If you’re shopping for a comfortable, upscale SUV without luxury-brand pricing, one Nissan model stands out as an unexpected gem. Despite wearing a mainstream badge, this midsize SUV delivers cabin quality, ride comfort, and premium features that rival what you’d expect from an Infiniti, at a far more attainable price point.
Look closer, and you’ll find a quiet, plush interior, generous standard tech, and smooth power that give this Nissan SUV a genuinely high-end feel. From its supportive seats to its refined driving manners, it consistently punches above its segment, making it one of the most overlooked near-luxury options on the market.
We break down what makes this Nissan SUV feel surprisingly luxurious, where it outshines more expensive rivals, and why it deserves a second look if comfort and value matter more than a premium badge. For buyers who want Infiniti-like refinement without luxury-brand costs, this is one of the smartest picks out there.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.
The surprisingly affordable SUV that delivers a true Lexus-like experience
Toyota’s decade of refining upscale details in mainstream models is clear in this SUV’s polished, premium feel.
Nissan’s updated Murano is surprisingly plush when fully loaded
While those looking for comfort usually default to vehicles with a luxury badge, there are a number of mainstream models that prove that you don’t need to pay the premium. Nissan is a brand that has consistently delivered more upscale interiors than you’d expect for the price you pay and their freshly updated Murano is certainly one of them. When equipped right, this mid-size SUV can deliver environs that easily match what luxury automakers can offer.
Changes for 2026
Nissan completely overhauled the Murano for the 2025 model year, with the SUV entering a brand-new generation. The crossover was in desperate need of an update, being one of the oldest new cars you could buy before.
For the 2026 model year, the Japanese brand has made a handful of changes to further upgrade the experience offered. They’ve dropped the entry-level front-wheel drive SV trim, meaning that the Murano now comes standard with all-wheel drive. Hands-free driving is now also available via Nissan’s ProPilot 2.1 software. The SL trim can also now be equipped with a Comfort Package that adds a ton of high-end features.
2026 Nissan Murano trims and pricing
|
Model |
Average used price |
|---|---|
|
SV |
$41,670 |
|
SL |
$46,760 |
|
Platinum |
$49,800 |
Nissan’s mid-size SUV has one of the higher starting prices in the segment, costing a few thousand dollars more than its competitors. However, this is because the old entry-level trim has been ditched. The SV is much better equipped than the cheapest trims of other mid-size SUVs. If you’re looking for bang-for-your-buck, every Murano trim will impress you with its long list of standard equipment.
If you’re looking for luxury on a budget, we’d either suggest the SL or the Platinum. The SL comes standard with some upscale features, including a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and ambient interior lighting. The optional Comfort Package on this model also adds heated and ventilated massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a power-operated liftgate.
The Platinum model is the peak Murano experience, though. It comes standard with the features outlined above. It also comes fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels, a heads-up display, and quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats.
This Is the Most Efficient Non-Hybrid Crossover in 2025
This fuel-sipping crossover doesn’t need hybrid tech to save you money on gas.
Hushed vibes and premium materials await you inside Nissan’s Murano
The old Murano definitely felt like a budget-minded mid-size SUV, with an extremely outdated interior and a bunch of hard plastics ruining an otherwise comfortable experience. The new model, however, punches well above its weight. Not only is it spacious and practical, but it comes fitted with high-end features and lots of modern technology. It now competes with other Japanese cars known for their luxury.
Interior dimensions and comfort
|
Front row headroom |
41.1 inches |
|---|---|
|
Front row legroom |
44.3 inches |
|
Second row headroom |
39.7 inches |
|
Second row legroom |
36.3 inches |
|
Cargo capacity |
39.7 cubic feet |
Inside, the Murano is fantastically spacious. It is one of the few mid-size SUVs that is designed to only have two rows of seats. While the specs may make it seem like legroom in the back is limited, front passengers have an excess of legroom, so some seat adjustments mean that everyone will be comfortable. Nissan’s SUV also comes with one of the most generous cargo areas in this segment.
Nissan has been thoughtful in their design of the Murano’s cabin, with it following the trend set by the Ariya electric crossover. It is sleek and simple and covered in high-end materials, such as leather and genuine wood trim. A color-shifting dashboard adds to the uniquness of the crossover as well. Top trims come loaded with luxury features, including top-shelf leather upholstery, massaging seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
Infotainment and technology
Nissan has followed the trend set by a number of other automakers, opting for a dual-screen setup where the gauge display and infotainment screen share a bezel. Both screens are crisp 12.3-inch units. Top trims get Nissan’s Google-based infotainment system, which is easy to navigate and comes loaded with convenience features.
Every trim gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the SL and the Platinum also get built-in navigation. Other high-end features are available, including a 10-speaker Bose sound system with active noise cancelation, Amazon Alexa’s voice assistant, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.
The SUV That Redefines Luxury for Families on a Budget
An affordable family SUV with tons of class.
Nissan’s mid-size SUV offers a comfortable and quiet driving experience
A luxury car isn’t just about the fitments on the inside, but also about things like sound insulation and ride quality. Nissan has optimized the Murano in every way to ensure that it lives up to these expectations despite its mainstream approach. While it might not excite you with speedy acceleration or sporty agility, you will be impressed with how smooth and comfortable it is. It is also considered to be exceptionally reliable.
2026 Nissan Murano performance specs
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
9-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
241 HP |
|
Torque |
260 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.2 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
119 MPH |
Where the old Murano was powered by a naturally aspirated V-6, Nissan has made use of a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder instead in the updated model. They’ve also gotten rid of the CVT (good riddance), and in its place the mid-size SUV gets a pretty smooth traditional automatic transmission instead. As we mentioned, the entry-level front-wheel drive model has been ditched, meaning that every 2026 model comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Nissan’s Murano doesn’t get off the line with as much verve as some of its rivals, but it is still more than perky enough to keep up. Most drivers won’t find power to be an issue. Handling has been improved, and the SUV now feels more agile and precise than before. The ride quality here is the star of the show, with it feeling on par with what you’d get from some luxury brands.
Fuel economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Murano AWD |
21 MPG |
27 MPG |
23 MPG |
While there is a good amount to like about the new Murano, fuel economy is a pretty big weakness. Compared to other mid-size SUVs, the Nissan’s efficiency is on the low side of average. The EPA estimates that you’ll spend $1,750 more on fuel over five years in the Murano than you would on the average new car.
