Nissan May Have Messed Up With The New Murano

Published: Friday, June 20, 2025 at 3:34 pm

Nissan Murano Struggles to Find Its Place in the Crossover Market

Nissan's Murano is facing significant challenges in the competitive crossover market, according to recent reports. The vehicle's sales have plummeted, raising questions about its positioning and appeal to consumers.

The Murano's current iteration, launched in the fourth quarter, has seen a dramatic decline in sales compared to its peak in 2016. Sales are down 78% from the peak of 86,953 vehicles. This decline is particularly notable given the overall growth in the crossover segment. The Murano's struggles are further highlighted by its sales figures in 2024, which were only higher than two other vehicles.

One of the key issues facing the Murano is its design. Unlike many of its competitors, the Murano offers only two rows of seats and lacks off-road capabilities. Additionally, the vehicle's styling has proven to be somewhat controversial.

The Murano's powertrain also appears to be a point of contention. The new model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 3.5-liter V6. While the new engine offers improved fuel efficiency, it generates less horsepower than its predecessor. Automotive News reports that customers have perceived the updated vehicles as underpowered and noisier. This perception may be linked to the vehicle's increased weight.

The Murano's journey to its current state involved several strategic shifts. Initially, Nissan planned to launch the current generation with a V-6 engine and a hybrid system. However, the hybrid system proved unsuitable for U.S. highway driving. The company then considered an all-electric model before ultimately rebranding it as the Ariya.

Despite these challenges, the new Murano has shown some signs of recovery. Sales in the first quarter of 2025 increased by 84% to 8,702 vehicles, representing a 5% share of the midsize crossover segment, up from 2.7% in 2024.

BNN's Perspective: The Murano's struggles highlight the importance of understanding evolving consumer preferences and adapting to market trends. While the recent sales increase is encouraging, Nissan needs to carefully consider how the Murano fits into the current automotive landscape. The vehicle's future success may depend on addressing consumer concerns regarding performance, features, and overall value.

Keywords: Nissan Murano, crossover, sales, automotive, vehicle, engine, hybrid, electric, market, performance, design, sales figures

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