Nissan’s flagship midsize SUV, the 2025 Murano, has just clinched the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest possible rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With a bold redesign, advanced safety features, and improved structural integrity, the new Murano is not just about luxury and comfort — it’s now one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Let’s explore how Nissan achieved this milestone, what it means for buyers, and why the 2025 Murano should be on your radar if safety is a top priority.
🚘 A Closer Look at the 2025 Nissan Murano Redesign
The 2025 model year brings a complete transformation to the Murano lineup — both visually and under the skin. This redesign is the first major overhaul in nearly a decade, and it has paid off tremendously.
🔧 Key Redesign Highlights:
- More rigid body structure for improved crash protection
- Updated exterior styling with sharper lines, LED headlights, and a wider stance
- Reengineered front and rear crumple zones to absorb more impact energy
- All-new platform integration for enhanced stability and safety
The changes were aimed not just at aesthetics or ride quality but also to meet the latest safety testing protocols, particularly the 2023–2025 IIHS updated crash tests, which are far more stringent.
🛡️ What is the IIHS Top Safety Pick+?
The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) is a trusted, independent authority in vehicle safety. Every year, it tests new vehicles across multiple crash scenarios and evaluates their crashworthiness and crash prevention technologies.
To earn the Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating, a vehicle must:
- Earn “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness tests, including:
- Moderate overlap front
- Side impact (updated test)
- Roof strength
- Head restraints
- Score “Advanced” or “Superior” for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention
- Have acceptable or good-rated headlights standard on all trims
The 2025 Nissan Murano met — and in many cases exceeded — these tough criteria.
✅ Crash Test Performance: Where the Murano Shines
🧱 Structural Safety
Nissan significantly reinforced the A- and B-pillars, door frames, and the firewall between the engine and passenger compartments. This allowed the Murano to absorb collision energy more effectively, particularly in side-impact scenarios.
🧍 Pedestrian Protection
The updated Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection functioned flawlessly during tests. The Murano successfully avoided or minimized impact at both 12 mph and 25 mph — speeds commonly seen in city driving.
🚦 Advanced Driver Assistance
Standard across all trims are:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Driver Attention Alert
- High Beam Assist
These systems contributed to the SUV’s “Superior” rating in front crash prevention.
💡 Improved Headlight Performance
A common reason many vehicles miss out on the TSP+ rating is poor headlight performance. Nissan didn’t cut corners — all 2025 Murano trims now come with LED reflector headlights, which earned a “Good” rating in all conditions.
These lights offer:
- Greater visibility at night
- Reduced glare for oncoming drivers
- Automatic high/low beam functionality
This standardized feature across the range helped push the Murano into the Top Safety Pick+ category.
👪 Why Safety Matters More Than Ever in 2025
With distracted driving and urban congestion on the rise, consumers are more aware than ever of vehicle safety. For families, in particular, the 2025 Murano presents a solid case:
- Spacious interior for child seats
- Rear-seat reminder for child safety
- Advanced airbag systems
- Optional ProPILOT Assist, offering semi-autonomous driving in traffic and on highways
In a crowded segment of midsize SUVs, where vehicles like the Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Venza compete, the Murano now holds an edge in both luxury and safety.
📊 Competitive Comparison: Where Murano Stands
| Feature/Model | 2025 Nissan Murano | Hyundai Santa Fe | Toyota Venza | Ford Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIHS Safety Rating | Top Safety Pick+ | Top Safety Pick | Not Rated Yet | Marginal |
| Standard AEB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Headlights (All Trims) | Yes | No | No | No |
| ProPILOT Assist | Yes (optional) | No | No | No |
Nissan’s efforts to make every trim level equally safe — rather than keeping premium safety tech exclusive to higher-end variants — is a big win for consumers.
🌍 Environmental Responsibility with Safety
In addition to safety, the redesigned 2025 Murano also takes steps toward eco-friendliness:
- Better aerodynamics = improved fuel efficiency
- Low-emission powertrain variants expected
- Sustainable interior materials in select trims
This mix of eco-consciousness and safety aligns with what modern car buyers expect from next-gen SUVs.
💬 Consumer Reactions and Expert Opinions
Buyers who’ve tested the 2025 Murano have praised its:
- Confidence-inspiring driving dynamics
- Comfortable seating and noise insulation
- Easy-to-use infotainment and ADAS features
Automotive experts have also pointed out that the TSP+ rating restores the Murano’s credibility in a segment that had recently left it behind in innovation.
📅 Availability and Pricing
The 2025 Murano is now available at Nissan dealerships across key markets. While pricing may vary, the base model starts around ₹32–35 lakh in India (expected) or $37,000 in the U.S., with top variants going beyond that.
Buyers can expect:
- Standard safety suite
- Advanced driver assistance
- Award-winning protection
At this price point, the Murano offers value + safety, a rare combination in this competitive SUV class.
✅ Conclusion: A Smart Buy for the Safety-Conscious
The 2025 Nissan Murano is no longer just a stylish SUV — it’s a class-leading safety champion. With its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, intelligent driver aids, and a comprehensive redesign, Nissan has ensured this SUV meets the needs of modern families, daily commuters, and city drivers alike.
If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV in 2025 and safety tops your priority list, the Nissan Murano deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
