Nissan Has Presented A Really Premium 2026 Murano Despite Having Its Back Up Against The Wall For The Last 2 Decades

If you’ve been watching Nissan over the past twenty years, you know this brand has lived with its back against the wall for what feels like forever. Leadership shakeups, shrinking U.S. market share, aging product cycles - t’s all been a marathon of survival. And yet, every time analysts whisper that Nissan might get bought out or fade into irrelevance, they do something unexpected: they keep fighting. That’s the backdrop for the all-new 2026 Nissan Murano Premium, a midsize crossover that doesn’t just show effort. 

The new Murano shows ambition.

And the surprising part? The 2026 Murano feels more premium than anything Nissan has built in decades. It’s wider, more elegant, more technologically confident, and it finally looks like something crafted with intention rather than obligation. The brand even created a new “Murano Glass” color: a chameleon-style finish that shifts hues in sunlight and gives the Murano an upscale presence that you typically expect from luxury crossovers costing thousands more.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Nissan still has the spark to innovate, the 2026 Murano answers that with a calm, almost defiant yes.

What’s New for 2026

The redesign of the Nissan Murano isn’t just a facelift. It’s a ground-up reset. Nissan clearly wanted the Murano to move into a more premium orbit and distinguish itself from the fleet-focused Rogues and Kicks of the world. Here’s what’s genuinely new:

• A wider, more sculpted body that looks properly upscale
• New signature lighting with a floating DRL blade
• A redesigned interior with vastly better materials
• A dual-screen, integrated curved display similar to luxury brands
• New safety and visibility features including 360° transparency tech
• A refined turbocharged 4-cylinder replacing the old V6
• A quieter cabin with improved road isolation
• More cargo room and better rear-seat comfort

This is also the second generation to ditch the V6. Nissan fans understandably pushed back when the change happened, which is why my earlier reporting on the shift away from the V6 struck such a nerve. But as we wrote earlier at Torque News, the newer engine offers smoother torque, better economy, and a quieter ride — and the 2026 model continues refining that formula.

Exterior: Elegant, Wider, And Actually Premium

The 2026 Murano walks into the midsize SUV segment with noticeably more swagger. Nissan leaned heavily into sculpted shapes, avoiding the generic boxiness that dominates this class. The grille is cleaner, the nose sits lower, and the daytime running light signature gives it a modern identity without trying too hard.

But the real star is the new Murano Glass color. It’s a multitone paint designed to mimic artisan glasswork, the kind you’d see in boutique galleries. In bright sun, it transitions from a deep metallic bronze to a cooler grey-green tone. The effect is subtle but incredibly upscale. It’s one of those details that makes you stop and say, “Wait, this is a Nissan?”

From the side, the 2026 Murano looks planted. The wider stance doesn’t just help stability. It makes the vehicle look far more expensive. Wheel options up to 21 inches give it the presence of something pricier, like the Lexus RX or Cadillac XT5.

This is where Nissan benefits from what I’d call “underdog freedom.” When you’re fighting for relevance, you start breaking the rules that led to bland products. The 2026 Murano shows that willingness to take calculated risks.

Interior of The 2026 Murano Is The Best Execution Nissan Has Done in Years

Step inside and you instantly understand the word “premium” isn’t just marketing fluff this time. Nissan rethought the Murano cabin from the ground up:

• Curved dual-display for the instrument cluster and infotainment
• Plush, soft-touch surfaces across the dash and doors
• Ambient lighting that feels tailored, not tacked on
• Seats that remain among the best in this segment (Nissan’s Zero Gravity design continues to impress)
• Real stitching, real textures, and minimal glossy plastic

It doesn’t just look upscale - it feels it. The 2026 Murano Platinum AWD trim especially goes all-in with upgraded materials, richer leather, and a more refined color palette. Nissan finally understands that customers cross-shopping midsize SUVs aren’t just buying a vehicle. They’re buying their daily environment. If it looks cheap or feels cheap, you lose them to Hyundai, Honda, or Tesla.

The Murano avoids that mistake.

Infotainment and Tech: Clean, Intuitive, and Surprisingly Well Done

Infotainment is an area where Nissan has intentionally taken its time - sometimes to a fault. But the 2026 Murano’s system is finally modern:

• A large curved central screen that flows cleanly across the dash
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Faster response times
• A more intuitive menu layout
• Google-based navigation with real-time data
• Over-the-air updates

This setup eliminates the cluttered feeling the old Murano suffered from. Everything is logically placed, and the system doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary graphics or animations.

One key highlight: Nissan’s Invisible Hood View returns and is improved. It is one of the most practical low-speed visibility tools available today. As Torque News senior reporter John Goreham covered previously, this feature can drastically reduce driver anxiety in tight city parking and narrow driveways.

Back Seat: Roomier and Clearly Designed for Families

Rear passengers finally get more than just a decent seat. They get comfort. The wider body means better shoulder room, and the redesigned floorpan improves legroom. 

The rear bench now has:

• More supportive cushions
• Better recline angles
• Improved visibility
• Rear climate vents
• Optional heated outboard seats

For families, this matters. Nissan has always understood that part of the Murano’s audience doesn’t want a giant three-row SUV. They want a comfortable, upscale two-row that treats rear passengers with respect.

And it’s worth noting that the Murano still ranks among the top family vehicles in its class, as Denis Flierl broke down. The 2026 model builds further on those strengths.

Cargo Space: Now More Competitive

Cargo volume has increased slightly, thanks to the wider body and reconfigured interior. You can fit luggage, strollers, gear, and groceries without rearranging everything like a Tetris puzzle. The load floor is lower than before, and the opening is wider, making bulky items easier to manage.

Again, Nissan didn’t reinvent the wheel here; they simply corrected issues that held the Murano back.

Engine: No More V6, But Better Than Before

Yes, the V6 is gone. But this time, far fewer people will miss it, and here’s why:

• The turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder offers stronger torque off the line
• It’s quieter
• It pairs more confidently with the reworked CVT
• Fuel economy improves
• Highway cruising is smoother

You know, when we first tested the previous generation Murano without the V6, we were skeptical, just like many readers. But as I wrote earlier, the transition is better than enthusiasts feared. The new 2026 version keeps refining that powertrain so it feels more mature.

No, this won’t be a performance SUV. If you want that, you’re in the wrong segment anyway. But for commuting, long-distance comfort, and reliability, the engine choice makes sense. And yes - it feels premium enough for the segment Nissan targets.

How the 2026 Murano Drives

Nissan tuned the Murano for comfort first, and it shows. The ride is soft without feeling floaty. Road noise, which used to be noticeable on older Muranos, is now quietly handled with improved insulation and more rigid chassis tuning.

Steering is light but precise. Body roll is managed well, making the Murano feel stable during highway lane changes or winding back roads. The AWD system engages smoothly, offering confidence in bad weather without feeling intrusive.

The 2026 Murano is the kind of SUV that makes daily driving feel less tiring, and that’s exactly what this segment’s buyers want.

Competitors: Strong Rivals, But Murano Finally Has a Voice Again

The midsize SUV segment is brutal. The Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Venza, Honda Passport, and even electric options like the Tesla Model Y all attract buyers looking for something practical and stylish.

But the Murano doesn’t try to be another rugged wannabe-adventure SUV. It goes all in on quiet comfort, premium styling, and upscale touches. In a market increasingly dominated by sharp-edged, tactical-looking SUVs, Nissan chooses maturity and elegance, and that actually helps it stand out.

Tesla Model Y shoppers may be tempted by the EV performance and tech, but if someone prioritizes ride comfort, back seat space, and long-term ownership costs, the Murano may actually be the more appealing choice.

And when we look at where the Murano could go next, the roadmap feels promising: something I’ve analyzed in this article, where the model’s future potential is surprisingly strong.

Long-Term Reliability & Maintenance Risks

One major subtopic that deserves attention is the potential durability and maintenance pitfalls of the 2026 Murano, especially given some concerning design issues reported in recent Nissan models. For example, some Murano and Rogue owners have flagged a flawed plastic oil pan design: when the metal drain plug is removed during routine oil changes, the plastic insert can strip or crack, and replacements are reportedly backordered. This design decision isn’t just inconvenient. It can become a costly liability, particularly if the issue arises early in the vehicle’s life.

Beyond that, longer-term maintenance costs could bite. According to consumer cost-of-ownership data, owning a Nissan over a 10-year span may run into thousands more than a budget make, due to the cumulative cost of repairs, parts, and labor. For Murano buyers, especially those planning on keeping the car well beyond warranty, these risks deserve consideration: premium finishes and powertrain upgrades are attractive, but the potential for high service costs could undercut long-term value.

Depreciation, Resale Value & Brand Perception

Another subtopic readers should weigh heavily is resale value. Historically, the Murano has not been immune to steep depreciation. According to depreciation data, certain Nissan models - Murano included - lost a significant percentage of their value in the first year of ownership. That means buyers need to be realistic about what they can recoup when they trade in or resell, especially after the initial few years.

Color choice may also play a role in retained value. As noted in a report from Torque News, vehicle color strongly influences resale, and while the Murano Glass finish is striking and upscale, it’s not clear yet how that will affect long-term demand or trade-in price. In short: if you’re buying the 2026 Murano Premium with long-term ownership in mind or resale on the horizon, understanding how much value may erode is key to making an informed decision.

After-Sales Service, Warranty, and Dealer Network

Finally, an often-overlooked but essential topic is service accessibility and warranty coverage. Premium trim levels like the 2026 Murano Premium/Platinum will likely benefit from more careful and attentive maintenance, but the availability of service parts (especially for specialized or newly redesigned components) and qualified technicians is critical. Given the reported oil pan issue, a robust dealership network and responsive parts support could make or break the ownership experience.

Additionally, what’s covered under warranty (and for how long) significantly affects ownership peace of mind. While Nissan typically offers a standard limited warranty and powertrain coverage, buyers of the 2026 Murano should examine the fine print on what counts as wear-and-tear, what components are excluded, and how service bulletins (like torque specs or known design flaws) are handled. For a model that leans more premium, having that after-sales backbone can be a huge factor in making the Murano a sensible buy rather than a gamble.

Why the 2026 Murano Matters

Nissan could have easily phoned this in. They could have done just enough to push a new model out the door and call it a day. But instead, they gave the Murano premium materials, stronger tech, more comfort, and a truly elegant design direction.

This SUV represents more than a product refresh. It represents a brand that still wants to be relevant, still wants to compete, and still believes in its identity.

That matters. Because when automakers stop trying, customers notice. The 2026 Murano proves Nissan is still trying, and trying hard.

The 2026 Nissan Murano Premium AWD is the most refined, most stylish, and most confident Murano Nissan has ever built. It’s not just a survival model. It’s a statement of intent from a brand that has fought tooth and nail to stay in the game.

Now I’d love to hear from you:

1. Would you consider the 2026 Murano over something like a Toyota Venza, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Tesla Model Y,  and why?
2. What feature or driving experience matters most to you in a two-row midsize SUV, and does the new Murano deliver it?

Share your experience, your comparisons, and your opinions. Your real-world insights always elevate these conversations.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.