The 2020 Nissan Murano represents a significant moment for the brand, blending refined luxury with practical family design. This mid-size crossover offers a cabin that feels surprisingly upscale, utilizing quality materials and intelligent layout choices. For buyers considering a used model or new inventory, understanding the interior specifics is essential to appreciating its value proposition.
Design and Material Quality
Walking into the 2020 Murano, the first impression is one of softened edges and elevated aesthetics. Nissan moved away from the sharp angles of previous generations, opting for a more flowing design language that extends into the cabin. The dashboard features a sweeping curve that ties together the center stack and console, creating a cohesive look that avoids the cluttered feel common in older vehicles.
Material choice plays a major role in the interior's appeal. Upper trims, such as the SL and Platinum, incorporate genuine leather seating surfaces and door inserts, which provide a tactile, premium experience. Even the base model benefits from soft-touch plastics on the upper dashboard, reducing the harshness often found in vehicles at this price point. The available wood grain accents, while subtle, add a touch of warmth that elevates the overall ambiance.
Seating and Comfort Features
The front bench is a highlight, offering ample bolstering and cushion support during long highway drives. The standard ventilated front seats are a standout feature for warmer climates, utilizing perforated leather to allow airflow and prevent sweating. Power adjustments are intuitive, with the driver’s seat offering both memory settings and a height extender to accommodate different body types.
In the second row, the Murano truly shines as a family hauler. The 60/40 split-folding rear bench provides flexibility for seating passengers or maximizing cargo space when the seats are folded flat. The seat fabric is durable and easy to clean, a practical choice for households with children or pets. Heated second-row seating, available on higher trims, ensures that rear passengers arrive at their destination comfortable, even in cold weather.
Technology and Infotainment System
At the heart of the interior is the 2020 Murano’s infotainment system, which centers around an 8-inch touchscreen display. Nissan upgraded the interface to version 3.0, resulting in faster boot times and smoother navigation compared to the previous generation. The interface is logically organized, though it retains the distinctive circular "shutter" buttons for menu navigation that some drivers either love or find quirky.
Standard connectivity features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which integrate seamlessly with the factory audio system. Bose performance audio is a notable option, delivering a rich soundstage that fills the cabin without distortion at higher volumes. The inclusion of a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines is standard, providing confidence during parking maneuvers.
Practicality and Cargo Capacity
Despite its mid-size classification, the Murano manages to offer generous cargo space behind the rear seat. With the rear bench in place, the capacity is respectable for grocery runs or weekend trips. However, the true advantage is revealed when the rear seats are folded flat, transforming the cargo area into a near-flat load floor that can accommodate large items like furniture or appliances.
The interior design incorporates numerous thoughtful storage solutions. Door pockets are deep enough to hold water bottles, and the center console includes a sliding tray for phones or sunglasses. Additionally, the 2020 model year introduced a USB-C charging port, catering to modern connectivity needs and ensuring that all passengers can power their devices on the go.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is deeply integrated into the 2020 Murano’s interior design, moving beyond basic airbags to include a robust suite of driver assistance technologies. The available Intelligent Around View® Monitor provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making it easier to navigate tight parking lots or check blind spots when reversing. This system utilizes four cameras to stitch together a seamless view of the surroundings.
