carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $37,200–$46,593 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2021 Nissan Murano earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $37,200–$46,593, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Murano sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Nissan Murano, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Nissan Murano ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,200 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Nissan Murano scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.4/10 | $42,106 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $42,106 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $40,880 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $39,653 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $38,427 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $37,200 | |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $35,974 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $34,748 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $33,521 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $32,295 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $31,068 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $29,842 | Read review → |
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
