2026 Nissan Murano | Allison BarfieldThe 2026 Nissan Murano is a great place to comfortably spend time with tons of standard features for a budget-friendly luxury experience.If I could describe the 2026 Nissan Murano in one word, then I'd say, "ahhhh" in a soft and relaxing tone, like I was recalling a pleasant memory while looking over the ocean. The Murano, for a budget SUV, provides one heck of a rejuvenating experience that leaves you feeling 100% pampered as all the stress of driving and traffic melts away. Why go to the spa when you can recline nearly flat in your own car?Alright, on a more serious note, the 2026 Murano is a well-rounded option that checks a lot of boxes with features like ample power, tons of storage space, modern style, advanced amenities, abundant passenger space, and luxury comfort. All without that luxury price tag. I spent a week with the top-tier Platinum model, which starts at $49,800.AdvertisementAdvertisementWith the ease and convenience it provides, with a long list of standard features, including all-wheel drive, I expected the price to be much higher. But this SUV is absolutely a bargain for daily driving. From the school pickup lines to making another stop at the grocery store, and even getting stuck in traffic jams, the Murano provides an oasis from the daily stress of active hustle-and-bustle lifestyles.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.The 2026 Nissan Murano Makes Driving Easier—And It's FunThe 2026 Nissan Murano is great for scenic drives | Allison BarfieldNo matter what last-minute errand gets thrown your way, the 2026 Nissan Murano has your back with plenty of driving modes to match different needs. Take it easy in Eco Mode while saving on gas or enjoy Stand Mode for its well-balanced performance. If you wanna kick things up to the next level, use Sport Mode. You'll feel the difference.Engine: 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinderHorsepower: 241Torque: 260 LB-FTFuel Economy: 21 MPG city/27 MPG highwayTurning Circle: 38.7 feet (this means it's pretty tight, making it easier to maneuver)AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Nissan Murano doesn't have an overly aggressive amount of power, but that's fine. It's a comfortable two-row SUV, not a sports car—but it has plenty of power available when you need it for passing others or merging into traffic. If you want more of a racing feel, then take advantage of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for more precision.It has responsive handling and a convenient turning radius to easily whip in and out of tight parking spaces. It's so agile that the 360-degree camera didn't feel like a necessity, but it was still nice for avoiding obstacles and peace of mind. Plus, the Murano has confident brakes with tons of standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning that function well without being overly sensitive with loud notification warnings.I'm still processing how smooth and comfortable the ride quality is. It's like you and your passengers float along in your own private and peaceful pod that glides along your route. Even on gravel and dirt roads, vibrations and bumps are kept out of the cabin. Wind and road are kept to a minimum as well until you reach highway speeds, too, which isn't common in its price range.There's Plenty Of Space In The 2026 MuranoBruce with more than enough space in the 2026 Nissan Murano | Allison Barfield – Credit: Allison BarfieldThe 2026 Nissan Murano has tons of adjustment controls for short and tall drivers to find the perfect driving position. Also, the front seats nearly recline flat, providing plenty of space to stretch out and relax if you find time for a quick break. Space in the rear is a little tighter for tall passengers, but at 5'1", I felt like the queen in my castle back there. Four adults can easily road trip in this SUV.AdvertisementAdvertisementYou can access up to 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Fold the seats flat for up to 63.5 cubic feet. That's enough room for a few pieces of luggage and all of your groceries. Plus, the storage trays, cubbies, and door pockets for personal items are so abundant. The bins on the side of the cargo floor are perfect for holding gallons of milk so they don't get tossed across the cargo floor.Best of all, the doors open wide for easy access. Picking up my 41-pound dog and setting him up in the back seat was convenient with plenty of room to work with. I feel like installing child seats and loading toddlers would be simple with the Murano as well. For older folks, the seats are at the perfect height for independently entering and exiting the car.Tech In The Nissan Murano Feels AdvancedThe lavish 2026 Nissan Murano interior | Allison Barfield – Credit: Allison BarfieldIt's hard to ignore the vibrant 12.3" dual-screen display with its sharp graphics and modern, high resolution. The built-in Google system is pretty helpful with live traffic updates and accessible voice commands, and connecting to Apple CarPlay is quick and straightforward. With wireless connectivity and a charging pad, you can forget about needing phone cords.The wireless phone charger only charged my phone if I took the case off, though. I'm not sure if that's a personal problem or not, as the Infiniti QX80 doesn't require me to take my case off. Also, USB-C ports are available in each row to keep all the phones and tablets charged during road trips. On that note, switching between smart phones is extremely easy. Other cars make it impossible to disconnect one smart phone for another.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdjusting your settings, like changing the interior ambient light color only has a few simple steps. But the entire system relies on touch-sensitive controls, even on the steering wheel. I would humbly prefer physical dials to control things like the climate control system, as relying on touch screens can be distracting.I have zero complaints about the excellent-sounding Bose Premium Audio System in the Murano. Plus, the Wi-Fi hotspot is great for powering devices in dead zones. The head-up display is complete with traffic sign recognition, and the 360-degree camera display has multiple camera views to take advantage of.Style Is A Top Murano PriorityThe 2026 Nissan Murano interior is incredibly comfortable and stylish | Allison Barfield – Credit: Allison BarfieldMy 2026 Nissan Murano tester model had an attractive shade of Deep Ocean Blue Pearl that draws the eye. Honestly, it tempted me to get my nails done in the same color as it shines and pops with subtle shimmer. The shade pairs perfectly with the black wheels and other dark accents.The interior is downright luxurious and elegant, with a massive panoramic moonroof that fills the cabin with natural light. Rear passengers get to block out bright rays and maintain their privacy with rear sun shades. As a result, no sun glare makes their tablet or gaming device screens difficult to see.AdvertisementAdvertisementQuilted semi-aniline leather upholstery provides the seats with an upscale dual-color tone, soft-touch materials cover the sides of the doors and dash, a textured shelf frames the infotainment screens, accent stitching helps the interior's shape pop, and you can change the color of the interior ambient lighting. Overall, the interior is inviting and accommodating with a premium feel that's both soft and durable to the touch while pleasing your eyes.The 2026 Nissan Murano Takes Comfort SeriouslyLook at this blue shade of paint on the 2026 Nissan Murano | Allison Barfield – Credit: Allison BarfieldThe 2026 Nissan Murano has standard massaging seats, which is a great treat for the price. They provide a solid amount of stress-relieving pressure. Plus, the rollers don't get stuck in awkward and noticeable positions. This is an annoying problem I've faced in more expensive luxury SUVs.Everyone will want to call shotgun as both seats in the front are extremely well cushioned and supportive for hours of comfort. They're also heated and ventilated. While the ventilation keeps your backside cool, I didn't test the heat. Give me a break on that one; it has been a hot and humid summer.The dual-zone automatic climate control system is smart, fast, and comfortable. My dog, Bruce, enjoyed having a colder temperature in the back as I kept things a bit warmer in the front. While the rear seats don't have as much padding, Bruce was able to stretch out and nap back there without any fuss.Who Should Buy The 2026 Nissan Murano?The 2026 Nissan Murano is well-rounded | Allison BarfieldThe 2026 Nissan Murano is the perfect SUV for drivers who are looking for a spacious and comfortable bargain with luxurious amenities without having to pay for a lavish price tag. It's well-rounded and spacious as a two-row option and has plenty of room to accommodate smaller families.AdvertisementAdvertisementEverything about this car, minus the touch screen functions, is easy and convenient for a rejuvenating experience. I was surprised by the lack of any type of off-road mode, but with the 8.3-ground clearance and standard AWD, it got me to trail heads just fine. Plus, it's more comfortable than more rugged off-roading-oriented cars.The Murano is engaging to drive in Sport Mode, but it's perfectly fine for cruising and taking your time around town as well. Passengers can nap in it, you can personalize the settings, and the safety features have your back. It's the upscale underdog in Nissan's lineup that deserves more respect.