Compared to its siblings, the Nissan Murano doesn’t get a lot of attention. In fact, it’s so unpopular that it has already been discontinued in some international markets. The U.S. version is on track to face the same fate, but an upcoming redesign could change things around for Nissan’s most reliable SUV.

Why is no one buying the Nissan Murano?

The Nissan Murano is one of the automaker’s most unpopular SUVs, with little more than 21,000 units sold this year. In comparison, Nissan reported that the Pathfinder’s year-to-date sales are rapidly approaching 43,000. The Nissan Rogue has moved almost 148,000 units over the course of 2023. 

Given the Nissan Murano’s reputation as Nissan’s most reliable SUV, we’re surprised that it doesn’t get as much attention as its siblings. Perhaps the problem lies within its powertrain, which features a noisy continuously variable automatic transmission. The Nissan Rogue also has a CVT, but this one’s performance usually doesn’t garner any complaints. 

At least the Nissan Murano’s CVT is paired with a 260-hp V6 that has plenty of power to keep this midsize SUV moving. That CVT is also partially responsible for the Murano’s impressive fuel economy ratings. Whether you have front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive, you should get at least 20/28 mpg city/highway. 

Car and Driver praised the Nissan Murano for its smooth ride, though editors were critical of its lackluster handling. The interior is also showing its age, though C/D test drivers still found the car to be comfortable. Cloth-upholstered seats are standard for the SV trim, but the upscale Platinum model has leather ones. That model also features attractive wood accents, intricate diamond-quilted seat inserts, and soft padding all around the cabin. 

Five passengers can fit inside the Nissan Murano with no issues, though they might have to get competitive for cargo space. Besides the glovebox, the Nissan Murano doesn’t have any big interior storage containers. Behind the Murano’s rear row, you can probably only fit about nine carry-on bags. The Nissan Murano’s maximum storage capacity is 67 cubic feet, which is 13 cu. ft. less than the Nissan Pathfinder’s cargo hold. 

The infotainment interface is also outdated, but it’s user-friendly enough to get the job done. Smartphone integration is standard and navigation is present inside each of the Murano’s higher trims. You’ll get nearly all of the Murano’s intelligent safety functions on the base SV model, minus traffic sign recognition and a 360-degree camera system. 

These photos suggest that a next-gen Murano is on the way

While the 2025 Nissan Murano’s interior hasn’t been revealed yet, C/D provided some shots of the exterior. Despite its privacy covering, we can see that the rear windows are more angled and the headlights have been slimmed down. This model was riding on black wheels, indicating that those would be standard or at least optional.

Car and Driver speculates that the interior will emulate that of the Nissan Ariya, which features sleek screens and a large center console. It’s possible that this Murano might inherit the Pathfinder’s nine-speed automatic transmission or be built on Nissan’s hybrid platform with a new powertrain setup altogether. More than likely, the current Murano’s V6 will carry over.

Will a redesigned Nissan Murano even attract buyers?

A redesign is an excellent way to drum up interest for any vehicle, especially one that’s already a decent entry in the segment. However, unless Nissan actually addresses some of the Nissan Murano’s weak points, it will likely continue to miss the mark with consumers.

From spy shots alone, it’s hard to tell if the Nissan Murano’s dimensions have changed. We also have no idea what kind of transmission it has or if the infotainment system has been improved. These will all be important factors in determining the 2025 Nissan Murano’s success.