The 2023 Nissan Murano avoids the generic boxy SUV design that permeates so many 2-row SUVs, replacing it with radical styling that won’t be mistaken for anything else on the road. The design may be polarizing for some, but it in no way detracts from the Murano’s ability to comfortably carry five passengers, impress with its upscale and tech-savvy interior, and tackle foul weather with its optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
Nissan offers the Murano in five distinct trims, but all use the same 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, unlike some rivals, the Murano doesn’t offer alternative hybrid powertrains, something you can find in the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Venza. Those looking to cross-shop other non-hybrid competitors might look to the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, and Honda Passport.
2023 Nissan Murano S: $33,660 (FWD), $35,360 (AWD)
The entry-level Murano S is no less stylish than its more expensive family members. If you can do without a few bells and whistles, you can drive off with a pretty elegant SUV for a lot less money.
The Murano S is big on safety, with features beyond the federally mandated requirements, such as rear seat side-impact and front knee airbags.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with correction assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection with braking, a rearview monitor, and automatic high-beam headlights. Another system reminds the driver to check the rear seat before leaving the vehicle.
A quick walk around the Murano S exterior reveals 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear wiper/washer, automatic on/off LED headlights, and rear privacy glass. You’ll also find roof rails and Nissan Intelligent Key keyless entry that senses when the key fob is near and allows unlocking the doors simply by touching the handle.
Turning inside, the Murano S possesses a modern interior with abundant soft-touch surfaces and contrasting colors. Nissan eschews the trend toward touch controls for every function, retaining a healthy mix of rotary knobs and hard buttons instead.
The one place you will find touch controls is the infotainment system. It comprises an 8-inch color touchscreen monitor, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
The system even allows voice activation to find music within certain apps or with the hands-free text messaging assistant. The Murano includes two USB-A, two USB-C ports, and an auxiliary input jack.
As we mentioned, the base S isn’t big on fancy upgrades, so you’ll find manually operated front seats covered in soft cloth upholstery. A 60/40 rear seat includes reclining seatbacks that can lower using cargo area release levers.
Amenities include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls for the cruise, audio, and Bluetooth. Dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard, as do rear seat air vents, a push-button starter, and one-touch up/down front power windows.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Murano S costs $34,955. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $628. See 2023 Nissan Murano S models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Murano S includes:
- Automatic high-beam headlights – Using front sensors, the Murano’s high beams automatically dim when detecting approaching lights.
- CD player – Sure, people under 40 will probably wonder why there’s a slot in their touchscreen, but those of a particular generation who still enjoy their CDs have a friend in the Murano.
- 3.5-liter V6 – The Murano’s V6 engine is a proven workhorse that loves to run, with ample power for passing and merging. Regrettably, all that power can’t be put to good use when towing, as the Murano is limited to 1,500 pounds.
2023 Nissan Murano SV: $37,200 (FWD), $38,900 (AWD)
The SV adds a few more features we think a modern midsize SUV that plays in the $30,000-$40,000 range should have.
Building off the S, the SV adds adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, and remote engine start with Intelligent Climate control that sets the default interior temp to 72 degrees. And if it’s below freezing outside, it automatically activates the front and rear defrosters.
The SV adds a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, a 4-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats, leatherette (faux leather) upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The SV offers the Midnight Edition package that adds a black grille, black mirror caps, black badges, illuminated kick plates, and gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Murano SV costs $38,495. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $692. That’s less than $65 a month over the lesser-equipped S trim. See 2023 Nissan Murano SV models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Murano SV includes:
- 10-way power driver’s seat – This multi-adjustable seat allows drivers of all sizes to get comfortable. Two-way power lumbar adjusters provide lower back support.
- Adaptive cruise control – This advanced cruise control system regulates the speed and controls the distance to the car directly ahead, slowing down or speeding up as necessary. The system can even bring the Murano to a complete stop if needed.
- Heated front seats – The SL’s heated seats provide an excellent way to stay warm when it’s cold outside without having to crank up the climate control.
2023 Nissan Murano SL: $41,160 (FWD), $42,860 (AWD)
The SL moves the Murano into a more luxurious realm, opening the door to more high-tech features and options.
Adding to the SV’s equipment, the SL upgrades with a 360-degree Around View monitor, traffic sign recognition, 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, and a motion-activated power liftgate.
Genuine leather covers the SL’s seats, upgraded with heated rear outboard seats and 2-position memory for the driver’s seat. A heated steering wheel is also standard.
Adjustable interior ambient lighting lets you set the mood, while built-in navigation guides you without needing a cell signal. A 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link further enriches the SL’s content, as does a magnificent sounding 11-speaker Bose audio system with dual-powered subwoofers.
SL buyers can upgrade their Murano with a panoramic glass moonroof, 20-inch satin-black alloy wheels, and illuminated kick plates.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Murano SL costs $42,455. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $763. See 2023 Nissan Murano SL models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Murano SL includes:
- Bose audio – This 11-speaker sound system includes Bose’s best technology, creating a dynamic surround sound experience with impressive bass from the dual subwoofers.
- Motion-activated liftgate – With the key fob on you, approach the Murano from the rear, kick your foot under the bumper, and the liftgate automatically opens.
- Heated rear seats – The SL’s heated outboard rear seats give the same level of comfort and convenience afforded to the front passengers.
2023 Nissan Murano Platinum: $45,210 (FWD), $46,910 (AWD)
The Platinum trim adds every feature in the Murano arsenal, with the only option being satin-black 20-inch wheels and illuminated kick plates.
Order the Platinum and you’ll get 20-inch Dark Hyper Silver wheels, the panoramic glass moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory setting, and semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted inserts.
Nissan’s Connected Services are available with a 3-year trial Select and 6-month Premium Plus packages.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Murano Platinum costs $46,505. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $836. See 2023 Nissan Murano Platinum models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Murano Platinum includes:
- Ventilated front seats – These help keep your clothes dry on hot days.
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel – The Platinum’s power steering column is part of the driver’s seat memory, so you never have to hunt for your favorite position after someone else has been driving the car.
- Panoramic moonroof – The Platinum’s dual-panel moonroof covers both rows, opening up the interior with additional sunlight. The front panel opens for fresh air.
Beautiful description of the values found in the Nissan Murano.