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Midsize Two-Row Crossover SUV
Nissan Murano
⚠ Caution
Mixed signals, know the tradeoffs
⚠ Low risk
CVT transmission failures are systematic on 2003-2024 models, typically occurring between 60k-120k miles even with regular fluid changes. Replacement costs $4k-8k. Subframe rust is common on older models in rust belt regions. New 2025-2026 models have early reports of collision detection false positives and connectivity issues, but insufficient data to confirm systematic pattern.
Nissan's plush two-row crossover rides like a luxury SUV but carries a ticking time bomb under the hood: the CVT transmission grenades itself between 60k-120k miles with alarming regularity, even when religiously maintained. The 2015-2024 models charm owners with their V6 power and living-room comfort until that $4k-8k replacement bill arrives. The all-new 2025 ditched the V6 for a turbo-4 nobody wanted, added buggy tech, and promptly sat unsold on dealer lots with massive incentives. If you're buying used, budget for a CVT replacement as a when-not-if expense. If you're considering the redesign, you're beta-testing Nissan's desperation play. Skip this unless you're leasing short-term or love gambling on transmissions.
The generation that matters
This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.
2nd generation (2009–2014)
2009–2014
Solid
Praised for comfortable ride, plush interior, and segment-competitive fuel economy with the V6 engine. Reliability concerns centered on CVT and subframe rust in northern climates.
3rd generation (2015–2024)
2015–2024
Strong
Consistently praised for comfortable ride, plush interior, and V6 power through 2019 refresh. Left unchanged for a decade, leading loyal buyers to migrate to Rogue or Pathfinder by end of run.
4th generation (2025–present)
2025–present
Compromised
Redesign replaced V6 with turbo-4 that feels lethargic and lurchy; ride became stiff and choppy. Consumer Reports and MotorTrend note confusing controls and unremarkable handling. Nissan overestimated demand.
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Common complaints6 issues−CVT transmission failures are systematic on 2003-2024 models, often occurring between 60k-120k miles despite regular fluid changes
−2025-2026 redesign replaced proven V6 with turbo-4, causing market resistance and poor sales
−Subframe rust and rot issues on older models (2003-2015), particularly in rust belt regions
−Below-average fuel economy for the class, no hybrid option despite segment trend
−Resale value concerns due to brand reputation decline and CVT reliability issues
−New generation has collision detection false positives and CarPlay connectivity issues
✓
What owners praise7 strengths✓
Exceptionally comfortable ride quality with plush seats and quiet cabin (2015-2024 models)
✓
Luxurious interior materials and upscale feel at non-luxury pricing
✓
Strong V6 power delivery in pre-2025 models (3.5L VQ engine)
✓
Spacious rear seat legroom and good visibility
✓
2025-2026 redesign brings modern tech, updated styling, and improved build quality
✓
Handles well for its size with confident steering
✓
Available two-tone paint and premium features at competitive pricing
📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric
High confidence▼
555 sources analysed with long-term owner data present
555 sources analysed — strong data quality
Reliability & Durability(22%)4.0
8 positive vs 12 negative long-term reports
User Sentiment(22%)5.8
1,247 positive upvotes vs 892 negative upvotes
Complaint Severity(16%)6.8
Complaints: 18 cosmetic, 47 functional, 23 systematic, 2 safety
Consensus Strength(8%)2.2
Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use
Value for Money(15%)4.6
11 'worth it', 8 'overpriced', 7 mention better-value alternatives
Owner Advocacy(17%)6.5
3 repurchased/gifted, 6 unprompted recommendations, 4 regrets
Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.
Specifications2026
▼Pricing
Starting MSRP
$41,670
Range
$41,670 - $51,345
Capability
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
Fuel economy
21 city / 27 hwy MPG (23 combined)
Drivetrain
FWD standard / AWD available
Dimensions & capacity
Seating
5 passengers
Cargo
32.9 cu ft (seats up) / 63.5 cu ft (seats down)
Powertrains
2.0L Turbo I-4
variable compression, standard on all trims
241 hp · 260 lb-ft
Trim pricing
SV
base trim, AWD now standard for 2026
$43,215
SL
adds panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, navigation, 360-camera
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Platinum
top trim with premium features
$51,345
If you're buying
Know what others paid before you walk in.