What You Should Know About the Redesigned Nissan Murano: An Expert Walkthrough

Commuters driving from Portland down to our showroom often ask about finding a premium highway cruiser that avoids the bulk of a massive three-row vehicle. This crossover fills that exact niche, offering a highly refined cabin experience and elevated styling without the oversized footprint. It sits comfortably above the Rogue in terms of material quality, performance, and cabin quietness, making it an exceptional choice for daily highway travel.

If you are looking to explore this stunning new vehicle in person, we invite you to visit our showroom at 1461 Nashville Pike. Our local team is proud to serve as your premier Portland Nissan dealer, helping you find the perfect model for your lifestyle. Feel free to give our sales team a quick call to check availability or ask any questions before making the drive. We also have an exceptional selection of pre-owned models if you prefer to browse our used Nissan inventory first.

Table of Contents

• Under the Hood: The VC-Turbo Engine and Key Performance Specs
• A Premium Sanctuary: Inside the Cabin and Technology Suite
• Choosing Your Trim: SV, SL, and Platinum Grades Compared
• Advanced Safety Systems and On-Road Confidence
• Navigating Your Upgrade: Trade-In and Financing Steps

Under the Hood: The VC-Turbo Engine and Key Performance Specs

Let’s talk about what actually powers this redesigned crossover, because the mechanical changes are where the new model truly sets itself apart. The most significant update for this generation lies beneath the sculpted hood. Nissan has retired the legacy V6 engine in favor of a modern turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine featuring advanced VC-Turbo technology. This innovative engine dynamically adjusts its compression ratio to optimize either power or efficiency depending on your driving style, delivering a robust 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Paired with a responsive nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous CVT, the driving experience is noticeably more engaging. Acceleration is swift and linear, making highway merging effortless. When it comes to efficiency, the crossover achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined. For those who occasionally need to pull light trailers or recreational gear, it offers a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The rolling hills and small creeks around Shackle Island are exactly where having the available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system provides extra grip on slick mornings. While front-wheel drive is standard on the base model, the advanced all-wheel-drive system is standard on the upper trims to ensure maximum traction. If you require a different set of capabilities, such as heavy-duty hauling, you can also browse our new Nissan Frontier inventory. For those interested in alternative powertrains, we also carry options like our new Nissan Leaf inventory, providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional engines.

A Premium Sanctuary: Inside the Cabin and Technology Suite

Another important thing to know about this redesigned crossover is how much effort went into making the cabin feel like a high-end lounge. Step inside, and you are immediately greeted by an environment that rivals luxury-tier vehicles. The front seats are widely recognized as some of the most comfortable in the industry, utilizing advanced ergonomic design and plush padding to minimize fatigue on long road trips. On higher-tier models, these seats are upgraded to include heating, ventilation, and even massaging functions, turning your daily commute into a relaxing retreat.

The technological centerpiece of the cabin is a beautiful, seamless housing that contains dual 12.3-inch displays. One serves as a highly customizable digital driver instrument cluster, while the other functions as a high-resolution touchscreen for your infotainment needs. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto allow you to connect your smartphone effortlessly, while a standard wireless charging pad keeps your devices powered up without cluttered cables.

While the focus is on passenger comfort, utility remains highly practical. The rear cargo area provides 33 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which expands to a generous 64 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats flat. If you want to compare interior layouts in person, you can browse our current new cars online. For those shopping on a tighter budget, we recommend exploring our affordable used cars, or you can look at our new Nissan Kicks Play inventory for a more compact footprint.

Choosing Your Trim: SV, SL, and Platinum Grades Compared

I often get asked about which of the three available trim levels makes the most sense for a daily driver. The lineup is streamlined into three distinct configurations, allowing you to select the exact level of luxury and capability you desire. The entry point is the SV, which starts at $41,860 MSRP. Far from a basic starter model, it comes loaded with premium features including the dual digital screens, synthetic leather seating, and standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

Stepping up to the SL introduces standard all-wheel drive, genuine leather upholstery, and a premium Bose 10-speaker audio system specifically tuned for the cabin’s unique acoustics. At the top of the lineup sits the Platinum trim, starting at $50,990 MSRP. This flagship model pulls out all the stops, adding ultra-premium semi-aniline leather, ventilated and massaging front seats, and a panoramic moonroof that floods the cabin with natural light.

When families test-drive these trims on our lot, they usually spend the most time sitting in the second row to compare the seat comfort before we even turn the key. No matter which grade fits your lifestyle, you can easily compare these trims by viewing our new Nissan inventory. Check out all the available configurations when you shop our new Nissan models to find the one that matches your daily routine.

Advanced Safety Systems and On-Road Confidence

One thing I always tell customers about modern crossovers is that performance is only half the equation; on-road confidence comes from standard safety tech. Every model in the lineup comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies designed to protect you and your passengers. The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 package acts as an extra set of eyes on the road. This system includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

This commitment to passenger protection is backed by real-world testing. The vehicle earned a prestigious 5-Star Overall Vehicle Safety Rating from the NHTSA, providing peace of mind every time you buckle up. For even greater awareness in tight spaces, the upper trims feature an Intelligent Around View Monitor with a clever 3D view that helps you navigate tricky parking spots with ease.

If you need a larger vehicle with similar safety tech but three rows of seats, consider exploring our new Nissan Armada inventory. For those who prefer a traditional sedan layout with excellent safety features, you can browse our new Nissan Altima inventory.

Navigating Your Upgrade: Trade-In and Financing Steps

This is something we see a lot with our customers: finding the perfect vehicle is exciting, but organizing the transition is where the real work happens. At Newton Nissan of Gallatin, we believe the purchasing process should be just as smooth and refined as the vehicle you drive home. Our experienced finance team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you secure the competitive rates and flexible terms that fit your budget. Whether you have pristine credit or need assistance with bad credit financing, we work with a wide network of lenders to find a solution that works for you.

To streamline your visit, we highly recommend taking advantage of our convenient digital tools before you arrive. You can easily value your trade-in online to get a transparent estimate of your current vehicle’s worth. Once you have an idea of your trade value, you can apply for financing from the comfort of your home to get pre-qualified and save valuable time at the dealership.

When you are ready to experience the redesigned crossover firsthand, you can get directions to our showroom. We look forward to welcoming you, answering your questions, and getting you behind the wheel for a test drive.