Consumers have fallen in love with crossovers, but they’ve been avoiding the Nissan Murano like the plague. It’s hard to blame them as the model was introduced over a decade ago and is clearly showing its age. That’s about to change as spy photographers have caught the redesigned Murano in Michigan. It sports an all-new design, which borrows cues from the Ariya and Kicks. Starting up front, the V-Motion grille has been jettisoned and replaced by one that features horizontal bars. These bars appear to flow into stacked lighting units like on the redesigned Kicks.
Elsewhere, there are Ariya-inspired
headlights that appear to be connected by a slender bar. We can also see a wide
lower intake that echoes the one found on the current model. While the
prototype is heavily camouflaged, the crossover has streamlined bodywork and a
pronounced shoulder line. They’re joined by a rakish windscreen that flows into
a sloping roof. We can also see new door-mounted mirrors and an evolutionary
greenhouse. Big changes occur out back as the license plate recess moves from
the liftgate to the bumper. The model also adopts slimmer taillights and new
low-mounted reflectors.
The cabin was holding the Murano back, so
it’s not surprising to find a modern and upscale interior. The changes are
immediately apparent as the crossover has a wide, freestanding display that
consists of a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system. The latter
appears to feature Google built-in, which would be a welcome change. Besides
the new screens, there are Ariya-like air vents and a large volume knob. We can
also see dedicated climate controls and contrast stitching on the center
console.
Nissan has been tight-lipped about the
model, but previous reports have suggested the crossover will ride on an
updated version of the D platform. It underpins the current model as well as
the Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60. While the architecture will be familiar, we
can expect an all-new powertrain. Details are limited, but the current
3.5-liter V6 – which develops 260 hp and 325 Nm of torque – is expected to be replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The model is also slated to ditch its continuously variable transmission for a
traditional nine-speed automatic.
The redesigned Murano is expected to debut
later this year and arrive as a 2025 model.
