Nissan last year finally launched a new generation of its Murano midsize crossover after almost a decade of sales for the previous model. The new design elevates the quirky SUV into more upscale territory, thanks to sharper styling, a larger and more refined cabin, and features typically found in luxury vehicles. However, it doesn’t appear to be gelling with customers, as inventory data shows.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0L 4-cylinder VC-Turbo gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
9-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
The new 2025 Murano, which starts at $40,470, only clocked 8,702 sales in the US for the first three months of 2025. While that represented an 84% spike year-on-year, it’s well off the Murano’s historical past when Nissan sold over 20,000 units per quarter. And things may already be slowing.
Nissan Murano Inventories Are Growing
Automotive News, citing Cox Automotive data, reported this week that Nissan currently has more than five months of inventory for the 2025 Murano. That’s up 15% from a 133-day supply as recently as March. It’s worth noting that vehicle sales at many manufacturers began slowing after the announcement of tariffs on imported cars and parts by the Trump administration in late March, including those built in the US like the Murano.
But that could change if tariffs stick around for a while. Nissan builds the Murano at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, and as rival models built overseas feel the impacts of tariffs, the Murano could well gain an edge. The automaker is also looking to increase production of the Rogue compact crossover at the Smyrna plant, while reducing production at a plant in Japan.
Related
Automakers Drastically Reduce US Car Shipments To Avoid Tariffs
Made In The USA May Not Be Enough
Even with the Murano potentially being less affected than some rivals by the tariffs, Nissan may need to curb production to reduce inventories. According to Automotive News, Nissan has already resorted to offering dealerships cash to take on new inventory, and also revealed during a June 11 presentation to suppliers that it only expects to build 47,410 Muranos in fiscal year 2025. That’s down 21% from its target set only in May, and Nissan apparently has some longer-range concerns as well. The automaker allegedly told suppliers that it is pausing work on a planned Murano refresh scheduled for 2028.
Another issue for the Murano is that buyers in the midsize crossover segment are increasingly looking for hybrid powertrains and third-row seats – neither of which the Murano has. Nissan’s other midsize crossover, the Pathfinder, which comes with three rows as standard, managed 19,661 sales in the first three months.
Related
2025 Nissan Murano First Drive Review: An All-New Murano When It Matters Most
The Murano continues to evolve with an elevated interior, sleek design, and refined powertrain at a crucial time for the brand. Is it enough?
Nissan Desperately Needs Sales
Nissan is in the midst of a major turnaround, currently being overseen by CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took over the reins on April 1. The plan calls for cost cuts of 500 billion yen (approximately $3.4 billion) by fiscal year 2026, involving reductions in fixed and variable costs that include plant closures. Ultimately, this could lead to 20,000 job losses worldwide. While no plant closures are planned in the US, Nissan has scaled back some EV production plans here and has warned that there may be reduced shifts.
Sources: Automotive News
#Nissan #Huge #Supply #Murano #Crossovers
