The Nissan Murano has long held the title of Nissan’s quirkiest vehicle. Originally designed in the US, it went into production in 2002, boasting a unique style that was both rounded and edgy—a design that stood out at the time. Though it once led the pack in styling, over the years the Murano has gradually faded into relative obscurity. Its distinctive, oddball looks have always set it apart, and with the 2024 redesign, it has shifted into a more upscale niche. While sales may not fully reflect this move upmarket, Nissan USA proudly announced a significant milestone: 700,000 Muranos have been produced in the US so far, spanning both American manufacturing plants.
- Canton, Mississippi – 2014-2020
- Smyrna, Tennessee – 2020-Present
Why Celebrate 700,000?
Seven hundred thousand isn’t exactly a round number to announce—50,000 more would have hit the impressive three-quarter-million mark, and a full million is definitely worthy of popping Champagne. But with just 19,316 Muranos sold last year, hitting 750,000 would have taken a few more years, and reaching a million units several years beyond that.
That said, Nissan could use some positive publicity right now, and reminding people that the Murano is still around—and better than ever with its latest, bigger, and improved version—is a smart move to grab some extra attention.
The latest Murano is wider, equipped with new suspension dampers, and finally received the much-needed steering redesign. Its fresh Nissan Kicks-inspired styling gives it a sharper, more modern look. Priced competitively at a $41,860 base model in 2025, it stands strong even as many rivals face tariff challenges. In fact, the Murano could become a crucial part of Nissan’s strategy to turn things around.
Given the current political climate, Nissan is keen to remind us that the Murano is built exclusively in the US. Its Smyrna, Tennessee plant produces an average of 6,700 units per month, alongside the Pathfinder, Rogue, and Infiniti QX60. This facility is one of Nissan’s largest globally, employing 5,700 workers and boasting an annual production capacity of 500,000 vehicles.
2025 Nissan Murano Engine Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Power | 241 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
The Murano Has Always Been an Oddball
We’ve called the Nissan Murano weird before, and despite its fading presence in the market, that label still fits. For most of its life, the Murano has been a little quirky, but there was a time when it stood out as the weirdest crossover on the road, attracting plenty of attention. Case in point: the Murano CrossCabriolet. Launched in 2011, this convertible version of the Murano was widely mocked or outright disliked. The story goes that the idea came from the wife of then-CEO Carlos Ghosn—because she wanted one, he made sure it happened.
The Murano CrossCabriolet has long been a staple on lists of the worst automotive ideas and ugliest cars online. Yet lately, it’s gained a bit of a cult following—though probably not enough fans to actually buy one. Still, we can’t help but wonder if the current Murano might just be the perfect candidate for a revival. It would definitely turn heads and make headlines.
The new Murano is a major upgrade over previous models, but with sales declining, it has a tough challenge ahead to reclaim the nameplate’s former glory.
