2023 Nissan Murano Review

The 2023 Nissan Murano continues to stand out in the crowded midsize SUV segment thanks to its bold styling, upscale cabin design, and smooth everyday driving character. While many competitors focus heavily on rugged looks or third-row practicality, the Murano takes a different approach by emphasizing comfort, refinement, and a more premium on-road experience. Its sleek exterior design still looks modern despite the platform’s age, helping the Murano maintain a distinctive identity among five-seat family SUVs.

Inside, the Murano delivers one of the more elegant interiors in its class, particularly in the higher SL and Platinum trim levels. Soft-touch materials, comfortable seating, and available premium audio systems give the cabin a near-luxury feel that at times resembles a more affordable Infiniti product. Nissan has clearly prioritized passenger comfort, making the Murano especially appealing for buyers who value quiet highway cruising and relaxed daily commuting over aggressive sporty handling.

For 2023, Nissan has made only minor updates to the Murano lineup, with the overall design tracing its roots back to the 2015 model year. The trim structure remains familiar, beginning with the base S model and moving through the SV before reaching the more luxurious SL and Platinum variants. Buyers choosing the SV trim can also opt for the Midnight Edition package, which adds black exterior accents and gloss-black 20-inch wheels for a more aggressive appearance.

Competition in this segment has become significantly tougher over the past few years. Rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Blazer offer newer technology, more flexible interiors, and in some cases better fuel efficiency. The Murano also falls behind some competitors when it comes to cargo practicality and onboard infotainment features, areas where its aging platform becomes more noticeable.

Under the hood, every 2023 Murano comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers smooth acceleration and enough power for comfortable highway passing, while the continuously variable transmission focuses on efficiency and relaxed driving behavior rather than sporty performance. Front-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup, while all-wheel drive is available on every trim for buyers seeking additional traction in poor weather conditions.

Although the Murano offers decent road manners and a comfortable ride, it is not intended to compete with serious off-road-focused SUVs like the Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner. Instead, it targets buyers searching for a stylish, comfortable, and refined midsize crossover designed primarily for daily driving and long-distance comfort.

If you’re exploring more options from the 2022 and 2023 SUV market, CarDrav offers a rich collection of in-depth reviews that provide valuable context for shoppers comparing different segments and performance levels.. Full size shoppers can take a closer look at alternatives such as the 2022 GMC Yukon and the 2022 Nissan Armada, both offering strong capability and three-row versatility. Drivers who prefer more rugged, off-road-oriented options may find the 2022 Toyota 4Runner appealing for its durability and proven reliability in demanding conditions.

For families seeking refinement and balanced utility in a midsize package, reviews of the 2022 Cadillac XT6, 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2022 Ford Edge provide helpful comparisons. Cross shoppers who want to explore newer electric or tech-forward SUVs can also learn from models like the 2023 Nissan Ariya, 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, and the 2023 Honda Passport, each offering a different take on efficiency, comfort, and everyday practicality.

Those comparing lifestyle-focused SUVs may also find the 2023 Nissan Kicks, 2023 Nissan Murano, 2023 Ford Explorer, and 2023 GMC Acadia useful when evaluating what matters most in space, technology, and driving character.

Interior and Technology

Despite the Murano’s aging platform, the cabin still delivers a comfortable and welcoming experience that remains competitive in several important areas. Nissan has focused heavily on ride comfort and passenger convenience, giving the Murano an upscale atmosphere that feels more refined than many mainstream midsize SUVs. Even the base S trim comes reasonably well equipped, offering features such as dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats as standard equipment.

Higher trim levels elevate the experience further. The Platinum model, in particular, introduces a far more premium feel with quilted leather upholstery, upgraded interior materials, and additional comfort-focused touches that give the cabin a near-luxury personality. The seats themselves remain one of the Murano’s strongest qualities, especially during long-distance driving where comfort and support are excellent.

Passenger space is respectable throughout the cabin, although newer competitors offer slightly more flexibility and practicality. Front-seat comfort is strong, while rear-seat passengers still benefit from generous legroom that makes the Murano suitable for family use and extended road trips. The overall interior design also maintains a clean and elegant appearance despite its age.

Technology, however, is one of the areas where the Murano now feels noticeably dated compared to newer rivals. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and physical menu buttons are functional and easy to use, but the system lacks the modern presentation and advanced connectivity features now common in competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. Still, Nissan includes useful features such as built-in navigation and USB charging ports for both front and rear passengers across the lineup.

Safety equipment remains one of the Murano’s stronger points. While some advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera are reserved for higher trim levels, the SUV still offers a solid collection of safety technologies designed to improve everyday confidence behind the wheel.

Overall, the Murano continues to provide a comfortable and refined interior experience, but buyers should be aware that many newer competitors now deliver more advanced technology, greater practicality, and fresher cabin designs at similar price points.

Performance

Every 2023 Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup, while all-wheel drive is available on every trim level for buyers seeking additional confidence in wet or snowy driving conditions.

The V6 engine remains one of the Murano’s strongest attributes. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, making highway merging and passing maneuvers feel effortless during everyday driving. Nissan has also done a respectable job refining the CVT compared to older versions used in previous models. While the familiar high-revving behavior associated with CVT transmissions still appears under hard acceleration, the system operates quietly enough during normal driving and rarely becomes intrusive.

On the road, the Murano prioritizes comfort over outright sportiness. The suspension tuning focuses on delivering a calm and composed ride, helping the SUV feel stable and relaxed during long-distance cruising. Steering response is balanced and reasonably precise for a midsize crossover, giving the Murano a controlled feel through corners without attempting to mimic the sharper dynamics of sport-oriented rivals like the Chevrolet Blazer.

Although the Murano offers available all-wheel drive, it is not designed to be a serious off-road SUV. The AWD system primarily sends power to the front wheels during normal driving and only transfers torque to the rear when additional traction is needed. Combined with modest ground clearance, the Murano is best suited for handling rain, light snow, and occasional rough roads rather than demanding off-road trails. Buyers seeking genuine off-road capability may find alternatives like the Ford Bronco or Subaru Outback more suitable.

Towing capacity is another area where the Murano trails several competitors. With a maximum towing rating of 1,500 pounds, it falls behind rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Chevrolet Blazer, all of which offer significantly higher towing capabilities. For buyers who frequently haul trailers, boats, or heavier recreational equipment, those alternatives may provide greater versatility.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is not one of the strongest selling points of the 2023 Nissan Murano, largely because every model comes exclusively with a naturally aspirated V6 engine. While the smooth six-cylinder powertrain delivers respectable performance and refinement, it consumes more fuel than many modern competitors that now rely on smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The Murano is rated at approximately 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of around 23 mpg depending on drivetrain configuration. One advantage, however, is that the V6 engine runs on regular 87-octane gasoline, helping reduce overall fuel costs compared to some premium-fuel-recommended rivals.

Unlike some competitors in the midsize crossover segment, Nissan does not currently offer a hybrid version of the Murano. As fuel efficiency becomes increasingly important to buyers, this absence makes the Murano feel somewhat outdated in a market gradually shifting toward electrified powertrains and smaller turbocharged engines.

Several rivals now deliver stronger efficiency numbers while maintaining competitive performance. The Subaru Outback, for example, offers turbocharged four-cylinder power alongside noticeably better fuel economy, while Chevrolet Blazer models equipped with smaller turbocharged engines also provide improved efficiency compared to the Murano’s V6 setup. Even the Honda Passport, another V6-only competitor, posts similar economy figures despite offering a more rugged overall character.

For buyers prioritizing comfort, smooth acceleration, and traditional V6 performance, the Murano’s fuel economy may still be acceptable. However, shoppers focused heavily on long-term efficiency and lower fuel consumption will likely find more appealing alternatives elsewhere in the segment.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2023 Nissan Murano continues to offer a strong collection of safety technologies, helping it remain competitive in an increasingly safety-focused midsize SUV segment. While updated testing standards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) affected the vehicle’s most recent ratings, the Murano still maintains a solid reputation for occupant protection and overall crash safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also awarded the SUV a five-star overall safety rating, reinforcing its strong performance in major crash evaluations.

Beyond its structural safety, Nissan equips the Murano with a generous list of standard driver-assistance features across the lineup. Even lower trim levels benefit from advanced technologies designed to improve driver awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents during everyday driving situations.

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam assistance, rear automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention monitoring system. These features help make the Murano feel reassuring and easy to drive in busy urban traffic as well as on long highway journeys.

Higher trim levels further enhance the experience with additional convenience and visibility technologies, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system that simplifies parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. Adaptive cruise control and other upgraded driver-assistance features also become available as buyers move up the trim lineup.

Although newer competitors may offer more advanced semi-autonomous driving systems and larger digital safety interfaces, the Murano still provides a well-rounded suite of modern safety technologies that should satisfy most family SUV buyers looking for comfort, confidence, and everyday usability.

Comfort and Interior Space

Comfort has always been one of the Nissan Murano’s strongest qualities, and the 2023 model continues that tradition across the entire lineup. Regardless of trim level, the Murano delivers a smooth and relaxing cabin experience that feels more upscale than many mainstream midsize SUVs. Even the entry-level S trim comes well equipped with features such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, helping the cabin feel inviting from the start.

Higher trims introduce even more luxury-oriented touches. The SL and Platinum models add heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, while the Platinum trim further enhances comfort with ventilated front seats designed to improve long-distance driving comfort during warmer weather. Nissan’s focus on seat cushioning and overall ride refinement remains particularly noticeable, making the Murano an excellent companion for daily commuting and highway travel.

Passenger space throughout the cabin is competitive for the segment. Front-seat occupants benefit from generous headroom and supportive seating positions, while rear passengers still enjoy a spacious and comfortable environment suitable for adults on longer journeys. Although some competitors such as the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, and Subaru Outback offer slightly more rear-seat legroom, the Murano still provides enough space to comfortably accommodate families and everyday passengers without feeling cramped.

The Murano’s quiet cabin also contributes significantly to its sense of comfort. Road and wind noise are well controlled at highway speeds, giving the SUV a calm and refined atmosphere that helps separate it from more utilitarian rivals in the midsize crossover segment.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2023 Nissan Murano comes equipped with a solid range of infotainment features across all trim levels, even if the overall system now feels dated compared to many newer competitors. Every Murano includes an 8-inch touchscreen display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing drivers to easily connect their smartphones for navigation, music streaming, messaging, and hands-free communication.

Nissan also includes both USB-A and USB-C charging ports for front and rear passengers, helping keep devices powered during longer trips. One surprisingly generous feature is the inclusion of onboard navigation across the entire lineup, even on the base Murano S trim, along with smartphone-connected app functionality for additional convenience.

Higher trim levels such as the SL and Platinum enhance the experience further with a premium audio system featuring multiple speakers and dual subwoofers, delivering richer sound quality for music lovers and long-distance travelers.

Despite these strengths, the Murano’s infotainment system clearly shows its age in several areas. The 8-inch touchscreen is smaller than those found in many modern rivals, and the surrounding physical menu buttons reinforce the feeling of older-generation technology. Certain functions, including the navigation system’s pinch-to-zoom controls, can also feel less responsive and less refined than newer systems offered by competitors.

Still, there is an advantage to Nissan’s simpler approach. The interface remains straightforward, uncluttered, and relatively easy to learn, which some buyers may actually prefer over the larger and more complicated infotainment setups now common in many modern SUVs.

Storage and Cargo Space

The 2023 Nissan Murano offers respectable cargo capacity for a midsize two-row SUV, although several newer competitors provide noticeably more overall practicality. Behind the second-row seats, the Murano delivers over 32 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for everyday grocery runs, luggage, shopping bags, or weekend travel needs. Folding the rear seats flat expands the available storage area to approximately 67 cubic feet, creating a larger and more versatile loading space for bulkier items.

While these numbers are competitive enough for daily family use, rivals such as the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback provide significantly more cargo flexibility. The Honda Passport, in particular, stands out as one of the roomiest options in the segment, offering a much larger rear cargo area and a greater maximum storage capacity when the seats are folded down. Buyers who regularly transport large equipment, camping gear, or oversized cargo may find those alternatives more practical overall.

Inside the cabin, storage solutions are functional but somewhat limited compared to modern competitors. The Murano provides the basics, including a center console, glove compartment, and door storage bins, but it lacks the abundance of clever compartments, larger cubbies, and configurable storage areas now commonly found in newer midsize SUVs.

Design

The 2023 Nissan Murano continues to stand apart in a segment filled with conservative and often boxy SUV designs. Whether buyers love or dislike its styling, there is no denying that the Murano has a far more distinctive appearance than many of its midsize rivals. Its flowing body lines, sculpted surfaces, and coupe-inspired profile give it a sleek and modern personality that still attracts attention despite the platform’s age.

Several exterior design details help reinforce that upscale image. The chrome window trim rises dramatically toward the rear, creating a bold visual effect that adds character to the SUV’s side profile, while the blacked-out roof pillars create the impression of a floating roof design. These styling choices give the Murano a more premium and elegant look than competitors such as the Honda Passport or GMC Acadia. However, the aggressive exterior shape does slightly compromise outward visibility, particularly toward the rear of the vehicle.

Inside, the Murano offers a cabin design that prioritizes style and comfort over rugged utility. The wide dashboard layout, flowing interior lines, and soft-touch materials create an environment that feels closer to an entry-level luxury SUV than a traditional mainstream crossover. Higher SL and Platinum trims elevate the experience further with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and upscale interior finishes that add warmth and sophistication to the cabin.

Although the interior still feels refined and welcoming, some aspects of the design are beginning to show their age when compared to newer competitors like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, both of which offer more modern layouts and larger digital displays. Even so, the Murano maintains a unique character that helps it appeal to buyers looking for something more stylish and less conventional than the average midsize SUV.

Is the 2023 Nissan Murano Worth Buying?

The 2023 Nissan Murano remains an appealing option for buyers who prioritize comfort, styling, and a more premium driving experience over maximum practicality or cutting-edge technology. Pricing starts at a relatively competitive point for the midsize SUV segment, with the base front-wheel-drive Murano S positioned below several rivals while still offering a generous amount of standard equipment.

For most buyers, the mid-level SV trim represents the best balance between price and features. It adds several upgrades that significantly improve everyday usability and comfort, including heated power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, remote start, heated exterior mirrors, and upgraded interior materials. Buyers wanting a more aggressive appearance can also choose the Midnight Edition package, which enhances the Murano’s styling with black exterior accents and unique wheels.

Moving up to the SL and Platinum trims introduces a far more luxurious atmosphere, with premium leather upholstery, upgraded technology, ventilated front seats, premium audio systems, and additional driver-assistance features. However, pricing begins to climb rapidly at the upper end of the lineup, placing fully equipped Murano models dangerously close to newer and more advanced competitors such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot.

That ultimately defines the Murano’s biggest challenge. While it still delivers excellent ride comfort, smooth V6 performance, and distinctive styling, many competitors now offer more modern interiors, larger infotainment systems, stronger practicality, hybrid options, and better value overall at similar price points.

the Murano continues to appeal to buyers who want a comfortable, stylish, and quiet midsize SUV that feels slightly more upscale than the average mainstream crossover. For drivers who care more about refinement and everyday comfort than maximum cargo capacity or off-road capability, the Murano remains a solid and enjoyable choice.

Insurance Costs

Insurance costs for the 2023 Nissan Murano are generally in line with other midsize SUVs in its segment, although premiums can vary significantly depending on the driver’s age, location, driving history, and chosen trim level. On average, a 30-year-old driver with a clean driving record can expect annual insurance costs to fall slightly above some mainstream competitors.

Compared to rivals, the Murano typically costs more to insure than models such as the Subaru Outback and Ford Edge, while remaining relatively competitive with higher-trim versions of vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe. Factors contributing to insurance pricing include the Murano’s repair costs, safety ratings, available driver-assistance technology, and overall market value.

Trim level selection can also influence premiums. Higher-end versions such as the Platinum trim often carry slightly higher insurance costs due to their added luxury equipment, advanced technology, and increased replacement value. Choosing all-wheel drive and optional packages may also affect pricing depending on the insurance provider.

Despite not being the cheapest SUV in its class to insure, the Murano still falls within a reasonable range for a midsize crossover offering V6 performance, strong safety equipment, and a near-luxury driving experience. Buyers looking to reduce ownership costs may benefit from comparing quotes across multiple insurance companies before purchasing.

Nissan Murano Generations

First Generation (2003–2007)

The Nissan Murano first arrived for the 2003 model year, introducing a bold and unconventional design that immediately separated it from many traditional SUVs on the market. From the beginning, the Murano featured a V6 engine and a more car-like driving experience, helping establish it as one of Nissan’s most recognizable crossover models. Throughout its first generation, Nissan continued refining the SUV with updated styling elements and feature improvements that helped maintain its popularity among midsize crossover buyers.

Second Generation (2009–2014)

After skipping the 2008 model year, Nissan launched a fully redesigned second-generation Murano for 2009. The new version introduced a more refined design, improved cabin quality, and additional technology features aimed at making the Murano feel more upscale. One of the most unusual experiments during this era was the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, a two-door convertible crossover introduced in 2011. While it attracted attention for its unconventional concept, it failed to gain significant popularity and was eventually discontinued in 2014.

Third Generation (2015–Present)

The third-generation Murano debuted for the 2015 model year and represented Nissan’s push toward a more premium crossover identity. Nissan referred to it as the brand’s “flagship crossover,” giving the SUV a more luxurious design language both inside and out. The exterior styling became sleeker and more sophisticated, while the cabin adopted higher-quality materials and a quieter overall driving experience. Although the platform and powertrain have remained largely unchanged over the years, the Murano has continued appealing to buyers looking for comfort, distinctive styling, and smooth V6 performance.

Verdict

The 2023 Nissan Murano remains one of the more distinctive choices in the midsize SUV segment. Its bold styling, refined ride quality, and standard V6 engine give it a unique personality compared to many competitors that now rely on smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Murano also delivers a comfortable and upscale cabin experience, especially in higher SL and Platinum trims that approach near-luxury levels of refinement.

However, the SUV’s aging platform has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Competitors now offer more advanced infotainment systems, better fuel efficiency, larger cargo areas, hybrid powertrains, and newer safety technologies at similar price points. While the Murano still succeeds as a comfortable and stylish daily driver, it no longer feels as modern or competitive as some of the segment’s latest arrivals.

buyers who value smooth V6 performance, quiet highway comfort, and standout styling may still find the Murano an appealing alternative to more conventional midsize crossovers. With reports suggesting the current generation may soon reach the end of its lifecycle, the Murano appears to be approaching a major transition as Nissan prepares for the model’s future.