The 2027 Nissan Murano continues its evolution as a stylish, comfort-focused midsize crossover designed for the modern family. Sharing its mechanical DNA with the larger Pathfinder, the Murano offers a premium interior experience and sleek exterior design, prioritizing smooth highway cruising over sporty handling. For the 2027 model year, Nissan simplifies the buying process by making all-wheel drive (AWD) standard across all trims, ensuring consistent capability regardless of price point.
Positioning and Design Philosophy
The Murano occupies a specific niche in the SUV market: it is the two-row counterpart to the three-row Pathfinder. While both vehicles share the same turbocharged engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and AWD system, the Murano distinguishes itself with a focus on aesthetics and passenger comfort rather than utility or off-road prowess.
- Not a Sports Car: The Murano is not designed for spirited driving on winding roads. It is an “inoffensive” cruiser, built for relaxed suburban commuting.
- Luxury Alternative: For buyers seeking a more upscale experience within the same mechanical family, Nissan points to the Infiniti QX65, the Murano’s luxury sibling.
Key Insight: The Murano’s mission is clear: provide a quiet, comfortable, and visually appealing ride for daily use. It succeeds by prioritizing cabin refinement over driving engagement.
What’s New for 2027?
The primary change for the 2027 model year is standard all-wheel drive. Previously, AWD may have been an option on lower trims; now, every Murano leaves the factory with four-wheel traction. This move aligns the Murano with consumer expectations for safety and versatility in this segment, eliminating the need to choose between drive configurations.
No other significant mechanical or design changes are expected for 2027. The vehicle remains a carryover from its recent redesign, maintaining its established strengths in interior quality and technology.
Pricing and Trim Recommendations
Nissan offers three main trim levels: SV (base), SL (mid-range), and Platinum (top-tier). While the SV provides essential features, the SL trim is recommended for most buyers due to its substantial upgrade in comfort and convenience features for a relatively modest price increase.
Why Upgrade to the SL?
The SL trim adds several high-value features that enhance the daily driving experience:
* Panoramic Sunroof: Opens up the cabin with natural light.
* 360-Degree Camera System: Improves parking confidence in tight spaces.
* Memory Driver’s Seat: Personalizes seating positions for multiple drivers.
* 10-Speaker Bose Audio: Significantly improves sound quality over the base stereo.
* In-Dash Navigation: Powered by Google Maps for seamless routing.
* Ambient Interior Lighting: Adds a premium feel to the cabin at night.
The top-tier Platinum trim adds semi-aniline leather upholstery and massaging front seats, catering to those who prioritize maximum luxury. However, the SL offers the best balance of value and equipment.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The 2027 Murano is powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is adequate for daily driving but not designed for high-performance thrills.
- Acceleration: The Murano reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. This is slightly slower than key competitors like the Toyota Crown Signia (7.0 seconds), reflecting its focus on smoothness over speed.
- Transmission: The nine-speed automatic is a notable improvement over the continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in previous generations. It shifts more smoothly and reduces the “rubber-band” effect often associated with CVTs.
- Handling: The ride is well-sorted for highway cruising, though it can transmit sharp bumps over poor road surfaces. Steering feedback is light and numb, which aids in easy maneuvering but reduces driver engagement.
- Towing: The Murano has a modest towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. This is significantly less than rivals like the Honda Passport or Hyundai Santa Fe, making it unsuitable for heavy trailers or boats.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Murano’s interior is one of its strongest selling points, featuring a modern, minimalist design that rivals electric vehicles. The cabin uses high-quality materials, padded surfaces, and intuitive controls.
- Seating: Both front and rear seats utilize Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, providing exceptional support and comfort for long trips. The rear seat offers generous legroom and a nearly flat floor, making it comfortable for three adults.
- Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, the Murano offers 33 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. This is sufficient for most family needs, accommodating up to 10 carry-on suitcases behind the second row.
- Infotainment: All models feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Higher trims include Nissan’s Google-based infotainment system, offering seamless integration with Google Maps and Assistant.
- Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. SL and Platinum models add an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and Amazon Alexa voice assistant.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Nissan equips all 2027 Muranos with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including:
* Automated emergency braking
* Lane-keeping assist
* Adaptive cruise control
* Blind-spot monitoring
SL and Platinum trims upgrade to ProPilot Assist, a more advanced hands-free driving system that uses navigation data to adjust speed for upcoming curves and intersections. This feature enhances comfort on highways by reducing driver fatigue.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
The Murano achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. While not class-leading, these figures are competitive for a midsize AWD crossover. Real-world highway testing may yield slightly different results, but the vehicle is designed for efficiency within its comfort-focused framework.
Warranty and Ownership Costs
The Murano’s warranty coverage is standard for the industry but lags behind some key competitors:
* Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
* Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
* Complimentary Maintenance: 2 years / 24,000 miles
Rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento offer more extensive powertrain coverage (10 years / 100,000 miles), which may influence buyers prioritizing long-term ownership costs.
Conclusion
The 2027 Nissan Murano is a well-rounded, comfort-oriented crossover that excels in interior quality and ease of use. With all-wheel drive now standard and a refined powertrain, it offers a smooth and quiet ride ideal for suburban families and commuters. While it lacks the towing capacity of some rivals and falls short in warranty coverage, its stylish design, premium cabin, and user-friendly technology make it a compelling choice for buyers who prioritize comfort and aesthetics over utility or performance.
