Nissan Murano Four Generations (2003-present)

Four generations. 1st gen (Z50, 2003-2007): launched 2002 as 2003 model year. Genuinely pioneered the modern CUV shape in the US market — wide, low, futuristic, far more car-like than truck-like. Built at Nissan Kyushu, Japan. 3.5L VQ35DE V6 (245 hp / 246 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT only (one of the first mainstream CVT applications in a US crossover — Nissan bet big on CVT here). FWD or AWD. 2nd gen (Z51, 2009-2014): redesigned with smoother sheetmetal. VQ35DE (260 hp), Xtronic CVT, AWD optional. Notable variant: Murano CrossCabriolet (2011-2014) — a 2-door convertible crossover, polarizing styling, ~6,000 produced over the run, now a developing weird-CUV cult car. Production moved to Canton, Mississippi for the 2nd gen halfway through. 3rd gen (Z52, 2015-2024): dramatic 'V-Motion' restyle launching Nissan's then-new design language. Floating roof, sweeping front fascia, luxurious cabin (gold standard for class at launch). VQ35DE (260 hp / 240 lb-ft from 2019 facelift onwards), Xtronic CVT. AWD optional. Got two facelifts: 2019 (refresh of front fascia + interior) and 2023 (minor refresh, Apple CarPlay finally standard). Sales softened in later years (2022-2024) as the 3rd-gen aged and competition modernized. 4th gen (Z53, 2025-present): redesigned at Canton, Mississippi. Drops VQ V6 after 22 years (1st-3rd gens all V6) — replaced by 2.0L VC-Turbo I4 (variable-compression, 241 hp / 260 lb-ft from the QX50 / Altima SR engine family). 9-speed automatic replaces the Xtronic CVT — addresses years of CVT-dronng complaints. FWD or AWD with intelligent torque distribution. Trims: SV, SL, Platinum (top). Cabin: dual 12.3-inch displays (driver + central), Google built-in (native Maps/Assistant/Play Store), 64-color ambient lighting, Bose 10-speaker standard SL+, Massaging front seats on Platinum. Nissan ProPilot Assist 2.1 with hands-free highway driving (Platinum). Sales strong in initial 2025 launch year. Tow rating: 1,500 lb.