The 2023 Nissan Murano occupies a unique space in the midsize crossover market, bridging the gap between mainstream family haulers and entry-level luxury vehicles. Under the hood, it features a dependable 3.5-liter V6 engine that pushes out 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Rather than chasing turbocharged four-cylinder trends, Nissan sticks with naturally aspirated power mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), giving buyers a smooth, predictable drive whether they choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
If you're looking at this crossover, you want to know if its aging platform still holds up against newer competition. While its third-generation design has been on roads for several years, the Murano remains a strong contender for buyers prioritizing long-distance ride comfort, quiet cabin acoustics, and distinctive styling over cutting-edge tech trends. Let's break down how the 2023 model performs across trims, fuel economy, interior luxury, and everyday usability.
Performance and Engine Specifications
Every version of the 2023 Murano relies on the same mechanical foundation. You don't have to step up to a higher trim to get the core powertrain.
- Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6
- Horsepower: 260 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 240 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT with sequential shift mode
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
The V6 engine delivers strong, linear acceleration without the buzzy hesitation found in smaller forced-induction rivals. Highway passing is effortless, and the powertrain remains composed under heavy loads. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at an estimated 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for both FWD and AWD configurations.
Trim Level Breakdown and Pricing
Nissan offers the 2023 Murano across five primary trim levels: S, SV, SL, Midnight Edition, and Platinum. Changes for this model year are minimal, limited primarily to the updated Nissan corporate logo and two new paint options: Deep Ocean Blue Pearl and Super Black.
S Trim
As the entry-level gateway, the S model doesn't feel overly stripped down. It comes standard with 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, cloth seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
SV Trim
Stepping up to the SV adds considerable value. It introduces power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, synthetic leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and roof rails. The SV also unlocks optional package additions like the Midnight Edition, which throws in black 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and matching badging.
SL Trim
The SL leans heavily into the vehicle's luxury ambitions. It equips genuine leather-appointed seating, heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and a phenomenal 11-speaker Bose premium audio system. Exterior upgrades include 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels and LED fog lights.
Platinum Trim
At the pinnacle of the lineup sits the Platinum. It spoils occupants with semi-aniline leather seats featuring diamond-quilted inserts, ventilated front seats, a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, and dark silver 20-inch wheels. Steering wheel tilt-and-telescope memory linked to the driver's seat position comes standard here as well.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Utility
Cabin comfort remains the Murano's strongest selling point. Nissan's signature Zero Gravity seats distribute weight evenly across pressure points, making long highway journeys remarkably fatigue-free. Rear seat passengers enjoy generous legroom and recline capabilities that match the comfort of the front row.
Cargo space measures 32.1 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats flat expands total capacity to 67 cubic feet. Loading heavy items is straightforward thanks to the available motion-activated power liftgate, which opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
Peace of mind comes standard through the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, equipped on every 2023 model. This comprehensive safety package includes:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning with haptic steering feedback
- High beam assist and rear automatic braking
Higher trims add intelligent cruise control and Nissan's Around View Monitor, which generates a 360-degree top-down composite camera view to make tight parking maneuvers foolproof. You can review official safety ratings directly on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying
Shoppers frequently run into a few pitfalls when evaluating a used or remaining inventory model of this crossover.
- Ignoring Drivetrain Needs: If you live in a region with heavy winter snow or frequent rain, don't default to the base front-wheel-drive model just to save a minor amount on upfront cost. The Intelligent AWD system seamlessly shifts power to the rear wheels the moment slip is detected.
- Overlooking Infotainment Age: The 8-inch infotainment display is smaller and runs older software than what competitors offer. Don't expect massive touchscreen tablet layouts; test-drive the interface first to ensure it meets your expectations for modern smartphone mirroring.
- Skipping the Bose Audio Upgrade: The base six-speaker audio system is adequate for talk radio, but music enthusiasts will find it flat. If audio quality matters to you, narrow your search to the SL or Platinum trims, which feature the 11-speaker Bose setup.
For deeper technical specifications and official maintenance schedules, consult the Nissan USA Owner Support documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2023 Nissan Murano require premium fuel?
No. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is engineered to run smoothly on standard regular unleaded gasoline, helping keep daily fuel operating costs lower than turbocharged luxury competitors that mandate premium fuel.
Can the 2023 Murano tow a trailer?
Yes, when properly equipped, the Murano has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. It's well-suited for hauling small utility trailers, jet skis, or lightweight pop-up campers, though it isn't designed for heavy-duty towing.
How does the CVT feel during daily driving?
Nissan has refined its Xtronic CVT over multiple generations to simulate traditional gear shifts under hard acceleration. While it won't give you the aggressive shift shocks of a dual-clutch transmission, it eliminates gear-hunting on steep grades and keeps engine noise low at cruising speeds.
Is the Murano classified as a luxury vehicle?
It sits in a grey area. While mainstream pricing and badge engineering place it in the mass-market midsize segment, top trims like the SL and Platinum offer materials, acoustic dampening, and feature lists that rival entry-level luxury crossovers.
