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Deanne stands with the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano as we took a Saturday afternoon ride around our area and stopped for photos in the foothills above Mapleton.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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As the sun sets, the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano is accented by great LED lighting.

Courtesy photo

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The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano gets a unique, upgraded body and even from the back is stunning to look at.

Courtesy photo

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Comfort, design and an open cockpit design impressed us in the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano midsize SUV.

Courtesy photo

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There's plenty of space in the back seat of the all-new 2025 Murano, as we found luxury to be a focal point in the new version from Nissan.

Courtesy photo

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The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano.

Courtesy photo

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We have always agreed there has been something special about getting into a Nissan Murano, perhaps because it has been an underrated option in the SUV market or the fact that it always seems to impress us. Whatever the reason, we were again pleased to get a full week behind the wheel of the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD.

From the moment we slid into the leather-trimmed front seats and got our first impression of the new SUV, we knew we were in for a luxurious and practical ride. Nissan has done a great job refining this mid-size SUV, making it a very appealing option for both new families and empty nesters like us.

Of course, our time with the Murano included typical weekly errands around Utah Valley — commuting to work, a couple of grocery store runs, a night out to dinner and even a special Saturday morning event here in our hometown of Springville. We found that the Murano was more than up to the task, handling it all with grace, comfort and a heavy dose of luxury.

First impressions

The 2025 model year brought an all-new, even more premium Murano, including new exterior styling that kept its signature floating roof design and V-Motion grille, but significantly cleaned up the front fascia, giving an overall sleek, modern and fresh appearance.

Our test model, the Platinum AWD, came dressed in a stunning Deep Ocean Blue with 21-inch dark, hyper-silver aluminum alloy wheels that gave it a premium feel from the outside in.

Inside, the Murano continued to impress. The semi-aniline quilted leather seats, a hallmark of the Platinum trim, were buttery soft and instantly comfortable. Both the front and rear seats were heated (and ventilated up front), and the cabin was incredibly quiet — even on Interstate 15 during rush hour. With a panoramic moonroof, adjustable ambient lighting, and a new 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the cabin felt upscale without being overdone.

Daily driving in Utah Valley

We put the Murano through its paces throughout our typical week of driving, starting with the usual Monday morning commute from Springville to Provo. The 2.0-liter trubocharged engine, that produced 241 horsepower — new to the Murano and now coupled with an automatic nine-speed transmission — accelerated confidently and quietly.

Around town, the Murano proved easy to maneuver, thanks to its responsive steering and 360-degree Around View Monitor. Parking in tight grocery store lots or at packed restaurants in downtown Provo was not an issue. The ride quality stood out — it soaked up potholes and bumps with ease, keeping both of us happy wherever we went.

During the week, we had a couple of family dinners and outings, so we took turns playing chauffeur. The Murano’s second row offered plenty of space for our adult children and grandkids alike.

Saturday at Al Curtis Day

One of our highlights of the week came Saturday, when Craig volunteered to set up a small sound system for the Al Curtis Day baseball kickoff at the ballfields here in Springville. With a couple of speakers, a mixer, cables and an amp to load in, the Murano’s 67 cubic feet of cargo space (with the second row folded flat) really came in handy.

Loading everything in was quick and easy, thanks to the motion-activated power liftgate and low load height. Craig appreciated the wide opening and flat floor, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that the sound equipment fit with room to spare. It’s easy to see how this would be an ideal vehicle for parents hauling sports gear or strollers, or for active couples with hiking gear, golf clubs or even a few musical instruments in tow.

Dinner and date night

Later that evening, we took the Murano out to a favorite restaurant in south Provo for a nice dinner out. There’s something to be said for a vehicle that feels equally at home at a Saturday baseball game and at a quiet dinner.

As empty nesters, we appreciated the Murano’s balance of size and functionality. It’s big enough for occasional grandkid duty, Costco hauls and road trips, but small enough to fit comfortably in our garage and never feel like a chore to drive.

The technology proved to be very user-friendly without being overwhelming, and we especially enjoyed the Bose premium audio system — a great companion for our favorite road trip playlist.

Fuel economy and safety

Over the course of our week of mixed driving, we averaged 25.5 miles per gallon, which we found very reasonable for a midsize SUV with all-wheel drive and a V-6 engine. That included everything from short city errands to highway cruising and fully loaded hauls across town.

On the safety front, the Murano Platinum was loaded with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning and intelligent cruise control. The ProPILOT Assist system made freeway driving feel stress free, especially in heavier traffic, maintaining our lane and adjusting speed to keep us at a safe distance from the cars ahead.

Versatile for all life stages

After our week with the Murano, we came away impressed with how well this SUV fits into so many different lifestyles. It would be a wonderful first SUV for a couple just starting out — comfortable, safe, stylish, and with enough space to handle car seats, diaper bags and baby strollers without breaking a sweat.

At the same time, it’s a great pick for empty nesters like us. The ride is quiet and refined, the tech is intuitive, and there’s plenty of room for spontaneous adventures or hauling gear when family visits. Plus, you don’t feel like you’re driving a giant vehicle — it’s the right size for just about anything you throw at it.

At the end of the week

Nissan has added a great new version of the Murano, keeping it fresh and relevant in a competitive segment, and the 2025 Platinum AWD model feels like the sweet spot between comfort, performance and versatility. Whether you’re commuting to work, hauling baseball gear or heading out for date night, this SUV is ready for it all.

With its handsome styling, upscale interior, smooth ride and thoughtful features, the 2025 Murano Platinum AWD earns a top spot on our list of favorite midsize SUVs. It’s a vehicle that truly works for today — and tomorrow.

Base price: $49,600

Destination charge: $1,390

As tested: $54,450