Nissan is updating its Murano SUV for the 2027 model year, introducing significant changes to its trim levels and pricing structure. The base SV trim has been discontinued, leading to a higher starting price for the model range. However, the SL trim, now the entry-level option, receives a price reduction but loses some of its formerly standard upscale amenities. A new Dark Armor edition is being added to the lineup, offering unique styling elements. These adjustments follow a substantial sales increase for the Murano after its 2025 redesign, which saw its market presence nearly double.
The revamp for the 2027 Nissan Murano aims to streamline its offerings and introduce fresh options to consumers. The removal of the SV trim means that all Murano vehicles will now feature all-wheel drive, enhancing their capability and appeal in various driving conditions. The introduction of the Dark Armor trim signifies Nissan's commitment to providing distinct aesthetic choices, catering to buyers looking for a more aggressive and personalized look. Despite the upward shift in the absolute base price, the reconfigured pricing for the SL trim reflects an effort to balance cost with features, repositioning the Murano in the competitive SUV market.
Nissan Murano's 2027 Model Year Restructuring
For the 2027 model year, Nissan is implementing a comprehensive restructuring of its Murano SUV range. The previously available SV trim, which served as the entry-level option, will no longer be offered. This decision effectively increases the starting price for the Murano lineup, making the SL trim the new baseline. Concurrent with this change, the SL variant will see a notable price decrease, although this adjustment is accompanied by the removal of several key features. Specifically, the panoramic sunroof, the premium 10-speaker Bose sound system, and the integrated in-dash navigation system will no longer be standard on the SL trim. A significant consequence of the SV trim's elimination is that all 2027 Murano models will now come equipped with all-wheel drive as a standard feature, departing from previous model years where the SV was the sole front-wheel-drive option. These strategic modifications come after a successful 2025 redesign that significantly boosted Murano sales, indicating Nissan's proactive approach to maintaining market relevance and consumer interest in its mid-size SUV offering.
The strategic adjustments to the 2027 Nissan Murano lineup reflect a calculated move by the automaker to refine its market positioning. By discontinuing the SV trim, Nissan elevates the perceived value and standard features across the board, particularly with the universal adoption of all-wheel drive. While the entry cost for a Murano has risen, the subsequent price reduction for the SL trim attempts to soften this impact by making a well-equipped model more accessible. The trade-off involves sacrificing certain luxury features previously standard on the SL, such as the panoramic sunroof and the Bose audio system, which may influence buyer decisions based on feature preferences versus cost. The introduction of the Dark Armor trim further diversifies the Murano's appeal, targeting consumers who desire a more distinctive and sporty aesthetic. This variant adds gloss-black 21-inch wheels, specialized bumper designs, unique side skirts, and exclusive badging, along with a 'Graphite' interior upholstery option, available in a selection of six exterior colors, including two-tone choices. These changes collectively aim to optimize the Murano's competitiveness and appeal following its successful 2025 redesign.
Introducing the Dark Armor Edition and Pricing Adjustments
The 2027 Nissan Murano lineup introduces a new Dark Armor trim, starting at $48,535, designed to appeal to consumers seeking a more distinctive and aggressive aesthetic. This new variant stands out with its gloss-black 21-inch wheels, along with a sportier design for both its front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Further enhancing its unique identity, the Dark Armor model features gloss-black Nissan badges and specific Dark Armor badges prominently displayed on the front door panels. Inside, the cabin is exclusively offered with a 'Graphite' upholstery color, providing a cohesive and sophisticated interior environment. This can be paired with a choice of six exterior paint options, including classic shades like Gun Metallic and Super Black, vibrant choices such as Scarlet Ember, and modern two-tone finishes like Boulder Gray or Everest White, both accented with a Super Black roof. Meanwhile, the range-topping Murano Platinum trim sees a minimal price adjustment for 2027, with its cost decreasing by just $10 from the previous year, settling at $51,335. Nissan anticipates that these updated Murano models will become available at dealerships sometime during the fall, offering prospective buyers new choices and revised value propositions.
The debut of the Dark Armor trim in the 2027 Murano series marks a strategic effort by Nissan to broaden the SUV's appeal, especially to a demographic that values distinctive styling and a sportier presence. Priced at $48,535, this new edition offers a compelling package of visual enhancements, including its striking gloss-black wheels and specialized bodywork, complemented by unique badging that reinforces its exclusive status. The interior's monochromatic 'Graphite' theme provides a sleek backdrop for the exterior's diverse color palette, allowing for significant personalization. Concurrently, the minor price reduction for the flagship Murano Platinum trim underscores Nissan's fine-tuning of its pricing strategy across the lineup. These adjustments, from the elimination of the base SV trim to the nuanced pricing of the SL and Platinum models, illustrate Nissan's response to market dynamics and consumer preferences following the Murano's successful redesign in 2025. The brand is clearly focused on refining its offerings to maintain momentum and capture continued interest in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, with the launch expected later this year.
