The midsize crossover segment is shifting fast, and buyers searching for a 2025 Nissan Murano hybrid are often trying to answer one practical question: Can I cut my fuel bill without committing to a plug? The Murano has long occupied the premium-but-not-luxury niche in Nissan's lineup, and as the 2025 model arrives with its fourth-generation redesign, electrification is part of the conversation — but with important caveats about what Nissan actually offers versus what buyers assume.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We'll cover exactly what hybrid technology the 2025 Murano uses (or doesn't), the real-world fuel economy you can expect, the powertrain specs that matter, warranty protections, tax-credit eligibility, and how this crossover stacks up against plug-in hybrids and full EVs in its class.
2025 Nissan Murano Powertrain: What Nissan Actually Offers
Let's address the search intent directly. As of the 2025 model year, the redesigned Nissan Murano is offered exclusively with a turbocharged 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. This is a mild-hybrid-adjacent powertrain in some global markets, but in the United States, the 2025 Murano does not come with a traditional parallel hybrid (HEV) system like you'd find in a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, nor does it offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.
This matters because many buyers type "Murano hybrid" into search engines expecting a competitor to the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid or Toyota Venza. The reality is that Nissan has taken a different approach with this generation — focusing on variable-compression turbo technology for efficiency rather than a battery-electric assist system.
Fuel Economy: EPA MPG and Real-World Expectations
Even without a hybrid badge, the 2025 Murano's VC-Turbo engine delivers respectable efficiency for a midsize crossover. Here's what the EPA and real-world testing suggest:
| Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 23 | 29 | 25 |
| AWD | 22 | 28 | 24 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov
For context, a true hybrid competitor like the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined — a 50% improvement. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid returns 35 MPG combined. If maximum fuel savings is your priority, the Murano's turbo-four simply can't match a dedicated hybrid system's city-driving advantage, where regenerative braking and electric assist shine.
Real-world note: Turbocharged engines tend to be more sensitive to driving style than hybrid systems. Expect 22-24 MPG combined in mixed driving with the AWD Murano, potentially dropping to 20-21 MPG in heavy city traffic or cold weather. Highway cruising at 70 mph should return close to the EPA's 28 MPG estimate.
Hybrid vs PHEV vs EV: Which Midsize Crossover Fits You?
Since the 2025 Murano doesn't offer electrification, here's a decision framework to help you determine whether to stick with the Murano's turbo-four, look at a hybrid from another brand, or jump to a PHEV or full EV.
| Factor | Gas (Murano) | HEV (Santa Fe Hybrid) | PHEV (Sorento PHEV) | BEV (Nissan Ariya) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG / MPGe | 24-25 MPG | 36 MPG | 79 MPGe / 33 MPG | 95-101 MPGe |
| Needs a Plug? | No | No | Optional (for EV range) | Yes |
| Electric-Only Range | 0 mi | 0 mi | ~32 mi | 216-304 mi |
| Fed. Tax Credit (2025) | None | None | Up to $3,750* | Up to $7,500* |
| Starting MSRP | ~$40,470 | ~$38,000 | ~$50,290 | ~$39,590 |
* Tax credit eligibility depends on income caps, battery sourcing, and MSRP limits under IRS §30D rules. Verify with a tax professional.
• HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Charges its small battery through regenerative braking and the gas engine. You never plug it in. It improves MPG, especially in city driving.
• PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid): Has a larger battery you can charge from a wall outlet or public charger, giving 25-40 miles of electric-only driving. Once the battery depletes, it operates like a regular hybrid. You can plug it in, but you don't have to.
If You Want a Nissan with Electrification: Rogue and Ariya
Since the Murano doesn't offer hybrid or plug-in options, Nissan shoppers who want to reduce fuel consumption have two main paths within the brand:
Nissan Rogue (Available Hybrid in Prior Years)
The smaller Rogue previously offered a mild-hybrid powertrain, though availability varies by model year. The current Rogue uses a 1.5-liter VC-Turbo three-cylinder that achieves up to 33 MPG highway (FWD). It's not a full hybrid, but the variable-compression technology helps it punch above its weight for a non-electrified compact crossover.
Nissan Ariya (Full EV)
The Nissan Ariya is Nissan's all-electric midsize crossover and the closest electrified equivalent to the Murano in terms of size and premium positioning. Key specs:
- EPA range: 216-304 miles (depending on battery size and FWD/AWD)
- Battery: 63 kWh or 87 kWh usable (NMC chemistry)
- DC fast charging: Up to 130 kW peak (CCS connector), 10-80% in ~35 minutes
- Level 2 charging: Up to 7.2 kW (adds ~25 miles per hour)
- Horsepower: 214-389 HP depending on configuration
- Starting MSRP: ~$39,590 (before any tax credits)
The Ariya is worth a serious look if you have home charging access and want a Nissan crossover with zero tailpipe emissions and dramatically lower per-mile energy costs.
Pricing, Tax Credits, and Total Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Nissan Murano starts at approximately $40,470 for the SV FWD trim and climbs to roughly $47,000 for the Platinum AWD. Because it uses a conventional turbocharged gasoline engine with no hybrid or plug-in system, it does not qualify for the federal §30D new clean vehicle tax credit.
Here's how the Murano's five-year ownership cost compares to hybrid and EV alternatives in the segment:
| Vehicle | Efficiency | 5-Year Fuel Cost | Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Murano AWD | 24 MPG | ~$10,940 | $0.146 |
| Santa Fe Hybrid | 36 MPG | ~$7,290 | $0.097 |
| Nissan Ariya (home charging) | 3.0 mi/kWh | ~$3,750 | $0.050 |
Based on $3.50/gal gasoline and $0.14/kWh national average electricity. Your actual costs depend on local fuel and electricity prices.
Over five years, a hybrid competitor saves roughly $3,650 in fuel compared to the Murano. A full EV with home charging saves nearly $7,200. These savings can partially or fully offset a higher purchase price or the lack of tax-credit eligibility on the Murano.
Reliability, Battery Warranty, and Long-Term Costs
Since the 2025 Murano uses a conventional powertrain without a hybrid battery pack, the typical hybrid-battery-replacement anxiety doesn't apply here. You're looking at a standard gasoline-engine warranty:
• Basic: 3 years / 36,000 miles
• Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
• Hybrid/EV Battery: N/A — no high-voltage traction battery
For comparison, if you were buying a true hybrid like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years / 150,000 miles under Toyota's warranty. Replacement costs for midsize hybrid batteries range from $2,000-$4,000 out of warranty, though most last well beyond 150,000 miles based on long-term fleet data.
The Murano's VC-Turbo engine is a more complex piece of hardware than a naturally aspirated hybrid powertrain, with its variable-compression mechanism adding moving parts. Nissan's turbo engines have been generally reliable, but long-term data on the newest generation is still accumulating. The 9-speed automatic transmission has been a Nissan weak point in past generations — worth monitoring in early reliability surveys from sources like Consumer Reports.
Pros and Cons: The 2025 Murano Verdict
Pros
- Premium interior with standard 12.3-inch infotainment
- Comfortable ride quality and quiet cabin
- Strong standard safety tech (Nissan Safety Shield 360)
- No charging infrastructure needed
- Competitive cargo space (~32 cu ft behind rear seats)
Cons
- No hybrid or PHEV option available
- 24 MPG combined trails hybrid competitors by 10+ MPG
- No federal tax credit eligibility
- Higher 5-year fuel cost vs hybrid/EV rivals
- CVT-free but 9-speed auto can hunt for gears
Frequently Asked Questions
How many MPG does the 2025 Nissan Murano get?
The 2025 Murano achieves an EPA-estimated 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG with front-wheel drive, and 22/28/24 with all-wheel drive. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 22-24 MPG with AWD.
Is there a hybrid version of the 2025 Nissan Murano?
No. As of the 2025 model year, Nissan does not offer the Murano with a hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in the US market. The Murano uses a 2.0L VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine.
Does the 2025 Murano qualify for any tax credit?
No. The federal §30D clean vehicle tax credit applies only to plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs and BEVs) that meet battery sourcing, MSRP, and buyer income requirements. The Murano's gasoline-only powertrain makes it ineligible. Check IRS.gov for current rules.
What Nissan crossover should I buy if I want a hybrid or EV?
The Nissan Ariya is Nissan's all-electric midsize crossover (216-304 miles EPA range, ~$39,590 starting). For a smaller option, the Nissan Rogue offers strong fuel economy from its turbo three-cylinder. If you specifically want a hybrid midsize crossover, you'll need to look outside Nissan — the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (35 MPG) and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (36 MPG) are top picks.
Is the 2025 Murano reliable?
The 2025 Murano is a redesigned model, so long-term reliability data is limited. Nissan's VC-Turbo engines and recent 9-speed automatics have been acceptable but not class-leading in reliability. The standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty applies. Check IIHS and NHTSA for crash-test ratings as they become available.
Hybrid vs PHEV vs EV — which is right for me?
Choose a hybrid (HEV) if you want better MPG with zero behavior change — no plugging in, no range planning. Choose a PHEV if you have home charging and a short commute (under 35 miles) but want a gas engine for road trips. Choose a full EV if you have reliable home charging, want the lowest per-mile cost, and your typical trips fall within the vehicle's range. If you lack home charging access, a conventional hybrid or the Murano's gas engine remains the most practical choice.
