by Aiden Eksteen
Despite its modern, sleek design, comprehensive selection of premium comforts and conveniences, and superb safety standards, the 2021 Nissan Murano still can't disguise its age. It's been six years since the Murano received its last redesign but, while it has received updates here and there, it's the engine it comes with that really undoes it. It's a 260-horsepower V6 unit that is perfect for pleasant and easy city performance, but as soon as you try to get to highway speeds or overtake any other cars, things quickly take a turn for the worst. It's also to no extent fun to drive with its heavy steering and stiff handling. There are many devotees to the Murano nonetheless - ones who appreciate its old-school charm. With esteemed 5-door competitors such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Chevrolet Blazer, the Murano has a lot it needs to prove.
While the driving experience is outdated, we have to applaud Nissan for continually updating the Murano, to at least attempting to keep up with the competitiont from a style, safety, and luxury perspective. For 2021, Nissan is adding its Safety Shield 360 with automatic rear braking as standard across the entire range. The SV Premium Package has been replaced with a new Special Edition Package, and three new colors have been added to the existing palette.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
S |
3.5L V6 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$32,810 |
SV |
3.5L V6 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$35,940 |
SL |
3.5L V6 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$40,310 |
Platinum |
3.5L V6 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$44,360 |
When it first came to the US market, the Murano crossover was an exceptional vehicle that was fun, comfortable, and practical. That was all the way back in 2008, however, and, unfortunately, Nissan hasn't done much since to improve the Murano's standing in the increasingly popular segment. Newer crossovers come with more polished powertrains and underpinnings and are hence sportier or more entertaining to drive, and more comfortable on the road. Most, if not all, new crossovers also come with extensive selections of comforts and conveniences, as well as comprehensive driver-assist suites and safety features, so it's difficult to find anything about the Murano that stands out. In 2015, the Nissan Murano entered its third-generational guise so it's past time for a complete overhaul. On the bright side, the 2021 Nissan Murano has undergone review by both the NHTSA and the IIHS for its crashworthiness and it scored superbly. All in all, the Murano is a decent family cruiser, but you can get a whole lot more value elsewhere.
If you're set on purchasing a Murano SUV, we'd suggest going straight for the top-tier Platinum model, since you're probably buying it only because you're a devotee. After all, there are better-value cars out there at similar prices to the 2021 Nissan Murano crossover - the all-new Nissan Rogue for one. Nevertheless, with its power-adjustable steering column, climate-controlled front seats, semi-aniline quilted leather seating upholstery, and dual-pane moonroof, the Platinum does deliver a good level of opulence. Whether you go for the FWD setup or AWD setup will come down to if you live in a state that may require the safety afforded by the extra traction in the AWD setup.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Nissan Murano: