The 2021 Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV that balances a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with a focus on passenger comfort, upscale interior appointments, and an extensive suite of standard safety technologies. Designed for drivers who prioritize a smooth highway ride and premium cabin refinement over traditional off-road utility, this vehicle serves as a sophisticated option in the competitive two-row crossover market.
Powertrain and Performance Dynamics
At the heart of the 2021 Nissan Murano resides a proven powertrain configuration designed to prioritize linear power delivery and efficiency. The vehicle is equipped with a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, which produces 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. This powerplant is paired exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Unlike a traditional stepped automatic transmission, the Xtronic CVT adjusts gear ratios continuously to keep the engine in its optimal power band, which contributes to a seamless acceleration feel without traditional shift points. Drivers can select either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, the latter of which provides increased traction by shifting power between the front and rear wheels as road conditions dictate.
In terms of handling, the 2021 Murano utilizes an independent strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup is tuned for comfort, effectively dampening road vibrations and impacts. While the steering provides a light feel that makes the vehicle easy to maneuver in urban environments, the overall dynamic profile remains focused on highway cruising stability rather than aggressive cornering or high-performance athletics.
Interior Dimensions and Comfort Standards
The cabin of the 2021 Nissan Murano is defined by its "VIP Lounge" design philosophy, which emphasizes ergonomics and material quality. The vehicle provides seating for five passengers, offering significant room for both front and rear occupants.
The front row features Nissan’s "Zero Gravity" seats, which are engineered to minimize pressure points and improve blood flow, thereby reducing fatigue during long-distance travel. In the rear, passengers benefit from a generous 38.7 inches of legroom, which is competitive for the segment.
Regarding cargo capacity, the Murano provides 32.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats in an upright position. When the 60/40-split fold-flat rear seats are lowered, the total cargo capacity expands to 67.0 cubic feet. This makes the vehicle highly functional for grocery runs, luggage transportation, or recreational activities that do not require the high-profile boxiness of a traditional SUV.
Detailed Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.5L DOHC 24-Valve V6 |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD or Intelligent AWD |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 Gallons |
| Max Cargo Volume | 67.0 Cubic Feet |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (when properly equipped) |
Technology and Connectivity Integration
The 2021 model year saw the inclusion of the NissanConnect infotainment system across the lineup as a standard feature. The interface is anchored by an 8-inch multi-touch color display that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless integration of navigation, music, and communication apps.
For audio enthusiasts, higher trim levels—specifically the SL and Platinum—feature an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system, which includes a dual-subwoofer setup designed specifically for the Murano’s cabin acoustics. Connectivity is further bolstered by standard USB-A and USB-C ports in both the front and rear consoles, ensuring that all passengers can keep mobile devices charged during transit.
Beyond entertainment, the vehicle utilizes a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display located within the instrument cluster. This screen provides the driver with essential vehicle telemetry, turn-by-turn navigation, and safety system notifications, ensuring that critical information is available without requiring the driver to divert their attention toward the central touchscreen.
Safety Architecture: Safety Shield 360
A primary advantage of the 2021 Nissan Murano is the inclusion of Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment on every trim level. This package represents a holistic approach to driver assistance and collision mitigation.
The core components include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Monitors the road ahead for vehicles or pedestrians and initiates braking if a collision is deemed imminent.
- Rear Automatic Braking: Detects large stationary objects behind the vehicle and applies the brakes to prevent low-speed rear-end impacts.
- Blind Spot Warning: Alerts the driver to vehicles hidden in the blind spot zones.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Monitors the area behind the vehicle when in reverse, warning of approaching traffic from either side.
- Lane Departure Warning: Monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
- High Beam Assist: Automatically toggles between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and ambient lighting conditions.
It is important to note that while these systems are highly effective at enhancing situational awareness, they are not a substitute for attentive driving. Drivers should always remain in full control of the vehicle, particularly in inclement weather or heavy traffic.
Trim Level Breakdown
The 2021 Murano was offered in four distinct trim levels, allowing buyers to select the level of luxury and utility that best fit their requirements:
- S: The entry-level trim, serving as the foundation. It includes the full V6 powertrain, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite.
- SV: Adds creature comforts such as power-adjustable front seats, leatherette seating surfaces, and upgraded tech features like the Remote Engine Start system.
- SL: Focuses on luxury and convenience, featuring leather-appointed seating, the 11-speaker Bose audio system, a motion-activated power liftgate, and an Around View Monitor (360-degree camera system).
- Platinum: The top-tier configuration, which includes climate-controlled front seats (heated and cooled), premium leather-appointed seating with diamond-quilted inserts, a panoramic moonroof, and dark hyper-silver 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Practical Considerations and Maintenance
When considering the 2021 Nissan Murano for purchase or long-term use in 2026, owners should prioritize routine maintenance to ensure the longevity of the Xtronic CVT. Nissan recommends using only genuine Nissan CVT fluid and adhering strictly to the inspection intervals outlined in the service manual. Because the transmission utilizes a belt-and-pulley system rather than traditional gears, consistent fluid health is the most critical factor in preventing premature wear.
From a fuel economy perspective, the 2021 Murano is rated at an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. These figures are consistent for both FWD and AWD configurations, reflecting the relative efficiency of the engine-transmission pairing for a midsize crossover of this mass.
Owners should also be aware of the "towing capacity" limit of 1,500 pounds. The Murano is not designed for heavy-duty hauling, and exceeding this limit can place undue stress on the transmission and suspension components. It is best suited for light utility trailers, bicycle racks, or cargo carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2021 Nissan Murano have an all-wheel drive option? Yes, every trim level of the 2021 Nissan Murano was available with the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. This system is designed to provide extra grip during rain, snow, or loose-surface driving by monitoring wheel slippage and distributing torque to the wheels with the most traction.
What is the difference between the 2021 Murano and previous model years? The 2021 model benefited from the integration of the "Special Edition" package, which added unique styling elements and equipment bundles to the SV trim level, and the standardization of Nissan Safety Shield 360 across the entire lineup, ensuring that even base models received advanced collision-prevention technology.
Is the Murano suitable for families? The Murano is frequently categorized as a family-oriented crossover due to its high safety ratings, spacious rear seating, and comfortable interior. However, it is strictly a five-passenger vehicle; if you require a third row for additional seating, you may need to look at larger models like the Nissan Pathfinder.
How does the CVT transmission affect driving feel? The CVT provides a very smooth, shift-free acceleration experience. Unlike traditional transmissions that have distinct "jumps" between gears, the Murano’s CVT maintains steady power. Some drivers accustomed to the "snappiness" of geared transmissions may find the sound of the engine under load to be different, but it is optimized for fuel efficiency and linear delivery.
Can I use premium fuel in the 2021 Murano? The 2021 Nissan Murano is designed to run on 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline. While using higher-octane fuel will not damage the engine, it will not provide additional horsepower or performance benefits, as the engine timing and compression are calibrated for standard-grade fuel.
Next Steps for Prospective Buyers or Owners
If you are currently evaluating a 2021 Nissan Murano for purchase, your primary step should be a thorough vehicle history report to verify the maintenance schedule, specifically regarding the transmission fluid changes. If you are a current owner, consult your owner's manual for the specific service interval applicable to your mileage, and ensure your software infotainment system is updated to the latest version to maintain compatibility with modern smartphones. For those requiring a vehicle for heavy-duty towing or off-road navigation, evaluate if these specific tasks are better served by a body-on-frame SUV, as the Murano is engineered primarily for comfort and pavement-based travel.
