Why the 2026 Nissan Murano AWD Is the Ultimate Reliable Family SUV for Coastal Living

August 10th, 2026 by

A car salesman talks to a female customer standing next to a blue SUV at a Nissan dealership lot. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.) The 2026 Nissan Murano is the right choice for families and professionals who want a midsize crossover with premium features with all-wheel drive standard across every trim. Starting at $41,670 for the SV AWD and topping out at $49,800 for the Platinum AWD, it delivers 241 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, about 33 cu ft of cargo space, and ratings of 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG. J.D. Power named it Most Dependable Midsize SUV for 2026 — making it a confident pick for coastal commutes, family outings, and weekend adventures.

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How Well Does the 2026 Nissan Murano AWD Serve Families?

The 2026 Nissan Murano seats five passengers and carries about 33 cu ft of cargo behind the rear seats — expanding to about 63.5 cu ft with the rear seats folded — making it a genuinely practical choice for active families who need real hauling room without stepping up to a three-row SUV.

All three trims — SV AWD, SL AWD, and Platinum AWD — come standard with Intuitive All-Wheel Drive (AWD), so every Murano you’ll find in our new AWD inventory is ready for the kinds of conditions Northeast Florida families actually encounter: wet roads after afternoon storms, sandy back paths near the coast, and the occasional gravel stretch on the way to a weekend destination.

Towing capacity holds steady at 1,500 lbs across all trims, which is enough to pull a small fishing boat or a personal watercraft trailer for a day out on the Intracoastal Waterway. The cargo floor measures 39.7 in long and 55.9 in wide — wide enough to slide a surfboard bag or a full set of golf bags in without gymnastics.

Here is how the three trims compare on weight and payload:

Feature Platinum AWD SL AWD SV AWD
Curb weight 4,386 lbs 4,355 lbs 4,290 lbs
Payload 1,214 lbs 1,245 lbs 1,310 lbs

All trims share: Seating: 5 · Cargo: about 33 cu ft · Towing: 1,500 lbs

The SV AWD is the lightest trim at 4,290 lbs and carries the highest payload at 1,310 lbs, which matters when you’re loading up beach gear, coolers, and equipment for a full family day out. Shoppers who want a well-equipped used crossover can also browse our pre-owned vehicle inventory for earlier Murano generations. Ready to explore what’s currently available? Browse our new Nissan vehicles with all-wheel drive to see current stock and configurations.

Coastal-Inspired Exterior Styling Tailored for Local Streets

The 2026 Murano’s exterior design is a genuine departure from the boxy crossover norm — and it suits the aesthetic of upscale coastal communities far better than most midsize SUVs in its class.

The body stretches 192.9 in long and 78 in wide, with a height of 67.9 in, giving it a low, wide, planted stance that reads more like a sport coupe than a family hauler. The 111.2 in wheelbase underpins that composure. Projector-beam LED headlights with automatic high-beam control and LED daytime running lights run across all three trims, so even the entry-level SV AWD arrives with a crisp, modern light signature that looks at home parked in front of a waterfront restaurant or a golf club entrance.

The Platinum AWD rolls on 21-inch alloy wheels, while the SL AWD and SV AWD come standard on 20-inch alloys — with a 20-inch Satin Black Alloy Wheel option available on both the SL and SV if you want a darker, more aggressive look. A two-tone paint option pairing a metallic body color with a contrasting Super Black roof is available, giving the Murano a distinctive silhouette that stands out on any street. Exterior color choices include Gun Metallic, Super Black, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, Aurora Blue Pearl Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Everest White Pearl Tricoat.

The roof spoiler, chrome bright trim around the side windows, and color-matched painted bumpers front and rear all contribute to a cohesive, intentional look. If you’re trading in a current vehicle to step into a new Murano, getting a quick estimate on your trade-in value is a smart first step before you visit the showroom.

All-Wheel Drive Performance Built for Sandy Beaches and Rolling Golf Course Terrain

Every 2026 Murano in the lineup — SV AWD, SL AWD, and Platinum AWD — ships with Intuitive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment. That’s a meaningful change for 2026: you no longer have to choose a higher trim to get AWD confidence. Whether you’re navigating the flat, sandy approaches near Neptune Beach or the gently rolling wooded roads through a golf community, the system distributes torque automatically without any driver input required.

The powertrain is identical across all three trims: a 2L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 hp at 5,600 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission. The Xtronic is tuned for smooth, linear power delivery — exactly what you want for relaxed coastal commuting — and it includes a manual mode for moments when you want more direct control. A start/stop system helps manage fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic.

Fuel efficiency is consistent across all trims at 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined, with a calculated range of 430 miles per tank from the 18.7-gallon fuel tank. That range is more than enough for a round trip between Jacksonville and St. Augustine with room to spare.

The suspension setup — independent MacPherson struts up front and an independent multi-link rear — is tuned for ride comfort over road-holding aggression, which aligns with the Murano’s character as a serene long-distance cruiser. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS, a brake assist system, electronic traction control, and stability control round out the chassis safety net. Ground clearance comes in at 8.3 in, with an approach angle of 17.4 degrees and a departure angle of 23.8 degrees — adequate for the mild off-pavement terrain most Northeast Florida drivers will encounter.

Ready to put numbers to a purchase? You can start your financing application online before you visit, which makes the dealership process faster and more straightforward.

Spacious Interior Comfort Designed for Family Beach Days and Golf Community Living

Step inside the 2026 Murano and the cabin immediately communicates its priorities: quiet, premium, and roomy. Front headroom measures 39.4 in on the Platinum AWD and SL AWD, with the SV AWD offering a slightly more generous 41.1 in up front. Rear headroom is 37.9 in on the Platinum and SL, and 39.7 in on the SV. Front legroom is 44.3 in across all trims, and rear legroom measures 36.3 in — comfortable for adult passengers on longer drives.

Shoulder room is generous at 60.8 in up front and 58.5 in in the rear, so three adults in the back seat won’t feel squeezed. Hip room is 56.9 in front and rear. The rear bench folds asymmetrically to expand cargo space when needed, and the power liftgate with hands-free release on the Platinum AWD makes loading beach gear or golf bags easy when your hands are full.

Upholstery choices differ meaningfully by trim. The Platinum AWD comes with semi-aniline leather in your choice of Ivory Caramel, Twilight Blue, Graphite Mahogany, or Charcoal — a genuinely premium material that’s soft to the touch and develops character over time. The SL AWD and SV AWD use synthetic leather (Prima-Tex) in Gray or Graphite colorways. All trims include a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system — features that matter for early-morning drives before the Florida humidity burns off.

Interior trim across all grades includes alloy and leather on the instrument panel and doors, with piano black accents on the center console and gear selector. The Platinum AWD adds woodgrain accents that elevate the cabin toward genuine near-luxury territory, as Kelley Blue Book noted in their review of the redesigned Murano’s strong interior design and quality materials. If you’re looking to add accessories or protect your investment with genuine Nissan components, our parts department can help you find the right fit.

Infotainment and Connectivity Features to Navigate Local Commutes and Events

The 2026 Murano’s technology stack is one of its strongest selling points, and the dual-screen layout makes that clear the moment you sit down. Every trim gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster — both fixed-orientation screens that put information exactly where you expect it without requiring a head-down glance.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come standard across all three trims, so your phone connects the moment you get in without hunting for a cable. Two USB-A charging ports sit up front and two more are available in the rear, plus a wireless charging pad and a 12V outlet in the cargo area. Bluetooth connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are standard on every trim.

The SL AWD and Platinum AWD add built-in navigation with a 12.3-inch navigation screen, 36 months of traffic information, and 36 months of map updates — useful for navigating to an unfamiliar St. Augustine restaurant or a new golf course without relying on your phone’s data. Both of these trims also include NissanConnect Services with 36 months of remote services including remote start, remote lock/unlock, vehicle diagnostics, geo-fencing, and theft alerts. An embedded Wi-Fi hotspot provides 3 GB per month for 90 months. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current without a dealership visit.

The Platinum AWD goes one step further with a windshield head-up display that projects speed, navigation prompts, and driver assistance alerts directly into your line of sight — reducing eye movement and keeping your attention on the road. Amazon Alexa built-in integration is also standard on the Platinum and SL, enabling hands-free voice commands for music, navigation, and smart home devices.

The SV AWD keeps the same 12.3-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate but operates without the embedded navigation and connected services of the upper trims. If service costs are a consideration as you plan your ownership budget, ask our team about service financing options that can spread maintenance costs over time.

Safety Technologies Crafted for Coastal Driving and Weekend Getaways

The 2026 Murano earns its NHTSA 5-star overall safety rating through a combination of structural engineering and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technologies — and every trim in the lineup shares the same core safety foundation.

Automatic Emergency Braking activates from as low as 3 mph, covering both front and rear low-speed scenarios, and includes pedestrian and cyclist detection. Blind Spot Warning (BSW) uses radar and camera sensors to alert you to vehicles in your adjacent lanes — particularly useful on multi-lane highways during busy weekend beach traffic. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) uses the same radar-and-camera system to warn of approaching traffic when reversing out of a parking space.

Intelligent Lane Intervention applies gentle steering correction to keep you centered in your lane, while the Around View Monitor on the SL AWD and Platinum AWD stitches together a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings — invaluable for tight parking situations in historic districts or crowded beach parking lots.

The airbag system provides 8 airbags as standard across the SV and SL, including front driver and passenger airbags, side airbags front and rear, side curtain airbags front and rear, and driver and passenger knee airbags. The Platinum AWD adds a front seats center airbag — bringing the total to 9 airbags — through the available Technology Package. IIHS crash test results show Good ratings in moderate overlap front, small overlap front driver-side, and side impact categories.

The SV AWD includes ProPILOT adaptive cruise with stop-and-go capability. The SL AWD steps up to ProPILOT Assist 1.1, which adds active lane centering on the highway. The Platinum AWD with the Technology Package unlocks ProPILOT Assist 2.1 — a Level 2 partial automation system that adds hands-free highway assist, traffic jam assist, and assisted lane changing on compatible roads.

Pricing and Trim Options for the 2026 Nissan Murano AWD in Neptune Beach and World Golf Village

Three trims cover the 2026 Murano lineup, each with all-wheel drive standard, and the price spread between entry and top is just over $8,000 — a range that reflects meaningful differences in comfort and technology rather than fundamental capability changes.

Feature Platinum AWD SL AWD SV AWD
Base MSRP $49,800 $46,760 $41,670

All trims share: Destination charge: $1,545

The SV AWD at $41,670 is the accessible entry point and still arrives with a well-equipped cabin: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate, 20-inch alloys, LED headlights, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and ProPILOT adaptive cruise with stop-and-go. The audio system steps down to a 6-speaker setup rather than the Bose system found on the upper trims.

The SL AWD at $46,760 adds the 10-speaker Bose audio system with subwoofer, the Around View Monitor, built-in navigation, NissanConnect Services with remote start, wireless charging pad, ProPILOT Assist 1.1 with active lane centering, and the optional Comfort Package that bundles heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. Interior upholstery upgrades to synthetic leather in two colorways.

The Platinum AWD at $49,800 is the full expression of the Murano’s near-luxury positioning. It adds semi-aniline leather seating in four color choices, a windshield head-up display, memory settings for the driver’s seat, the 9-airbag Technology Package with ProPILOT Assist 2.1, and woodgrain interior accents. The Cargo Package — available on all trims — adds a cargo net and flexible rear parcel shelf for better load organization.

For buyers comparing the Murano against alternatives like the Toyota Crown Signia, Mazda CX-70, or Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Platinum’s feature content at $49,800 offers competitive features in the near-luxury crossover segment.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Support for 2026 Nissan Murano Owners

Nissan backs the 2026 Murano with a warranty package that provides solid coverage across all three trims without any variation by trim level.

The basic vehicle warranty runs 3 years / 36,000 miles, covering the full vehicle against defects in materials and workmanship. The powertrain warranty extends to 5 years / 60,000 miles, protecting the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components — the most expensive items to repair. Corrosion protection coverage runs 5 years with unlimited mileage, and the paint warranty covers 3 years / 36,000 miles. Nissan roadside assistance is included for 3 years / 36,000 miles, providing 24/7 support for flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing needs.

At Nissan Of Orange Park, our service team is trained specifically on Nissan vehicles and uses genuine OEM parts to keep your Murano running at its best. You can schedule your service appointment online at any time — no phone call required. We also offer the Nissan Of Orange Park Premium Protect Plus protection program, which adds exterior paint protection, interior fabric protection, road hazard tire repair, 24/7 roadside assistance, stolen vehicle assistance, and collision loyalty credits — a comprehensive layer of coverage beyond the factory warranty that’s designed to protect your investment from day one.

Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2026 Nissan Murano’s Strengths

The 2026 Nissan Murano has earned notable recognition from three of the most credible names in automotive evaluation:

Most Dependable Midsize SUV — J.D. Power (2026). This award recognizes vehicles with the fewest reported problems after three years of ownership — a direct measure of long-term reliability that matters to buyers planning to keep their vehicle for years.

Best Midsize 2-Row SUV for the Money — U.S. News & World Report (2026). This award weighs the combination of expert reviews, safety scores, and pricing to identify which vehicles deliver the most value relative to their cost.

Segment Winner, Midsize SUV — J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The APEAL study measures how much owners enjoy their vehicle’s performance and design across 37 attributes — making this the most direct measure of driver satisfaction available.

MotorTrend noted the redesigned Murano is more premium than anything Nissan has built in decades, calling out its elegant new look and the proven ProPILOT driver assist system. Car and Driver described the ownership experience as cozy, with luxurious ride quality and a well-equipped cabin across every trim. These publications highlight the model’s updated design and features.

Frequently Asked Questions from Buyers About the 2026 Nissan Murano AWD

Q: Does every 2026 Nissan Murano come with all-wheel drive, or is it an upgrade?

All-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 Murano — the SV AWD, SL AWD, and Platinum AWD all include Nissan’s Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system at no additional cost. This is a change from previous model years when AWD was an option on lower trims. There is no front-wheel-drive version of the 2026 Murano available. You can browse our current new Murano inventory to confirm available stock and configurations.

Q: What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Nissan Murano?

The 2026 Murano is rated to tow 1,500 lbs across all three trims. That’s sufficient for a small fishing boat, a personal watercraft on a trailer, or a lightweight utility trailer — the kinds of loads common among coastal and waterway-adjacent households. It is not rated for heavy trailers or large boats.

Q: How does the fuel economy compare across the SV, SL, and Platinum trims?

Fuel economy is identical across all three trims: 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The 18.7-gallon tank gives a calculated range of 430 miles per fill-up. Running on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel, the Murano is straightforward and efficient to operate day-to-day.

Q: What is the difference between ProPILOT, ProPILOT Assist 1.1, and ProPILOT Assist 2.1?

The SV AWD includes ProPILOT, which provides adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The SL AWD upgrades to ProPILOT Assist 1.1, adding active lane centering to keep the vehicle centered on the highway. The Platinum AWD with the Technology Package includes ProPILOT Assist 2.1, a Level 2 partial automation system that adds hands-free highway driving, traffic jam assist, and assisted lane changing — the most capable version of Nissan’s driver-assist suite.

Q: How do I get started with purchasing a 2026 Murano at Nissan Of Orange Park?

The easiest path is to browse available inventory online first, then contact our team to arrange a test drive. Our showroom is located at 7447 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244 — you can find us using our location on Google Maps. To speak with a member of our team directly, give us (904) 467-9687 a call. Our friendly staff is happy to walk you through trim comparisons, current availability, and next steps — no pressure, no hassle.


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Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.