Live the fast life with the 2023 Nissan GT-R
A car enthusiast from Plant City, Florida, wanted to show off his 2023 Nissan GT-R. He says he spent countless hours customizing his car.
Fox – 13 News
Strong Points
- A luxurious appearance stands out
- Cool tactile buttons embedded in the trim
- ProPilot Assist available
Cons
- Rough ride due to aging chassis
- Powertrain should be smoother
- No hybrid option
nissan murano has always been one of the most attractive SUVs in the company’s lineup and in the midsize SUV segment. The fourth generation continues the tradition of distinctive design. The 2025 Murano is an attractive car, but it’s been slow to update. Nissan introduced the third generation for the 2015 model year. As time passes, speculation begins as to whether a new life cycle will begin at all. In this case, the delay was due to Nissan’s plan to reinvent the Murano as an EV, but the automaker I created an aria insteadstole resources and delayed Murano’s refresh.
Is it worth the wait? The new model is more premium than anything Nissan has produced in decades. It’s wider and has a new elegant look, including a faux “Murano Glass” trim color that changes color in the light. The more upscale and well-equipped interior is similar to the Ariya, with a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen with built-in Google, a matching driver screen, and a color head-up display. Touch-sensitive buttons embedded in the simulated wood trim (the Ariya uses real wood) give it a special feel, like the sound of an orchestra when you turn the SUV on and off.
The cabin is a quiet and serene place, with chocolate brown quilted leather and a good layout for phone, USB, drive modes and other important functions. Piano key gear shifting also frees up interior space. The “zero gravity” seat is comfortable and cool and has a massage function in the front. The spacious second-row seats are heated and surrounded by USB outlets, air vents, one seatback pocket, and ambient lighting. The cargo space is also spacious.
But riding on the same 10-year-old Nissan D platform and aging suspension, this SUV suffers from vibrations and poor body control, and every bump to the chassis feels unstable on uneven surfaces.
It’s currently powered by Nissan’s 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo I-4, which has more torque but less horsepower than the 3.5-liter V-6 it replaces. There is no hybrid option.
The nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the unpopular CVT, but judges were divided on its results. Some say it is a better partner for the VC-Turbo engine, completely changing the characteristics of the powertrain and significantly improving its responsiveness. It also downshifts when braking in sport mode. Others thought the Murano was noisy, slow to react, jerky at low speeds, and tended to upshift too quickly. “Between the turbocharger, variable compression, and transmission, you just have to wait to get the acceleration you’re looking for,” says Associate Editor Alex Riens. But refinement aside, there’s plenty of power.
Overall, the Murano handles well and is equipped with the proven Nissan ProPILOT driver assistance system.
This is a well-equipped and relatively upscale vehicle with a starting price of less than $42,000, and a well-equipped Platinum AWD model costs just over $53,000. It may not be a great choice for enthusiasts, as its suspension is aging and its powertrain can be rough, but less discerning buyers will appreciate it.
Photo credit: Lenz Daun
