The Nissan Murano, a crossover SUV that has remained largely unchanged since its third generation debuted in 2015, faces a critical question in 2023: Can “just good enough” still cut it in a fiercely competitive market? While praised in the past for offering a luxurious interior and distinctive styling at an accessible price point, the Murano has seen sales decline, indicating a potential disconnect with evolving consumer preferences. To truly understand its standing against newer rivals, we conducted an in-depth review of the 2023 Nissan Murano, pushing it beyond its daily commute comfort zone with a road trip from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Amelia Island, Florida. This real-world test aimed to uncover whether the Murano still holds appeal for modern SUV buyers.
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A Design That Still Turns Heads? Examining the 2023 Murano’s Exterior
The 2023 Nissan Murano retains its distinctive exterior styling, a key element that initially set it apart in the crossover SUV segment back in 2015. In a market where many SUVs began adopting similar, boxier designs, the Murano dared to be different with its flowing lines and unique silhouette. Even today, the Murano’s design manages to feel relatively fresh, thanks to signature Nissan elements like the V-Motion front grille, boomerang-shaped headlights, and the “floating roof” design. These features combine to give the SUV a recognizable and somewhat upscale identity.
Front view of the 2023 Nissan Murano showcasing V-Motion grille and boomerang headlights, highlighting its distinctive front fascia.
While the overall design language remains consistent with the 2015 model, Nissan has implemented subtle updates for the 2023 iteration. Notably, the daytime running lights are now LEDs, providing a more modern and energy-efficient lighting signature. The front fascia has also been revised with larger cutouts for the fog lights and a slightly different treatment of the body-colored panels on the bumper. Honeycomb-shaped plastic inserts add a touch of texture to the front, replacing some of the smoother surfaces of previous models. Moving to the rear, changes are even more minimal, with updated taillights being the primary distinction. To the average observer, the 2023 Murano might appear nearly identical to earlier models, but for dedicated Murano enthusiasts, these subtle tweaks are noticeable and contribute to keeping the design contemporary.
Side profile of the 2023 Nissan Murano emphasizing its floating roof design and sleek lines, demonstrating its modern crossover aesthetic.
Stepping Inside: The 2023 Nissan Murano Interior Experience
The interior of the 2023 Nissan Murano echoes the exterior’s evolutionary approach. Stepping inside, you’ll find a cabin that’s remarkably similar to the one introduced in 2015. While many automakers typically introduce more substantial interior refreshes within an eight-year lifecycle, Nissan has opted for a more consistent approach with the Murano’s cabin design. However, this isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, particularly when considering the Murano’s target audience. The interior prioritizes comfort, an area where the Murano continues to excel.
Front interior view of the 2023 Nissan Murano cabin, focusing on the plush seating, dashboard layout, and overall comfort-oriented design.
The seats in the 2023 Murano are a standout feature, offering exceptional cushioning and softness that rivals many SUVs in its class. These generously padded and wide seats, combined with ample adjustability, ensure a comfortable experience even on long journeys. During our extensive road trip, seat comfort was consistently a high point. The same plush faux leather upholstery extends throughout the cabin, covering armrests, the dash pad, and door panels, contributing to a consistently soft and inviting ambiance.
Close-up of the 2023 Nissan Murano's leather-appointed seats, highlighting the plush cushioning and premium material, emphasizing passenger comfort.
However, the interior also presents a contrast in material choices. While the touchpoints are soft and comfortable, the switchgear throughout the cabin utilizes hard plastics. From window switches to steering wheel controls and the center console buttons, the plastic trim doesn’t offer a premium tactile feel or visual appeal. Yet, when viewed through the lens of the average Murano buyer, this design choice becomes more understandable. The buttons and switches, while not luxurious, are functional and reliable. They provide clear feedback when operated, and the layout of the controls is straightforward and symmetrical. This functional approach suggests Nissan prioritized usability and durability for its target demographic, rather than chasing ultra-premium interior aesthetics.
Infotainment and Technology: A Functional but Dated System in the 2023 Murano
The infotainment system in the 2023 Nissan Murano mirrors the mixed impressions of the interior. It features an 8-inch touchscreen display that includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, essential features for modern drivers. The touchscreen itself is responsive and operates smoothly. However, the user interface design appears dated and lacks the intuitive nature found in more contemporary systems. While it functions adequately, a visual and functional refresh of the infotainment system would significantly improve the overall user experience.
Dashboard view of the 2023 Nissan Murano infotainment system, showing the 8-inch touchscreen display and surrounding controls, illustrating its functionality.
Despite the dated interface, the system performed reliably during our test. Bluetooth connectivity was seamless and consistent throughout the road trip, and the audio quality was clear and satisfying. In terms of practicality, the Murano’s cargo space is often cited as a potential drawback compared to some rivals. While it may not offer the same cavernous storage as some three-row SUVs or competitors with larger cargo areas, we found it to be reasonably practical. During our test, we managed to fit four adults, their luggage, and even two road bikes inside for a portion of the trip. This demonstrates that the Murano’s 32.1 cubic feet of claimed cargo capacity is usable and sufficient for many everyday needs.
On the Road: Driving Comfort and Performance of the 2023 Murano
Driving the 2023 Nissan Murano prioritizes comfort above all else. The ride quality is exceptionally smooth, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections on less-than-perfect road surfaces. The Murano delivers a stable and composed driving experience, making it well-suited for long highway journeys and comfortable daily commutes. While some may point out potential visibility limitations due to the C-pillar design, properly adjusted mirrors effectively eliminate blind spots.
Front three-quarter view of the 2023 Nissan Murano in motion on a highway, demonstrating its smooth ride and comfortable cruising capability.
However, drivers seeking sharp handling or engaging driving dynamics may find the Murano lacking. Steering and pedal feedback are muted, reflecting the Murano’s focus on comfort rather than sporty performance. The Murano is not attempting to be a performance SUV; it’s designed to be a comfortable and relaxed cruiser. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are well-controlled in the Murano’s cabin. Road noise, tire noise, and engine noise are effectively minimized, contributing to a quiet and serene interior environment. The primary exception is the noticeable engine drone from the 3.5-liter V6 when accelerating aggressively.
Engine bay of the 2023 Nissan Murano, showcasing the 3.5-liter V6 engine, highlighting its power source and drivetrain components.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine itself is a proven and reliable powerplant, producing 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. However, the Murano’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributes to the engine drone under hard acceleration. While CVTs are known for efficiency, they can sometimes result in a less engaging driving experience and noticeable engine noise. Fuel economy is another area where the Murano shows its age. The EPA estimates 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. During our test, we achieved an average of 26.5 mpg over 2,074 miles, which is respectable for a V6-powered SUV but less competitive than newer rivals offering four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Modern Tech in a Familiar Package
Despite its long lifecycle, the 2023 Nissan Murano has received important safety technology updates. Our SV trim test vehicle came equipped with standard adaptive cruise control, a valuable feature for long road trips, enhancing driver convenience and reducing fatigue. Furthermore, all 2023 Murano models include a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, and rear parking sensors. These safety enhancements are commendable and demonstrate Nissan’s commitment to keeping the Murano competitive in terms of safety features.
How Does the 2023 Nissan Murano Measure Up in Today’s Market?
In our initial review of the third-generation Murano in 2015, we noted its honest approach – it didn’t try to be something it wasn’t. This assessment remains accurate for the 2023 model. The Murano continues to be a comfortable, stylish, and value-oriented crossover SUV. Interestingly, despite overall sales declines, Murano sales saw year-over-year growth in the fourth quarter of 2022 and continued to rise in the first quarter of 2023, suggesting it still resonates with a segment of buyers.
However, the market has evolved, and competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Honda Passport have emerged, offering similar levels of comfort and practicality, often with more modern features or enhanced capabilities, such as off-road prowess in some cases. While the Murano doesn’t need to chase off-road aspirations, the arrival of the next generation presents an opportunity for Nissan to push beyond “just good enough” and aim for segment leadership. Raising the bar would ultimately benefit consumers and the brand alike.
Comparison image featuring the 2023 Nissan Murano alongside competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, highlighting the competitive SUV landscape.
