2026 Nissan Murano Review: The Ultimate Style Upgrade for GCC Drivers

The 2026 Nissan Murano isn't just another SUV update—it's a complete reinvention. After a decade with the same basic formula, Nissan has finally given its stylish crossover the overhaul it desperately needed. And for GCC drivers who value both form and function, this could be the perfect middle-ground SUV.

Here's the thing: The 2026 Murano ditches the old V6 and CVT combination for a modern 2.0L turbo engine and 9-speed automatic. It adopts Nissan's latest design language, gets a tech-loaded interior, and aims to compete in a crowded mid-size SUV segment. But is it worth the estimated AED 165,000 starting price in the UAE?

Let's dive into everything you need to know about the 2026 Nissan Murano.

2026 Nissan Murano Overview: A New Era Begins

The 2026 Nissan Murano represents the fourth generation of this popular crossover, and it's arriving in GCC showrooms around Q2 2026. This isn't just a facelift—it's a ground-up redesign that addresses nearly every criticism of the previous model.

The 2026 Nissan Murano is aimed at style-conscious families and professionals who want something more distinctive than a typical SUV. It sits between the smaller 2026 Nissan X-Trail and the larger 2026 Nissan Pathfinder in Nissan's lineup, offering a perfect blend of urban sophistication and practical space.

Starting at an estimated AED 165,000 in the UAE, the 2026 Murano enters a competitive segment. It goes up against established players like the Honda Passport (AED 160,000), Ford Edge (AED 155,000), and Hyundai Santa Fe (AED 135,000). But here's what sets it apart: Nissan has finally fixed the two biggest complaints about the old model—the outdated interior and the rubbery CVT transmission.

2026 Nissan Murano Exterior Design: Ariya-Inspired Elegance

Nissan has taken inspiration from its electric Ariya crossover for the 2026 Murano's exterior design. The result is a sleek, modern look that stands out in a sea of boxy SUVs.

The front end features hidden LED daytime running lights that create a distinctive light signature. A full-width light bar connects the taillights at the rear, giving the Murano a premium appearance after dark. The overall silhouette remains coupe-like, with a sloping roofline that has always been the Murano's signature styling cue.

At 4,900 mm long, 1,981 mm wide, and 1,725 mm tall, the 2026 Nissan Murano has grown slightly compared to its predecessor. This gives it more presence on the road while maintaining its athletic proportions. For GCC drivers, the design isn't just about looks—the aerodynamic shape should help with highway fuel economy, which matters when you're covering long distances between cities.

The wheel arches are more pronounced, and the body sides feature stronger character lines. Available 20-inch alloy wheels fill out the wheel wells nicely, giving the Murano a planted, premium stance. Compared to the more rugged-looking 2026 Nissan Patrol, the Murano is clearly designed for urban and suburban environments.

2026 Nissan Murano Interior & Comfort: Premium Materials Everywhere

Step inside the 2026 Nissan Murano, and you'll immediately notice this isn't the same old cabin. Nissan has finally given the interior the premium treatment it deserves.

The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. Materials have been upgraded throughout, with soft-touch surfaces, genuine aluminum trim, and available leather upholstery. The center console has been redesigned with a more intuitive layout and a rotary gear selector.

Front passengers get NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats that are among the most comfortable in the segment. On the Platinum trim, these seats even offer massage functionality—perfect for long drives between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Second-row passengers aren't forgotten either, with ample legroom and reclining seatbacks.

Cargo space measures approximately 930 liters with the rear seats up and expands to 1,798 liters with them folded. That's slightly less than some boxier rivals like the Honda Passport, but still plenty for weekend getaways or grocery runs. The power liftgate is standard on higher trims, making loading easier in crowded mall parking lots.

For GCC families, the interior is designed to handle regional conditions. The available dual-zone automatic climate control can cool the cabin quickly, and the premium audio system ensures you can enjoy your music even with the windows up during hot summer months.

2026 Nissan Murano Performance & Driving: Goodbye CVT, Hello 9-Speed

This is where the 2026 Nissan Murano makes its biggest improvement. Gone is the old 3.5L V6 and continuously variable transmission (CVT) that many drivers found unrefined. In their place is a modern 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) four-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The 2026 Nissan Murano's VC-Turbo engine produces 241 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque. That's less power than the old V6's 260 hp, but the turbo engine delivers its peak torque at 4,400 rpm. The 9-speed automatic is a revelation compared to the old CVT—shifts are crisp, and there's none of the rubber-band feeling that plagued the previous generation.

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes approximately 7.7 seconds, which is adequate but not class-leading. The VC-Turbo technology allows the engine to vary its compression ratio for optimal efficiency and power delivery. However, some testers have noted a slight turbo lag when you first step on the accelerator.

Fuel economy is estimated at around 9.8 L/100km (24 mpg combined). For GCC drivers, this represents a significant improvement over the old V6, especially in city traffic where the turbo engine can operate more efficiently. The available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (on SL and Platinum trims) provides extra confidence during rare rainy days or on loose surfaces.

The ride quality has been tuned for comfort, with a focus on isolating passengers from road imperfections. This makes the Murano an excellent highway cruiser for those long drives between GCC cities. It's not as sporty as the 2026 Nissan Z, but that's not what this crossover is about.

2026 Nissan Murano Technology & Safety: Dual Screens and ProPilot

Nissan has loaded the 2026 Murano with technology that rivals luxury brands. The dual 12.3-inch displays are just the beginning of what this crossover offers.

The infotainment system features Google Built-in, giving you access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store without needing to connect your phone. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, along with wireless charging for compatible devices.

ProPilot Assist 2.1 is Nissan's latest advanced driver assistance system, available on the Platinum trim. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering and can handle some highway driving tasks with minimal driver input. For GCC highways like the E11 between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this system can reduce driver fatigue on long journeys.

Other safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The latter is particularly useful for navigating tight parking spaces in crowded GCC cities.

The available 64-color ambient lighting lets you customize the cabin's mood, while the premium Bose audio system ensures excellent sound quality. For tech-savvy buyers in the region, the 2026 Murano offers everything you'd expect from a modern vehicle—and then some.

2026 Nissan Murano Pricing & Value in the GCC

Now for the question every GCC buyer is asking: How much does the 2026 Nissan Murano cost? Since the vehicle hasn't officially launched in the region yet, these are estimated prices based on US MSRP adjusted for GCC markets.

In the UAE, the 2026 Nissan Murano is expected to start around AED 165,000 for the base SV trim with front-wheel drive. The mid-range SL trim with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive should be around AED 180,000, while the fully-loaded Platinum trim could reach AED 195,000.

In Saudi Arabia, expect prices starting around SAR 170,000 for the base model and going up to SAR 205,000 for the Platinum with all options. These prices put the Murano in direct competition with several established rivals.

Let's break down what you get at each trim level:

SV (Base Model - Estimated AED 165,000):

• 2.0L VC-Turbo engine with 9-speed automatic
• Front-wheel drive
• Dual 12.3-inch displays
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• ProPilot Assist
• LED headlights and taillights
• 18-inch alloy wheels

SL (Mid-Range - Estimated AED 180,000):

• All features from SV plus:
• Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
• Leather-appointed seats
• Power liftgate
• Bose premium audio system
• Heated front seats
• 20-inch alloy wheels

Platinum (Top Trim - Estimated AED 195,000):

• All features from SL plus:
• Massaging front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• 64-color ambient lighting
• Head-up display
• Panoramic moonroof
• Premium quilted leather upholstery
• Available ProPilot Assist 2.1

Compared to rivals, the 2026 Nissan Murano offers better standard technology than the Honda Passport (AED 160,000) and a more premium interior than the Ford Edge (AED 155,000). However, the Hyundai Santa Fe (AED 135,000) undercuts it significantly on price while offering similar space and features.

One notable omission: There's no hybrid option at launch. In a region where fuel prices are relatively low, this might not be a deal-breaker for most GCC buyers. But those looking for maximum efficiency might want to wait or consider alternatives.

How Does the 2026 Nissan Murano Compare to Its Rivals?

The mid-size SUV segment in the GCC is fiercely competitive. Here's how the 2026 Nissan Murano stacks up against its main competitors:

Vs. Honda Passport (AED 160,000): The Passport offers more cargo space (1,166 liters vs. 930 liters) and a more powerful 3.5L V6 engine (280 hp vs. 241 hp). However, the Murano has a more premium interior, better technology, and a smoother 9-speed transmission compared to the Passport's 9-speed automatic, which can be jerky at low speeds.

Vs. Ford Edge (AED 155,000): The Edge offers a 2.0L turbo engine with 250 hp—slightly more than the Murano. It also has a more engaging driving experience. But the Murano counters with a more luxurious cabin, better fuel economy, and Nissan's proven reliability reputation in the GCC market.

Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe (AED 135,000): The Santa Fe is significantly cheaper and offers a more spacious interior with third-row seating available. It also has a hybrid option. The Murano fights back with higher-quality materials, a more distinctive design, and Nissan's stronger brand cachet in the region.

For those considering other Nissan models, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder offers three rows of seating for larger families, while the 2026 Nissan X-Trail is a more affordable compact option. The legendary 2026 Nissan Patrol remains the king of off-road capability for those who need it.

2026 Nissan Murano Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

After a decade of waiting, the 2026 Nissan Murano finally gets the update it deserved. This isn't just a refresh—it's a complete transformation that addresses the previous generation's weaknesses while amplifying its strengths.

The 2026 Nissan Murano is perfect for style-conscious GCC buyers who want a premium-feeling SUV without paying luxury brand prices. It's ideal for small families, professionals, and anyone who spends significant time in city traffic or on highways between GCC cities.

The new interior is a massive improvement, the 9-speed transmission fixes the CVT's biggest flaw, and the Ariya-inspired design keeps the Murano looking fresh for years to come. While the turbo engine isn't as smooth as the old V6, it's more efficient and delivers torque where you need it.

Here's our final verdict: The 2026 Nissan Murano is a compelling choice if you value design, technology, and comfort over outright space or sporty handling. At an estimated AED 165,000 starting price, it's not the cheapest option in its class, but it offers a premium experience that justifies the cost.

Should you wait for it to arrive in GCC showrooms around Q2 2026? If you're not in a hurry and want the latest technology and design, absolutely. But if you need maximum cargo space or a third row, consider the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder instead. For those who want Nissan's ultimate off-road capability, the 2026 Nissan Patrol PRO-4X remains the go-to choice.

TL;DR: The 2026 Nissan Murano fixes everything wrong with the old model while keeping its distinctive style. With a premium interior, modern turbo engine, and 9-speed transmission, it's worth the estimated AED 165,000+ for GCC buyers who want a stylish, tech-forward crossover. Just be aware that cargo space is slightly less than some boxier rivals.