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2021 Nissan Murano review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Nissan Murano highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable front seats
  • Roomy rear seat
  • High-quality materials and distinctive cabin design

Cons

  • Below-average cargo capacity
  • Very limited towing capacity
  • Sleek design hurts visibility

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined

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The 2021 Nissan Murano adds more standard driver aids

The 2021 Nissan Murano is an easy-driving two-row midsize SUV that’s big on comfort and style, but not on versatility. The plush and supportive seats for both front and rear passengers are a high point, complemented by attractive materials in higher trim levels. For 2021, blind-spot warning, rear automatic braking, and rear parking sensors join Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard technology equipment. The V6 engine provides smooth acceleration, and the Murano is pleasant to drive, although its sleek design limits visibility.

The Murano has a few other shortcomings, such as the relatively limited cargo space. Add to that the meager 1,500 pounds of towing capacity (when properly equipped), and the Murano is less versatile than other midsize SUVs. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. Think of the Murano as a comfortable cruiser rather than a go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.

All Nissan Murano years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Nissan Murano generation from 2012 to 2025

What is new for the 2021 Nissan Murano?

  • Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The S trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.

2021 Nissan Murano trims

Curious how Nissan Murano trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 260-hp, 240-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Parking Sensors
  • View our Nissan Murano S inventory

SV:

SL:

  • Includes all features available on the SV
  • Memory Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Navigation System
  • View our Nissan Murano SL inventory

Platinum:

Nissan Murano photos

What We Like

Seats: The Murano’s front seats offer well-placed cushioning and support, making them excellent companions on long drives. The seat heaters are powerful, ideal for cold days, and ventilated seats are available on the Platinum trim. 

Roominess: Without a third row to cram in, the Murano has space for adults in both the front and rear seats. The front seats are definitely the stars of the show, but the roomy back seats provide adults the space to travel in comfort. 

Interior design: The flowing lines in the Murano’s cabin make an elegant, organic impression, complemented by high-quality materials. Some of the design choices are starting to look a bit dated by today’s standards, but the Murano still makes a good impression.

What Needs Improvement

Versatility: With its below-average cargo space and limited towing capacity, the Murano doesn’t offer the same versatility as many competitors. The Murano puts style and comfort first; other competitors are better at heavy lifting.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

13 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Nissan Murano an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Murano 16th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano features and specs

Curious how Nissan Murano trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

260

Torque (ft-lbs)

240

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

19

Wheelbase

111.2"

Overall length

192.4"

Width

75.4"

Height

67.8"

Leg room

F 40.5"/R 38.7"

Head room

F 39.9"/R 39.8"

Front tires

P235/65TR18

Rear tires

P235/65TR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Nissan Murano FAQ

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