Behind the Design of the 2025 Nissan Murano: A Sleek, Sophisticated Oasis

Designers of the all-new Murano¹ blended a striking, confident exterior with a comforting, cozy interior

Inspired by the Italian island of Murano, famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, the latest generation of Nissan’s premium crossover (coming early 2025) embodies both the name and spirit of this artisanal heritage.

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Inspired by the Italian island of Murano, famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, the latest generation of Nissan’s premium crossover (coming early 2025) embodies both the name and spirit of this artisanal heritage. “One of my favorite features is the glass-like trim on the dashboard,” said Giovanny Arroba, senior design director at Nissan. “We developed a three-layer finisher that provides a beautiful color gradation reminiscent of Murano glass.” (Photo: Business Wire)

“One of my favorite features is the glass-like trim on the dashboard,” said Giovanny Arroba, senior design director at Nissan. “We developed a three-layer finisher that provides a beautiful color gradation reminiscent of Murano glass.”

This attention to detail is just one example of the countless hours Nissan designers invested to perfect the final product.

Guided by a theme of “energetic elegance,” designers wanted the all-new Murano to look dynamic and sleek, yet poised and premium.

“We were determined to create something striking,” Arroba said. “At first glance, you want to walk up to it. You want to get in and drive it.”

As a first step, Nissan’s design team expanded the Murano’s width to 78 inches, adding nearly three inches for a more substantial presence.

“Murano’s proportions are one of its key features,” said Tase Nobutaka, program design director at Nissan. “It has a nice, wide stance, which allows us to provide a confident, energetic feeling.”

Inspired by nature and the grandness of its horizon, Nissan designers integrated powerful horizontal lines throughout the vehicle, from the crease extending from the headlamp to the rear fender, to the LED light bar in the rear. To emphasize the latter, designers reorganized the rear design to draw the eye to the taillamps.

“We moved the license plate down into the lower bumper, really cleaning up the profile of the rear,” Arroba said. “And the wiper blade is concealed in the rear diffuser, so all the noise has been eliminated, allowing for this beautiful horizontal blade of light to stand out.”

In front, the 2025 Murano features the thinnest headlamps of any Nissan sold in the U.S., creating a sleek, modern look.

“We wanted to connect them in a very thin, almost mask-like band across the front to elevate the presence of the car,” Arroba said.

Dedicated to quality from top to bottom, Nissan’s design team also focused on details some owners might not notice at first glance – like shrinking the already small gaps between doors, bumpers and other body panels for seamless alignment across the vehicle.

“Making sure all the body panels flawlessly come together – whether it's the hood to the headlamp or the doors through the rear fenders – all these things add up to bring that sense of seamlessness,” Arroba said.

Nobutaka said this required a different approach, so designers began working with engineers early in the development process.

“It was very complicated at times, but worthwhile to provide a uniform, smooth appearance,” he said.

Inside, every detail reflects careful craftsmanship, from the dashboard stitching to the unique seat quilting patterns, capturing the Japanese concept of omotenashi, or “elevated hospitality.” Designers wanted drivers to feel like they have entered a sanctuary.

“It’s a spa-like retreat,” Arroba said. “We want drivers to be pampered.”

The team deliberately diverged from typical upholstery color options. Instead, you’ll find gorgeous combinations, including available deep blue-and-black quilted leather seats. Again, the horizon theme remains, with the upper portions of the seats being a different hue than the lower sections. Even the steering wheel is a two-spoke, horizontal design.

"You feel that same harmony as when you're on the beach looking at the sunset,” Arroba explained. "There’s such a powerful natural beauty to the horizon.”

The 2025 Murano is brimming with technology, and all trims come standard with dual 12.3-inch displays that fit naturally in the space.

“We didn’t want to just drop them in,” Arroba said. “We covered them with wrapped, stitched materials so that they feel harmoniously integrated into the interior.”

Below the dual screens are climate controls similar to those in the Nissan Ariya. They are touch-capacitive and integrated into wood-like trim. Arroba says this delivers a cohesive, warm tech elegance.

The 2025 Murano delivers a balanced blend of energy and calm, showcasing years of refinement and global collaboration.

“Our goal was to create a fundamentally beautiful vehicle – something equal parts form and function,” Arroba said. “It’s a spectacular evolution of the Murano family.”

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¹ 2025 Murano not yet available for purchase. Expected availability early 2025. Pre-production vehicle shown with available features. Actual production model may vary.

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