Nissan Discontinues the Least Expensive Murano Variant, But There's Some Positive News | Carscoops

      Hands-free driving technology and new packages are set to debut for 2026, while the least expensive trim disappears.

      

       8 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Brad Anderson

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Nissan has discontinued the front-wheel-drive trim of the Murano, making the all-wheel-drive version the new entry-level choice.

      ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is now included with the optional Platinum Technology Package.

      Although the Nissan Murano is only in its second year on the market, it is avoiding one of the industry's common practices: regular price increases. Instead of raising prices overall, Nissan has kept them stable. The compromise is the removal of the entry-level front-wheel-drive variant, resulting in a slight increase in the official starting price compared to the previous year.

      

      

      Read: Nissan’s Ambitious Plans for the Murano May Be Backfiring

      Last year, the Murano's starting price was $40,470 for the SV FWD version, but this option is no longer available for 2026. Now, the range begins at $41,470 for the SV AWD, which is the same price as last year's model. Nissan has also kept the MSRP at $46,560 for the SL AWD and $49,600 for the top-tier Murano Platinum AWD.

      Hands-Free Highway Technology

      

      

      

      

      A significant update for the Murano in 2026 is the introduction of Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist 2.1 system. This advanced technology is included in the $2,900 Platinum Technology Package, enabling hands-free driving on compatible roads. The added Lane Change Assist function allows the vehicle to suggest and assist with lane changes.

      Furthermore, Nissan is offering a Comfort package for the mid-tier SL model. Priced at $1,380, this package incorporates several standard features from the Platinum model, including ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a motion-activated power liftgate.

      

      

      

      Aside from these modifications, the 2026 Murano remains unchanged from last year's version. It continues to feature the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 241 hp at 5,600 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. This powertrain is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels, irrespective of the trim level.

      Sales Performance

      The Nissan Murano has experienced better sales compared to the previous model, though possibly not to the extent Nissan anticipated. In the second quarter, Nissan sold 9,526 units, marking a substantial increase of 115.9 percent from the 4,413 units sold during the same time last year. For the first half of 2025, sales increased by 99.5 percent, rising from 9,139 to 18,228.