With three children I can say the Murano handles family life surprisingly well. There’s enough room in the back seat for car seats and the cargo area swallows up all our gear. It's not as boxy as a Pilot, but that means it doesn't feel as much like a minivan substitute. And the kids like that it looks cool.

I believe the Achilles' heel of the Murano is its fuel efficiency. It’s not terrible, but in 2025, it seems dated. To keep up with the competition, Nissan has to provide a hybrid version. Smooth, the V6 is, but with the fuel costs required to keep it fed, there are just too many more efficient alternatives now.

I’ve seen my fair share of CVT problems as a mechanic, but the Murano has tended to fare better than smaller Nissans. It takes less strain off the transmission because of the V6 engine. However, religious maintenance is essential. When you’re buying used make sure there is a solid service history.

The Murano's interior is a classic case of 'jack of all trades, master of none'. On the other hand, it's definitely nicer than most mainstream SUVs, though it's definitely not true luxury. The tech is good, but it's not newfangled. Some finishes feel cheap, but comfort is great. If you want to feel fancy, but don't want to break the bank, it's perfect.

As a car designer, I have to hand it to Nissan for holding the line with the Murano. It’s not about following trends, it’s about setting them. Although it looks much like any other car in parking lots, the sculpted body and unique light signatures still make it stand out. It, however, ages like a fine wine, not for everyone, but it is distinctive.