Since it debuted as a 2003 model, the Nissan Murano has offered bold styling and spacious seating for five in a midsize SUV package. Now in its third generation, Nissan's curvaceous utility vehicle offers a generous list of standard features and an interior you can upgrade with extras like heated and ventilated front seats, as well as quilted leather upholstery.

For 2021, the Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance features is now standard on all Muranos. Look for a redesigned Murano to arrive in the next couple of years.

What We Think

If comfort is what you're after, the Nissan Murano might work. Cushy seats and a quiet cabin create a relaxed driving experience, ideal for long drives especially when you consider the supple ride. The center stack, however, exposes the Murano's age. Dated infotainment graphics, particularly the grainy 360-degree view parking camera system, don't do the otherwise stylish cabin any favors.

Although the Murano's V-6 isn't the quickest option in its class, there's more than enough for the average consumer. Just don't toss the Murano into a corner too quickly because the SUV has excessive body roll. Additionally, overly heavy steering at low speeds makes maneuvering in tight spaces a chore.

With subpar rear visibility and heavy steering, better options in the midsize SUV segment exist. Even so, consumers seeking a value-priced option with bold styling and a comfortable ride might find what they're looking for in the Murano.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The 2021 Murano mates a CVT automatic to a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. There's no fuel economy penalty for selecting AWD; EPA fuel economy ratings are 20/28 mpg city/highway with FWD or AWD.

Safety

NHTSA: 5 Stars (out of a possible five stars)

The Nissan Murano received a Good score in six crashworthiness tests (Good is the highest possible score). On the IIHS' front crash prevention test, the Murano received a Superior rating on the vehicle-to-vehicle category (Superior is the highest possible score).

All Murano models get the Safety Shield 360 driver assistance suite, which includes forward collision warning, front and rear automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is offered on the SV, SL, and Platinum trims.

Technology

The Murano features an older version of Nissan's infotainment system featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, and a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display. Built-in navigation is available only on the SL and Platinum trims, both of which also gets an 11-speaker Bose audio system.

Key Competitors:

• Subaru Outback
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Kia Sorento
• Ford Edge
• Chevrolet Blazer