According to some sources, the 2021 Nissan Murano might be the last model year for the current generation. It’s expected to have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of around $39,700. This would make it the highest-priced five-door crossover on the market. However, while the new Murano surpasses its competitors in a few areas, it also falls short. Let’s have a quick look at what you can expect from the new Nissan Murano.

The Safety Shield 360 suite comes standard with the Nissan Murano

When comparing the 2020 and 2021 Murano, it’s safe to assume Nissan didn’t feel it necessary to change much. It carries forward a lot of the same characteristics over from the 2020 model. This is understandable, seeing it has performed well for the past five years, both on and off the road. With a starting MSRP of around $31,500, the 2020 Nissan Murano became a stiff competitor among midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Murano’s nearly $8,000 price jump may have a lot to do with what is now offered as standard. For example, all 2021 trim models come with the Safety Shield 360 driver assistance suite. This includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offers more under the hood

Like last year’s model, the 2021 Murano uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, which churns out 260 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque. This engine design has been the sole powertrain with no changes expected, especially for the 2021 model year. The powertrain is driven by a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which changes gear ratios seamlessly. Front-wheel drive will come standard while all-wheel-drive models come as an additional option.

According to Nissan, it gets around 21 miles (33.8 km) per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the freeway. However, these numbers can’t compete with other crossovers like the Toyota Highlander with 36 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. 

Other brands such as the Lexus RX and Subaru Outback get similar numbers. And when compared to midsize SUVs with the best fuel efficiency, the 2021 Murano doesn’t even compete in the top 10. The 2020 Ford Edge, according to truecar.com, came in tenth with 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

A more luxurious interior design than its competitors

The new Murano resides in an area between the smaller Nissan Rogue and the bulkier three-row Toyota Pathfinder. Midsize SUVs like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ford Edge are its direct competitors. But it’s not easy going head-to-head with the Murano in terms of style and elegance, not with its sophisticated and overall fetching features. For example, its “floating roof,” stylish “V-Motion” grille, and solid stance make the Murano look both luxurious yet stalwart.

 Just like the 2020 model, every 2021 Nissan Murano trim features an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Its screen isn’t just user-friendly but has a very vivid resolution, making it aesthetically pleasing. Nissan did a good job keeping the interior clear and precise without making it bland and uninteresting.

The cargo space measures at 67 cubic feet (1.9 cubic meters), and it is less than the Passport’s 77.9 cubic feet (2.21 cubic meters). The Murano S (base model) features push-button start, dual-zone climate control, an audio system found in most modern vehicles, and an automatic braking system. One step above that, you have the SV trim, featuring a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Other extras include a universal remote, roof rails, blind-spot monitoring, among other things.

The SL trim (one of the most recommended trims by reviewers) adds heated leather seats front and back, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and Nissan’s trademark “Around View.”

Why not go platinum

For those with deep pockets and a taste for the finer things in life, the Nissan Platinum trim is the most well-equipped model. Driver and passengers will enjoy the comfort of leather seats with decorative diamond-quilted inserts and a panoramic moonroof. The front seats are both heated and cooled, making it easier to get out and about no matter the season.

Driver safety comes in the form of lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, intelligent cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The Platinum trim also includes Nissan’s very own vehicle telematics service called “NissanConnect.” NissanConnect offers owners an in-vehicle technology suite that combines entertainment, navigation, and security in one place. The Platinum will start at around $43,730.