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2025 Subaru Impreza Review2023 Nissan Murano: Perfectly Ordinary
The 2023 Murano is Nissan’s midsized-SUV. Is this the right car for you? We look at interior options, cargo space and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Nissan Murano – nissanusa.com | Shop 2023 Nissan Murano on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Nissan Murano?
Essentially a carryover model, updates to the 2023 Nissan Murano are limited to the addition of Super Black and Deep Ocean Blue Pearl to the paint palette along with the use of Nissan’s new logo throughout. Now eight years into its third generation, the Murano has more or less carried over since 2015. Nissan dabbled in hybrid power and freshened the Murano’s face back in 2019, but otherwise this crossover has been gently aging in place. Fortunately, sleek good looks and a nice roster of standard driver aids make it a good value considering the reasonable pricing.
The Breakdown
Elegant cabin
Six standard driver aids
Curvaceous style
Nothing innovative
Weak towing ability
Dated tech
Time for an overhaul
2023 Nissan Specs
- 260 horsepower from base engine
- 240 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 31.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 65 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Top safety marks from IIHS and NHTSA
- 11-speaker Bose stereo
- Towing capacity of 1,500 lbs
- Nissans warranty barely meets the industry average
2023 Nissan Murano Powertrain
Nissan has been honing their VQ series of V6 engines for just about 30 years. That’s an impressive feat and one that means the VQ35DE mounted in the 2023 Murano is well-built and rather smooth. Naturally aspirated, it delivers 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, though AWD is a $1,7000 option on all four trim levels. The other half of the powertrain is an “Xtronic” CVT, a type of transmission that Nissan adopted early on and continues to work with.
Unlike the refined V6, that CVT has a reputation for droning, particularly under hard throttle. For more on how we defined powertrain and drivetrain, have a look at our explainer article here. Fortunately, the four-corner independent suspension ensures a pleasant, comfortable ride with its multi-link rear configuration and stabilizer bars at both ends. In concert with the vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering that stays light at low speed and firms up at cruising speed, the Murano is a competent crossover best used for A to B commuting.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Nissan Murano can tow 1,500 pounds, which is quite low. That aforementioned Acadia, which we compare to the Murano here, is in a different league entirely with its maximum 4,000-pound rating. Nissan doesn’t offer any packages to punch this number up, so keep your #trailerlife activities limited to a couple of canoes or small camper.
2023 Nissan Murano Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2023 Murano is rated for 20 mpg in city driving and 28 on the highway, figures that remain the same for FWD and AWD models. That’s right in line with competitors like a new GMC Acadia that is rated for one less mpg in both categories. A reasonably large 19-gallon gas tank means the Murano can run for more than 500 miles on the open road and the 87-octane requirement makes it less of a burden on the wallet.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The two-row, five-passenger 2023 Nissan Murano can be upholstered with cloth, leatherette, or a fancy diamond-quilted leather on Platinum models. This top trim level also comes with dark wood inlays and looks particularly posh with the black and beige leather scheme. Heated and ventilated front seats are also available on pricier models, but every Murano comes with Nissan’s signature “Zero Gravity” seats said to be inspired by space travelers and provide an exceptionally comfy ride.
Rear passengers will appreciate the reclining second row, a nice feature to keep the kids content. For those with a family, there is a hands-free liftgate option that is, uh, handy when you’re juggling Junior and all his stuff. Fold the rear seats down to open up 67 cubic feet of space, which is dwarfed by 79 cubes found in a GMC Acadia, but will still make a suitable choice for small families. For other solid family-oriented SUV options, check out our Best SUVs for Families article.
Entertainment & Technology
Nissan equips every 2023 Murano with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which you can learn more about here. While that’s nice, more modern competition like the Ford Edge can be fitted with a 12-inch screen, and wireless phone connectivity is readily available throughout the segment. Base Murano’s come with a 6-speaker stereo system with the option for a Bose setup featuring 11 speakers available higher up the trim ladder. Other tech highlights include a 7-inch digital screen within the gauge cluster and available voice-activated navigation.
Safety Features
Safety Shield 360, Nissan’s suite of driver aids, includes Forward Collision Warning with Automated Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and a Driver Attention Warning. All of these systems are standard, while Adaptive Cruise Control and an Around View Monitor are available on higher-end models. This explainer article dives deep into how these systems work. Also notable is the inclusion of 10 standard airbags, including on the sides for the back row. This focus on safety helps the 2023 Nissan Murano earn a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS.
2023 Nissan Murano Trims & Pricing
S – $34,955
The base model, a Murano S is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and LEDs for the headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. Inside, black cloth is the fabric of choice and dual-zone automatic climate control is included. A pair of USB ports are fitted to both rows of seating and the 8-inch infotainment screen includes Apple, Android, and Siri integrations.
SV – $38,495
SV trim brings with it heated side mirrors, LED fog lamps, and remote engine start with intelligent climate control that ensures the cabin is cozy before you get in. From here on up, Scarlet Ember and Boulder Gray are added to the paint palette and leather wraps the steering wheel and shift knob. Other SV niceties include leatherette upholstery and heated front seats. For $1,590, the Midnight Edition package blacks out the Murano’s exterior trim and includes gloss-black 20-inch rims.
SL – $42,455
20-inch wheels add visual flair to the SL, which also has a hands-free liftgate, heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and LED ambient cabin lighting. Tech upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose stereo, Around View Monitor, and integrated navigation with door-to-door capability help justify the price. There is also a panoramic moonroof available for $1,490.
Platinum – $46,505
Sitting atop the 2023 Murano trim hierarchy is the Platinum model with its panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and NissanConnect app with features like auto-collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator. The best part of the Platinum is the semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-quilted inserts available in black, beige, or brown.
Warranties
Nissan’s warranty is average at best with a 3-year/36,000-mile vehicle term and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain term. Kia includes 10 years of powertrain coverage and Hyundai includes three years of complimentary maintenance; the latter of which Nissan does not offer. Roadside assistance is on hand for three years or 36,000 miles, but a host of competitors, like Ford, include this service for five years.
What we think
2023 Nissan Murano – nissanusa.com | Shop 2023 Nissan Murano on Carsforsale.com
If competent, reliable transportation is all you’re looking for in a midsize crossover, the 2023 Nissan Murano ticks those boxes at a reasonable price point and with good value between its standard driver aids and smartphone integration. However, those highlights have become increasingly standard fare in this crowded segment, one that includes vehicles boasting such features as giant infotainment displays, more powerful turbocharged engines, and head-up displays to name just a few. The Murano is attempting to play catch-up with its peers but in reality, continues to fall behind.
