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The Nissan Murano will return in 2025 with a redesign and a new lease on life. But, like the INFINITI QX50, the Murano has had some, let’s say, challenging style. In fact, when the Murano first came out over 20 years ago, it was quickly lumped in with other awkward SUVs as one of the ugliest models on the market. As a result, the 2025 Nissan Murano has a tall order to fill. 

The redesigned 2025 Nissan Murano has some past ugliness to remedy

With a 2025 Nissan Murano on the way, the nameplate has enjoyed nearly 22 years of continuous production (Nissan didn’t produce a 2008 model). However, things haven’t always been smooth sailing and sharp, distinctive lines for the Nissan SUV. 

See, when the Japanese brand unveiled the Murano as a 2003 model, the SUV wasn’t the most conventionally pretty SUV in the segment. And the second-generation model didn’t do much to improve the nameplate’s looks. Of course, the Murano wasn’t alone on the uglier side of things. In 2003, the monstrous and hard-to-look-at HUMMER H2 was available to consumers. 

Oh, and lest we forget the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. It was part SUV, part convertible, all awkward. In fact, Car and Driver named the CrossCabriolet one of the “Ugliest Crossovers and SUVs of All Time.” Just to give you an idea, it shares the list with the Pontiac Aztek and Honda Element. Ouch.

However, things started to improve for the third-generation Murano. Frankly, the Nissan SUV enjoyed a styling update for the 2015 model year. That was, arguably, the first time the Murano migrated from a design afterthought to a distinctive and, dare I say, handsome SUV. Moreover, after a lengthy tenure in its third-generation skin, the Murano is getting an update for 2025. 

Spy photos suggest an angular fascia with a linear stacked grille look, not unlike the current Versa. Further back, the roofline appears to slope gently and frame a pinched rear window application. Whether the Murano will keep its 3.5L six-cylinder mill is unclear, but we suspect another two-row seating setup. One thing is for certain, it will be a much better-looking affair than the (thankfully) discontinued Murano CrossCabriolet.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).