23 MPG combined for the 2025 Nissan Murano FWD 2.0L 4-cyl marks a clear strategic shift for what has long been Nissan’s design-forward, slightly more premium two-row crossover. This isn’t the Murano of old, with its potent V6 and corresponding thirst; instead, Nissan has opted for a powertrain that prioritizes refinement and predictable efficiency, acknowledging that Murano buyers value a smooth, comfortable ride and distinctive styling over outright performance. The Murano has always catered to a specific type of buyer: someone who appreciates a flowing, sculpted design, a comfortable and quiet interior, and a driving experience that’s more quiet than sporty. They’re often empty-nesters or small families who’ve outgrown a sedan but aren’t ready for the sheer bulk of a three-row SUV. For these buyers, 23 MPG represents a commendable balance, offering a welcome improvement over previous iterations without sacrificing the Murano’s well-established character.

City and highway performance

Diving into the specifics, the Murano’s 21 MPG in the city is exactly what you’d expect from a mid-size crossover of its weight with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. This figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go driving, where the engine spends more time idling and accelerating from a standstill. It’s not going to win any records, but it’s entirely respectable and aligns with the relaxed demeanor of the vehicle. Nissan has tuned this powertrain for smooth operation, not aggressive launches, which inherently contributes to more consistent city fuel economy. The 27 MPG highway figure, on the other hand, is where the Murano really shines for its class. Cruising at highway speeds with the S9 automatic transmission, the 2.0L engine operates efficiently within its power band, maintaining momentum with minimal effort. This highway efficiency is particularly relevant for Murano owners, who frequently use their vehicles for longer road trips or comfortable commutes where sustained speeds allow the powertrain to optimize fuel consumption. The S9 automatic is specifically geared to keep engine RPMs low at cruising speeds, further bolstering that highway number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the 2025 Nissan Murano FWD 2.0L 4-cyl will have an annual fuel cost of $1,900. This figure offers a practical financial perspective for potential owners and is calculated based on an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, assuming national average fuel prices. It’s an essential data point for understanding the running costs beyond the purchase price. For the typical Murano buyer, this $1,900 figure is attractive. They’re often stepping out of more fuel-thirsty vehicles or upgrading from smaller, less comfortable cars. A yearly fuel expenditure under $2,000 for a stylish, comfortable mid-size crossover is a definite selling point. While gasoline prices fluctuate, the standardized EPA calculation provides a useful baseline for comparison, indicating that the Murano’s powertrain strategy indeed delivers a tangible economic benefit over a full year of driving.

Real-world expectations

Expectations for the 2025 Murano’s fuel economy should align closely with the EPA estimates. Nissan’s powertrains traditionally deliver consistent real-world figures, especially when driven as intended. The 2.0L engine, paired with a well-calibrated automatic, means that aggressive driving habits will have an impact, but less so than with a more performance-oriented setup. For the Murano’s target demographic, who prioritize comfort and a smooth ride, their driving style naturally promotes efficiency. Short, frequent city trips in heavy traffic will likely see you hovering closer to the 21 MPG mark, perhaps even dipping slightly below depending on congestion and driver behavior. Conversely, long highway journeys with steady speeds and minimal elevation changes could easily see you achieve, or even subtly exceed, the 27 MPG highway rating. Factors like tire pressure, cargo load, and frequent use of climate control will also influence your mileage, but generally, Murano owners will find the EPA numbers to be an honest representation of what they can expect from their distinctive crossover. You can compare this to MURANO MPG across all years to see how this model year stacks up.

How it compares

The 2025 Murano’s 23 MPG combined places it squarely in a competitive segment, but its unique styling and comfort-oriented mission differentiate it from direct spec-sheet rivals. Take the Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, for example, which delivers a superior 40 MPG combined. However, the CR-V is a smaller vehicle targeted at a different buyer, one prioritizing ultimate efficiency and practicality over the Murano’s distinct aesthetic. A more direct competitor might be the Chevrolet Blazer FWD 2.0L Turbo, which manages 25 MPG combined, a slight edge over the Murano, but the Blazer often appeals to a buyer seeking a sportier, more aggressive aesthetic. Even other Nissan vehicles, like the Rogue, equipped with a 1.5L VC-Turbo engine, achieve 33 MPG combined, but again, the Rogue is a smaller, more family-focused compact SUV. The Murano’s internal challenger, the V6-powered Pathfinder FWD, typically earns around 23 MPG combined as well, showcasing that the 2.0L in the Murano is indeed an efficiency play for its class. Ultimately, the Murano’s buyer isn’t cross-shopping based solely on MPG numbers, they’re considering the holistic package – the styling, interior comfort, and driving experience – where the 23 MPG becomes a positive attribute rather than the sole decision-maker. Learn more about all Nissan fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent speeds, particularly on the highway, is crucial for the Murano’s 2.0L engine. The automatic transmission is designed to keep RPMs low at cruising speeds, so avoiding rapid acceleration and deceleration will allow the car to operate in its most efficient range.

Pay attention to your tire pressure, checking it monthly. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, requiring less effort from the engine and directly improving fuel economy, especially noticeable with the Murano’s comfortable ride.

Limit unnecessary weight in the vehicle. While the Murano is comfortable carrying passengers and cargo, removing heavy items that aren’t regularly needed will lighten the load and slightly reduce fuel consumption.

Use the Murano’s climate control system judiciously. Running the air conditioning constantly, especially on full blast, demands power from the engine and can noticeably impact your MPG, particularly in city driving.

Plan your routes to minimize unnecessary idling and stop-and-go traffic. The Murano’s 2.0L engine is most efficient when moving, so smoother journeys translate directly into better fuel economy figures.