By Darius King, Automotive Journalist The 2026 Nissan Murano is a car that wears its heart on its sleeve – or rather, its nameplate. This sleek, three-row midsize SUV is a product of Nissan's attempt to evoke the very essence of the Pacific Coast Highway, that iconic stretch of California's coastline that's synonymous with sun-kissed afternoons, ocean breezes, and the open road. The Murano's name is a deliberate nod to this American icon, and it's a move that's both inspired and effective. When you say "Murano," you might imagine a place, not just a car. The name conjures images of crystal-clear waters, rocky shores, and the sun-drenched beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway. But can the Murano live up to its name? The answer lies in its design, where every line and curve is carefully crafted to evoke the spirit of the open road. The Murano's sloping roofline, swooping rear ...
By Darius King, Automotive Journalist
The 2026 Nissan Murano is a car that wears its heart on its sleeve – or rather, its nameplate. This sleek, three-row midsize SUV is a product of Nissan’s attempt to evoke the very essence of the Pacific Coast Highway, that iconic stretch of California’s coastline that’s synonymous with sun-kissed afternoons, ocean breezes, and the open road.
The Murano’s name is a deliberate nod to this American icon, and it’s a move that’s both inspired and effective. When you say “Murano,” you might imagine a place, not just a car. The name conjures images of crystal-clear waters, rocky shores, and the sun-drenched beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway.
But can the Murano live up to its name? The answer lies in its design, where every line and curve is carefully crafted to evoke the spirit of the open road. The Murano’s sloping roofline, swooping rear pillars, and sweeping LED headlights all contribute to a sense of dynamism and freedom that’s impossible to ignore.
Step inside, and you’ll find a luxurious interior that’s every bit as refined as the exterior. The Murano’s cabin is a masterclass in understated elegance, with premium materials, intuitive infotainment systems, and a range of advanced safety features that make it a joy to drive.
On the road, the Murano is a revelation – a car that’s equal parts comfortable, capable, and thrilling. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 295 horsepower, which is more than enough to propel this 4,400-pound SUV from 0-60mph in a respectable 6.2 seconds. And with its advanced all-wheel-drive system, the Murano can tackle even the toughest roads with confidence.
Of course, no review of the Murano would be complete without mentioning its impressive safety credentials. This car is a virtual fortress on wheels, with a 5-star overall safety rating and a suite of advanced features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
In short, the 2026 Nissan Murano is a car that lives up to its name – a true Pacific Coast Highway dreamer that’s equal parts style, substance, and straight-line speed. If you’re in the market for a luxurious, capable, and downright thrilling SUV, the Murano is definitely worth a look.
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