2023 Nissan Murano

In a market awash with options, the Nissan Murano has a lot to prove, but with exciting styling and lots of tech, it still puts up a decent fight against competitors such as the Honda Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe. Based on the same platform as the Nissan Maxima, the Murano looks more like a car than an SUV, and we like the fact that it breaks away from the current norm in crossover styling. Under the hood, the 2023 Murano features a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower, but unfortunately, it's mated to a dreary CVT transmission. Unlike the Maxima, which can still keep its head up in the handling department, the Murano fails to impress but does deliver a premium interior and solid safety features.

The cheapest new Murano is the entry-level S, which has an MSRP of $32,910 in the USA. The most expensive model is the Platinum with Nissan's Intelligent AWD system, with an MSRP of $46,160. Every trim level is available in front-wheel drive. The SV starts at $36,450, the Midnight Edition at $37,845, the SL at $40,410, and the Platinum at $44,460. Every Nissan Murano will cost $1,700 more with the Intelligent AWD system. These prices exclude Nissan's destination charge of $1,175 in the US.

The Nissan Murano is based on the Maxima's platform, but any similarities end there. Unlike the Maxima, which offers confident handling, the Murano features softly sprung suspension and steering that doesn't offer much feedback. This results in a car that is less than engaging to drive. We have to admit that it's pretty good at soaking up bumps, but that's about it. The V6 engine delivers middling outputs and, mated to that CVT transmission, the 0-60 of 7.3 seconds is not fast, with most of the Nissan Murano's competitors showing it a clean pair of heels. The CVT can send the revs soaring when pressing on, leading to that irritating CVT drone, but under normal driving conditions, the mid-range torque of the V6 is sufficient to keep you out of the drone zone. If you're after more driving engagement from an SUV, look elsewhere. The Murano is a stable cruiser and will go around corners without falling apart, but there's little fun in store for the driver.

The 2023 Nissan Murano is an aging beast that can no longer keep up with turbocharged rivals with their light-footed handling. Its engine barely manages to keep up with the competition and the CVT transmission kills any of the remaining fun. The same can be said of the chassis, suspension, and steering setup, which do a great job of delivering you to your destination unruffled and in comfort, but do nothing to engage the senses. It makes up for this with its interesting exterior styling, handsome interior, and a solid list of safety features, with every safety review of the Nissan Murano giving it full marks. This isn't enough to turn the Murano into a competitive product in a world that's moved on, and this should be the final year of the Murano as we know it. We believe the name deserves something better; hopefully, Nissan will deliver with a proper new Nissan Murano.

The Murano SUV isn't a sensible purchase. Some other crossovers and SUVs do a lot more for a lot less. For proof, look no further than Nissan's Rogue, which offers more practicality at a much better price. An all-new Rogue is now available, and it makes the Murano even more redundant. Since the Murano is an emotionally-driven purchase and not a logical one, you might as well go all in and get the ultra-plush Platinum model. The best value is to be had at SV level. It gains a few must-have items over the S, such as leatherette upholstery, heated and powered front seats, adaptive cruise control, and front parking sensors.