Lead Hook
The 2027 Nissan Murano is getting a price increase that raises the entry point by $2,320, even as the mid‑level SL trim sees a $2,770 cut. The move comes after Nissan eliminates the base SV trim, which was the only front‑wheel‑drive version, leaving the entire lineup all‑wheel drive. This reshaping of the Murano range hints at a broader push to simplify production and protect margins in a competitive midsize SUV segment.
Deep Dive
According to Car and Driver, the 2027 Murano will start at $45,535 for the SL trim, which is $2,320 higher than the 2026 base SV price of $43,215. The SL trim itself is reported to be $2,770 less than its 2026 counterpart, but it loses several features: the panoramic sunroof, the 10‑speaker Bose stereo system, and in‑dash navigation. These changes mean that the SL, now the entry‑level model, offers less equipment for a lower price, while the overall floor price for the Murano rises.Car and Driver
Nissan’s official news site reports that the base MSRP for the 2027 Murano is $43,990 and confirms the addition of a new Dark Armor trim. The Dark Armor variant starts at $48,535 and includes gloss‑black 21‑inch wheels, sportier bumper and side‑skirt styling, gloss‑black Nissan badges, and a Graphite interior upholstery that can be paired with six exterior colours.Nissan News
At the top of the range, the Platinum trim is priced at $51,335, down just $10 from the previous year.Car and Driver
The removal of the SV trim also eliminates the Murano’s only front‑wheel‑drive option, meaning all 2027 Muranos will be all‑wheel drive.Car and Driver This shift simplifies the drivetrain lineup, potentially reducing parts inventory and assembly complexity. Sales data show that after the 2025 redesign, Murano volume jumped from 19,316 units in 2024 to 42,747 units in 2025, suggesting the redesign revived interest, and Nissan may now be looking to capitalize on that momentum while trimming costs.Car and Driver
Audit & Contradictions
Several claims appear only in the Car and Driver report and should be treated as single‑source: the $45,535 starting price for the SL trim, the $2,320 base‑price increase, the $2,770 SL price reduction, the Dark Armor price of $48,535, the Platinum price of $51,335, and the 2024‑2025 sales figures.Car and Driver
Conversely, the elimination of the SV trim, the addition of the Dark Armor grade, the loss of the panoramic sunroof, Bose stereo, and navigation from the SL trim, and Nissan’s reported base MSRP of $43,990 are corroborated by the manufacturer’s own news outlet.Nissan News
The fact‑check rates the overall reliability as Medium, reflecting solid corroboration on structural changes but uncertainty around exact pricing figures.
Future Outlook
If Nissan’s move to an AWD‑only Murano lineup is driven by production efficiency, competitors may watch closely for similar simplifications in their midsize SUV offerings. Standardizing on AWD could reduce the number of unique parts, streamline supply chains, and lower manufacturing overhead—advantages that become increasingly valuable amid volatile raw‑material costs and ongoing semiconductor constraints. The addition of an appearance‑focused Dark Armor trim suggests Nissan is also seeking to attract buyers willing to pay a premium for styling cues without major mechanical changes, a tactic used by several brands to boost transaction prices.
Looking ahead, the Murano’s pricing strategy will test whether consumers accept a higher entry price in exchange for a more uniform, potentially more capable AWD fleet. Should the approach succeed, it could encourage Nissan to apply similar trim‑rationalization to other nameplates, balancing volume growth with margin protection in a segment where buyers are increasingly sensitive to both price and perceived value.