I’ve always been a sucker for SUVs that feel more like a rolling spa than a truck, and the 2026 Nissan Murano nails that vibe with an effortless blend of elegance and everyday smarts. Fresh off its 2025 redesign, this year’s update swaps out front-wheel drive for standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive across the board – a move that boosts confidence without jacking up the sticker shock much. At $41,470 to start for the SV, it’s a steal for a two-row hauler loaded with premium touches like massaging seats and hands-free ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on top trims. Whether you’re eyeing it for family runs or solo escapes, the Murano’s sanctuary-like cabin and intuitive tech make it a standout in a sea of boxy crossovers. Let’s break down the refinements that keep it fresh.
A Glow-Up in Grip: Standard AWD for All Seasons
Nissan heard the call from buyers craving versatility – no more choosing between FWD savings and AWD security. The 2026 Nissan Murano makes Intelligent All-Wheel Drive standard on every SV, SL, and Platinum, seamlessly shuttling torque rearward when roads get slick. It’s not thirsty either, sticking to an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg city/highway with the same efficient setup as last year.
This shift keeps the base SV at $41,470 – just a hair above 2025’s FWD equivalent – while SL and Platinum hold steady at $47,060 and $50,100 (including destination). It’s a pragmatic play: more capability for snowbirds or rain-soaked commutes, without the fuel penalty of a full-time system.
Power That Flows: VC-Turbo Smoothness Under the Hood
Heart of the beast is Nissan’s clever 2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline-four, flexing between compression ratios for 241 hp and 260 lb-ft – punchy enough for merges without drama. Paired with a slick nine-speed automatic and paddle shifters, it hums through modes (Eco, Sport, Snow) via the selector, hitting 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds.
Idle stop-start keeps things green, and the whole package feels refined – no turbo lag, just linear shove. Owners rave about the quiet cabin isolation, making it a cruiser par excellence.
Inside the Oasis: A Cabin Built for Blissful Drives
Step in, and the 2026 Nissan Murano wraps you like a hug – a sweeping dash with soft curves, available semi-aniline leather, and 64-color ambient lighting that sets any mood. Front buckets? Heated, ventilated, and massaging on SL/Platinum with the new Comfort pack ($1,500), while rears get Zero Gravity contours, sunshades, and heaters for passenger pampering.
Space shines: 32.1 cubic feet behind the seats (67 folded), with extra knee room for adults – a boon over the old gen. The motion-activated liftgate swings wide for easy loads, turning errands into non-events.
Tech That Thinks Ahead: Dual Screens and ProPILOT Magic
Nissan’s dual 12.3-inch displays – gauges and infotainment – curve seamlessly, running NissanConnect with Google built-in on SL/Platinum for native Maps, Assistant, and Play apps. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto joins the party, plus a Bose 10-speaker system for tunes that fill the space.
Cameras steal glances: Invisible Hood View ghosts the front bumper for off-road peeks, while the 3D Around View Monitor wraps 360 degrees in high-def. The crown? ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on Platinum’s Tech pack ($2,500) – hands-off freeway driving (eyes forward!) with lane-change nudges on mapped roads. It’s a game-changer for traffic-weary souls.
Safety Wrapped In: Confidence at Every Turn
Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard – auto emergency braking with pedestrian detect, blind-spot warning, lane departure alert, and rear cross-traffic beepers. ProPILOT Assist layers on adaptive cruise with steering for semi-autonomous ease.
It’s not flashy, but effective – earning top IIHS marks in the 2025 redesign, with the 2026 carrying over seamlessly.
Trims at a Glance: Pick Your Flavor
| Trim | Starting Price (MSRP) | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|
| SV | $41,470 | AWD std, heated seats, 12.3″ dual screens, Safety Shield 360 |
| SL | $47,060 | Moonroof, Bose audio, Comfort pack (massage/ventilated seats, heated rears, liftgate) |
| Platinum | $50,100 | Semi-aniline leather, 360-cam, Tech pack w/ProPILOT 2.1 |
All with 2.0L VC-Turbo (241 hp), 9-speed auto, AWD; 21/27 mpg est.
Murano vs. the Field: Where It Shines
| Feature | 2026 Nissan Murano SV | 2026 Honda Passport EX-L | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $41,470 | $42,295 | $37,300 |
| Drivetrain | AWD std | FWD (AWD +$1,800) | FWD (AWD +$1,800) |
| Engine/HP | 2.0L turbo I4, 241 hp | 3.5L V6, 280 hp | 2.5L turbo I4, 277 hp |
| MPG (c/h) | 21/27 | 19/25 | 22/28 |
| Cargo (cu ft) | 32.1/67 | 41/78.6 | 41.3/79.6 |
| Tech Highlight | ProPILOT 2.1 opt | Honda Sensing std | HTRAC AWD opt |
Murano’s AWD value and massage seats tip the scales for comfort seekers.
The Road Ahead: Murano’s Elegant Edge
The 2026 Nissan Murano isn’t reinventing the wheel – it’s polishing it to a high shine, with standard AWD adding grip to its graceful gait and ProPILOT 2.1 easing the miles. At $41,470, it’s a premium-feeling two-rower that prioritizes serenity over show, outshining the Passport in tech finesse while undercutting flashier foes. If your drives mix highways and hidden gems, this Murano’s your serene steed. AWD a must, or eyeing the Rogue? Spill in the comments – what’s your ideal SUV setup?
Source- nissannews
