Shopping for a midsize two-row crossover often leads buyers straight to the Nissan Murano. If you're looking at the 2024 Nissan Murano, you're eyeing a vehicle that prioritizes comfortable commuting and plush highway cruising over rugged off-roading or track-inspired handling.
Under the hood, every 2024 Murano relies on a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower to either the front wheels or an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. While some competitors have shifted entirely to turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants or hybrid setups, Nissan sticks with its tried-and-true naturally aspirated V6, giving this crossover a smooth, linear power delivery that daily drivers appreciate.
Powertrain Dynamics and Real-World Performance
The 3.5-liter V6 under the hood pushes out 240 lb-ft of torque. It's not built for drag racing, but it handles highway passing maneuvers with quiet confidence.
Unlike many competitors using dual-clutch or stepped automatic gearboxes, Nissan pairs this engine with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission. While CVTs have historically drawn criticism for drone under heavy acceleration, Nissan programs simulated shift points to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, which calms engine noise significantly during hard acceleration.
Fuel economy numbers sit around 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. These figures are competitive for a V6-powered crossover, though if maximum fuel efficiency is your top priority, hybrid alternatives in this segment will outperform it.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Utility
Inside, the cabin leans heavily into comfort. Nissan's signature "Zero Gravity" seats deserve special mention here, as they distribute body weight evenly and reduce fatigue during long road trips.
Passenger space is generous in both rows. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and reclining seatbacks, making it an excellent choice for families with teenagers or adults sharing backseat duties.
Cargo capacity measures 32.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. While the sloping roofline stylishly separates it from boxier alternatives, it does slightly limit the height of bulky, boxy cargo items compared to traditional utility vehicles.
Trim Level Breakdown
Choosing the right configuration depends on which tech and comfort amenities matter most to your daily commute. Nissan structures the lineup across distinct trim tiers:
- SV: The entry-level model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seating, power-adjustable front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- SL: Stepping up to the SL adds leather-appointed upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and an upgraded Bose premium audio system.
- Platinum: The range-topping trim features semi-aniline leather seats with diamond-quilted inserts, ventilated front seats, unique dark-finish 20-inch wheels, and ambient interior lighting.
Standard across all trims is the Safety Shield 360 suite, which bundles automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. For official safety ratings and crash-test results, you can consult the NIVR Safety Ratings portal.
Common Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
When shopping for a midsize crossover, buyers often fall into a few predictable traps. Keeping these in mind will save you from buyer's remorse:
- Ignoring the towing capacity limit: The Murano is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds. If you plan on pulling a lightweight utility trailer or a pair of jet skis, it works fine, but it isn't designed for heavy camping trailers or large boats.
- Assuming all-wheel drive is standard: Front-wheel drive comes standard on all trims. If you live in an area with heavy winter snowfall, make sure you specifically select an all-wheel-drive model.
- Overlooking cargo shape: While the total cubic footage is solid, the sloped tailgate design means tall, rigid boxes might not fit where they would in a boxier rival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2024 Nissan Murano require premium fuel?
No. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is engineered to run comfortably on standard 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline, helping keep daily fuel expenses manageable.
Does it feature wireless Apple CarPlay?
While wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the lineup, wireless smartphone integration requires aftermarket adapters or higher-end infotainment upgrades depending on the specific package chosen.
How does ProPilot Assist work on the Murano?
Available on select trims, ProPilot Assist combines intelligent cruise control with steering assist to help center the vehicle in its lane during single-lane highway driving, reducing driver fatigue on long stretches of road.
Is a hybrid version available for 2024?
Nissan does not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant for the 2024 model year; the lineup relies exclusively on the gasoline V6 engine. For official specifications and vehicle availability details, visit the Nissan Official Site.
