2026 Murano brings fresh style and comfort upgrades but hybrid fans are left waiting

The 2026 Nissan Murano returns to the mid-size SUV arena with a long-overdue glow-up, and Nissan clearly wants you to notice.

After all, this fourth-generation model arrives more than a decade after its predecessor debuted.

Many people didn’t even think that the mid-size SUV would get another life cycle, but here we are.

In fact, the holdup stemmed from Nissan’s plan to reinvent the Murano as an EV, before the Ariya swooped in and stole the spotlight.

SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie

Far more upscale than its price tag may suggest

On the outside, the 2026 Murano is wider and sleeker, sporting a refined new look highlighted by its simulated ‘Murano Glass’ paint that shifts colors depending on the light.

Just like the Ariya, the car is equipped with Nissan’s ProPilot driver assist system, which makes parking a piece of cake.

Inside, the glow-up continues in a big way.

The cabin takes serious inspiration from the Ariya, featuring a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Google Built-In, a matching digital cluster, and a crisp color head-up display.

Touch-sensitive controls embedded into the wood-look trim add a modern flourish, as do the surprisingly elegant orchestral chimes that greet you at startup and shutdown.

Comfort takes center stage, too.

The interior’s chocolate-brown quilted leather, cozy ‘zero gravity’ seats, and massage function up front make the Murano feel far more upscale than its price tag suggests.

The second row is roomy and well-equipped with heated seats, USB ports everywhere, air vents, and ambient lighting.

There is also plenty of boot space, making the car useful for big grocery runs and road trips alike.

The 2026 Murano is priced rather attractively

Unfortunately, not everything has aged gracefully.

The 2026 Murano still rides on Nissan’s old D platform paired with an aging suspension, and unfortunately, it shows.

According to Motortrend, vibrations, poor body control, and noticeable impacts over uneven pavement keep it from feeling as refined as the rest of the cabin would lead you to expect.

Power comes from Nissan’s 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo four-cylinder.

It is torquier, but less powerful than the outgoing V6.

Unlike what many speculated, there is no hybrid option, leaving hybrid fans somewhat disappointed.

And while the new nine-speed automatic is an improvement over the old CVT, opinions are mixed.

Some testers praised its responsiveness, while others called it loud, sluggish, and occasionally clunky.

The good news is, pricing starts under $42,000, with the Platinum AWD sitting just under $50,000.

Considering the average new car in America now costs $47,962, the 2026 Nissan Murano is a pretty good buy, considering it’s a mid-size SUV.

While performance enthusiasts may be disappointed, this SUV isn’t marketed as one that’s supposed to break records in Nürburgring, unlike the Xiaomi YU7 performance variant.

Instead, it’s meant to be a comfortable yet stylish car, with plenty of premium touches, yet at an affordable price.

In that sense, the 2026 Nissan Murano makes a strong case for itself.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie