The introduction of the 2025 Nissan Murano signals a decisive step in the nameplate's journey toward premium territory. Named after an Italian island renowned for its artistic glass-making heritage, the latest Murano demonstrates how thoughtful design and precise execution can reshape expectations in the crossover segment.
Engineering Excellence: The Foundation of Premium Design
The 2025 Murano establishes its premium position through deliberate dimensional changes. The vehicle now spans 1981 millimetres in width, an increase that Program Design Director Tase Nobutaka identifies as fundamental to its elevated presence. "Murano's proportions are one of its key features," Nobutaka explains. "It has a nice, wide stance, which allows us to provide a confident, energetic feeling." This attention to proportion demonstrates the brand's commitment to designing vehicles that command attention through sophisticated execution rather than excessive styling.
The exterior design showcases this refined approach. Engineers and designers collaborated to minimize panel gaps across the entire vehicle, achieving a level of fit and finish typically associated with luxury brands. The front fascia features the thinnest headlamps in Nissan's North American lineup, connected by precisely crafted black elements. At the rear, designers relocated the license plate and concealed the wiper blade, creating an uninterrupted surface that highlights the LED light bar. These choices reflect a mature design philosophy that prioritizes clean lines and thoughtful details.
Crafted Comfort: The Evolution of Interior Luxury
The interior particularly demonstrates Murano's premium evolution. Senior Design Director Giovanny Arroba points to the sophisticated three-layer dashboard finisher, which creates color gradations reminiscent of Murano glass. This artistic element represents more than decoration – it exemplifies the brand's commitment to meaningful luxury touches that enhance the driving experience.
The seating introduces unexpected premium combinations, including deep blue-and-black quilted leather. This departure from traditional luxury color palettes shows confidence in setting trends rather than following them. The horizontal theme carries through the two-tone seat design, creating what Arroba describes as harmony similar to "when you're on the beach looking at the sunset."
Luxury Redefined Through Technology and Craftsmanship
The 2025 Murano's technology integration demonstrates how luxury now encompasses both traditional craftsmanship and modern convenience. Dual 12.3-inch displays nestle behind wrapped, stitched materials, while touch-capacitive climate controls integrate seamlessly into wood-like trim. This implementation delivers what Arroba terms "warm tech elegance," balancing digital functionality with premium materials.
The Japanese principle of omotenashi, or elevated hospitality, guides the entire interior experience. From the careful stitching on the dashboard to the unique quilting patterns on the seats, each element contributes to an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort. The design team's decision to create what Arroba calls "a spa-like retreat" speaks to modern luxury buyers who value personal wellbeing alongside traditional premium features.
This attention to detail extends throughout the vehicle. The design team focused on elements that luxury buyers might not immediately notice but contribute to the overall premium experience. The minimized panel gaps, the seamless integration of technology, and the careful selection of materials all work together to create a cohesive luxury statement.
The 2025 Murano demonstrates Nissan's distinct interpretation of premium vehicle design. The design team's choices - from the sophisticated three-layer dashboard finisher to the precisely engineered panel gaps - showcase deliberate attention to quality rather than conventional luxury tropes. Through the integration of Murano glass-inspired elements, Japanese hospitality principles, and refined engineering, the vehicle delivers tangible improvements in materials, comfort, and design execution.
As Arroba states, "Our goal was to create a fundamentally beautiful vehicle – something equal parts form and function." The measured implementation of premium materials, thoughtful technology integration, and precise construction techniques establishes clear standards for crossover excellence.
