2025 Murano Achieves IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ with Fresh Redesign

A Standout Redesign with Precision Engineering

Nissan’s latest Murano debuts with a bold new look—a wider stance, “Crystal Cube” LED headlights, and a revamped rear liftgate that elevates its presence and practicality. Beneath the elegant surface lies a smarter and safer architecture designed through hundreds of simulated crash tests at Nissan’s Safety Advancement Lab near Detroit.

How It Made the Cut for TOP SAFETY PICK+

To qualify, a vehicle must earn top marks (“Good” or “Acceptable”) across several IIHS assessments. The Murano delivered stellar performance:

• Front moderate overlap crash – Good

• Small overlap crash – Good

• Side crash – Good

• Pedestrian prevention & headlights – Acceptable or Good 

Nissan rigorously refined the structure—especially in rear seats—to reduce “submarining” and optimize belt-airbag systems

Inside the Safety Lab

Testing involved the Murano undergoing a 40 mph offset crash repeatedly at Nissan’s $40 million facility, capturing data from high-speed cameras and dummy sensors to refine crash absorption and occupant positioning. Engineers also focused intensely on the side oblique pole test—a scenario akin to hitting a utility pole sideways—where Murano excelled by maintaining cabin integrity, curtain airbag deployment, and minimal intrusion.

Rear‑Seat Protection: Families First

Recognizing that rear passengers—often children—are equally vulnerable, Nissan strengthened rear-seat belt systems, seat structure, and airbag coverage. As Nissan’s Jeff Sitko noted, ensuring rear “belt‑airbag interaction was excellent” during evaluations was critical to earning the “Good” rating in protective performance.

Beyond Safety: Comfort and Power

But safety isn’t the only upgrade. The 2025 Murano features:

• A turbocharged 2.0L VC‑Turbo inline‑4 replacing the V‑6, delivering 241 hp / 260 lb‑ft.
• A new 9‑speed automatic, improving refinement over the prior CVT
• A premium cabin with dual 12.3″ displays, zero‑gravity seats, ambient lighting, panoramic roof, and advanced driver aids, including Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 and ProPILOT Assist

“The all-new 2025 Murano exemplifies Nissan’s commitment to safety innovation and customer peace of mind,” said Chris Reed, regional senior vice president, research and development, Nissan Americas. “Securing the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ under the new, more rigorous criteria is a true recognition of the thoughtful engineering and advanced safety technologies that define the Murano.”