market - with a limited Japanese-market version - the second generation broadened its reach to Europe. Despite this, sales suffered due to the global economic downturn, and the model was withdrawn from the UK market in 2011.
The second-generation Murano retained the same wheelbase as its predecessor but moved to Nissan’s new D platform, which offered improved structural rigidity and refinement. The exterior received notable updates: a redesigned front fascia with a new grille, fresh hood contours, and revamped headlights. A 2011 facelift brought LED-enhanced taillights, giving the rear a more modern, premium look.
In 2014, Nissan launched the third-generation Murano at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This generation maintained the model’s stylish crossover image but took a different approach - eschewing off-road cladding and related tech, emphasizing on-road comfort and sophistication. Interestingly, the Murano lineup even featured a two-door convertible variant, an unusual choice in the midsize crossover segment. The 2018 facelift, also revealed in Los Angeles, was a subtler update that refreshed the design but left many enthusiasts wanting more.
The fourth generation Murano, unveiled in late 2024 for the 2025 model year, marked a significant leap forward. It carried forward the legacy of a unique and bold crossover while embracing modern luxury and cutting-edge technology. Although the wheelbase remained the same as the previous model, the overall length increased slightly, enhancing cabin space and road presence.
Engine size decreased, and for the first time, the Murano was equipped with a truly advanced automatic transmission, improving both efficiency and driving smoothness. The interior saw upscale touches rivaling those of luxury vehicles, blurring the line between premium and mainstream segments.
Design-wise, the 2025 Murano drew heavily from Nissan’s all-electric Ariya, penned by the same design team. At the front, slim “Crystal Cube” LED headlights delivered a sharp and futuristic look. Below them, the bumper featured distinctive V-shaped daytime running lights made of five pairs of horizontal light bars, flanking a blacked-out grille centered by Nissan’s emblem. A body-colored horizontal bar divided the upper grille from the lower air intake, seamlessly integrating function and style.
Despite Nissan’s reputation for off-road capability, the Murano has consistently focused more on sleek styling, comfort, and on-road performance than rugged off-roading. Today, the Murano stands as a testament to Nissan’s ability to innovate in the crossover market by blending sporty design, luxurious interiors, and advanced technology.
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