Quick Highlights
- Front-wheel drive removed; all 2026 Murano trims come standard with AWD.
- Base SV starts at $42,965, up $1,000 from last year’s FWD model.
- ProPilot Assist 2.1, Nissan’s hands-free driver-assist system, now available on the Platinum trim via the Technology package.
- Pricing positions the Murano between rivals: cheaper than the Honda Passport and Toyota Crown Signia, but slightly higher than the Mazda CX-70.
Nissan did not redesign the Murano for 2026—that happened with the full update last year. Instead, the company has made a more practical adjustment: the midsize crossover is now offered only with all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive base model has been dropped, a move that raises the starting price by $1,000. The lineup now begins with the SV AWD at $42,965, including the $1,495 destination charge.
The rest of the trims—SL and Platinum—continue with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rated at 241 horsepower (179 kW / 244 PS) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Since every Murano now comes with AWD as standard, fuel economy stays the same as last year’s AWD model at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined.
Trim Walk and Pricing
For 2026, the Murano’s pricing ladder hasn’t changed much outside the base model’s bump. The SV AWD is the new entry point at $42,965, while the SL AWD holds at $48,055, and the Platinum AWD tops the range at $51,095.
Buyers opting for the SL can now add a Comfort package, borrowing features previously exclusive to Platinum: ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a motion-activated liftgate. The Platinum still leads with upscale extras like semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and 21-inch wheels.
Technology upgrade: ProPilot Assist 2.1.
The largest tech addition to the 2026 Murano is ProPilot Assist 2.1, the most advanced semi-autonomous system Nissan has introduced so far. It is exclusive to the Platinum trim as part of the Technology package and gives drivers the option to leave the wheel on compatible highways and still be alert and watch the system. Lane changes are also possible with the system when necessary.
The cabin of the Murano is more linked than ever. Both driver information and infotainment display on dual 12.3-inch screens with Google built-in apps that offer navigation, music, and voice controls right on the dash. Soft, 64-colour ambient light is optional, and it does not overcrowd the interior.
Competitive Landscape
Dropping front-wheel drive has consequences in the showroom. At just under $43,000, the Murano now costs more than 2WD rivals like the Chevrolet Blazer ($37,095), Jeep Grand Cherokee ($38,490), and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ($39,775). Even the Toyota 4Runner ($42,765) now sneaks under its base price.
However, Nissan’s strategy becomes clearer when you compare the Murano to AWD-only competitors. The Toyota Crown Signia starts at $45,585, while the Honda Passport asks $46,245. Against those, the Murano looks like a relative bargain. The wild card is the new Mazda CX-70, which starts slightly lower at $41,975 including destination, despite offering more power.
For value seekers, Nissan’s generous incentives remain a saving grace—recently including 0% APR financing for 60 months—making the Murano’s price hike easier to stomach, particularly for buyers in warmer climates who don’t necessarily need AWD.
Final Take
The Nissan Murano 2026 does not visually or tactilely change much compared to the 2025, but the shift to AWD-only puts the car in a different perspective regarding competition. It is no longer the affordable alternative to other midsize two-row crossovers, but it now compares well with more expensive AWD competitors, and does so with handy technology and a well-equipped interior.
To consumers, it is a question of priorities. In case the all-wheel-drive performance and hands-free semi-autonomous driving are of more importance than the sheer horsepower, the Murano can still be considered one of the most comfortable, stylish, and practical midsize SUVs in the market.
Source: Nissan
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