When I was young, I’ll admit, I was all about looks. Cars, to me, were an extension of style, freedom, and attitude. I wanted something that turned heads, something unusual, something vintage, something that said I’m cool and yes, I own this road. I didn’t care much about comfort or cargo space; I cared about how it looked when I pulled up somewhere. The right car was part of the image, and my younger self had her priorities straight—at least for that stage of life.
Then life happened.
When Ben came along, everything shifted. Suddenly, my dream car was whatever made it easiest to get that darned car seat in and out without breaking my back or bruising my shins. Safety features became the new “cool,” and cargo space for strollers, diaper bags, and groceries mattered more than horsepower or the rounded hood of a Karmann Ghia or my cute little Triumph. I wanted solid, reliable, practical, and I wanted to know that no matter what, we’d get where we were going safely.
Later, as Ben got older, my car life evolved again. My priorities turned into, “How many high schoolers can I pile in for a ride to the game?” The backseat needed to fit backpacks, sweaty uniforms, and those endless sports bags. Comfort, space, and air-conditioning for everyone were the winning trio. The stereo had to blast music loud enough to drown out teenage chatter, and my role as chauffeur became a full-time identity.
Now, at this season of life, I’ve come full circle in the best way possible. I may not be ferrying kids to practice anymore, but I still need a car that fits my world. Only now, my checklist looks different. I need comfort for my aging hips and back, intuitive safety features that help me stay sharp behind the wheel, and a smooth, responsive drive that feels both confident and fun. I need a car that holds the road like it was built just for me, one that quietly makes me a better driver without making me feel like I’m being babysat by a machine. But I’ll be honest: I still want it to look good.
A few weeks ago I got to drive just that car when they dropped off a 2025 Nissan Murano in my driveway to test drive for the week. It checks every single box on my ever-evolving list and does it with the kind of understated sophistication that fits my life perfectly right now.
The Grown-Up Redefinition of “Cool”
When I slid behind the wheel of the new Murano, I realized something: this is what “cool” feels like now. It’s not about flash, it’s about confidence. The exterior lines are bold without trying too hard, and the sculpted design gives it presence on the road. It’s a car that made me smile when I caught it in a reflection, which, if you ask me, is the adult version of automotive lust.
But the real magic happens when you start it up. The turbocharged engine gives you that satisfying bit of pickup you need when merging onto the highway or zipping through traffic. It’s responsive, but not jerky, strong, but refined. The 9-speed automatic transmission delivers such a smooth transition that you barely notice the shifts. And with intelligent all-wheel drive, I feel just as confident cruising the flat Florida highways as I do taking a snowy detour through New England come winter. It’s the perfect balance of power and precision—like a car that’s matured right alongside me.
And let’s talk mileage because at this point in life, efficiency matters. With 23 MPG combined, the Murano proves that performance and practicality can coexist. Whether I’m running errands around Vero Beach or heading north for a family visit, it’s good to know that my gas stops will be fewer and farther between.
A Ride That Loves Me Back
These days, my body thanks me for every ounce of comfort it can get. The Murano delivers in spades. The heated and ventilated front seats are pure bliss, and the addition of a massage function? Let’s just say this feature feels downright indulgent, and I’m not complaining. On a long drive, that little rolling motion through the seat keeps my back happy and my posture in check.
The cabin is spacious without being oversized (which at my height is a factor), designed with soft-touch materials and quiet elegance that instantly puts me at ease. The floating touchscreen display is large enough that I don’t have to squint (thank you, Nissan), and the layout is intuitive, so no fumbling through menus while I’m driving.
And yes, the LATCH system is still there for my favorite passenger—my grandson, Jack. Knowing that I can safely secure his car seat without any extra fuss gives me peace of mind. The back seat has plenty of room for his growing legs, and the car’s climate control keeps everyone comfortable, no matter who’s riding along.
Safety That Thinks Ahead
The Murano isn’t just comfortable; it’s smart. I’ve driven a lot of cars over the years, but the 2025 Murano’s suite of safety features genuinely makes me feel supported, not smothered. The automatic emergency braking system is like having an extra set of eyes on the road. It’s there just in case my reflexes don’t fire as fast as they used to. The intelligent lane intervention gives a subtle nudge when I drift too close to the lines (because, let’s face it, sometimes it’s them, not me).
Then there’s my new favorite feature – the HD-enhanced intelligent Around View Monitor. This little gem gives me a bird’s-eye view of my surroundings, so that I can see everything around the car. Tight parking spots? Parallel parking downtown? Easy. It even helps me spot the occasional wayward shopping cart before it gets too close.
And I’ll admit I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the head-up display that projects information onto the windshield. But within a day, I realized I loved it. It keeps my eyes where they should be, on the road, while still letting me see my speed at a glance. It’s the kind of subtle technology that quietly makes driving safer and easier without feeling intrusive.
Designed for Real Life
One of the things I appreciate most about the Murano is how seamlessly it adapts between me and Mr. S. At 5’1”, I need everything adjusted down. The seat height, mirrors, and steering wheel all have to be within comfortable reach for me, while my 6’1” husband basically was as comfortable in the cockpit every time he drove it. With the Murano’s memory seating system, switching between us was effortless. Push a button, and everything adjusts back to “my” settings. It’s the kind of small detail that makes a big difference in day-to-day life.
The infotainment system is another highlight. The large, high-resolution touchscreen is crisp and fast, and the sound system, let’s just say Jason Mraz never sounded better (until my hubby got in the car and switched the station to Mosaic as he always does). Whether I’m blasting classic rock, relaxing with blues, or catching up on podcasts, the acoustics are clear, rich, and immersive.
Even simple tasks like charging my phone or connecting Bluetooth happen instantly. The charging ports are conveniently located, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make the cabin feel fully modern. Since I’m an Android user, I really appreciated that it had Google built in (along with Alexa and Sirius radio). Everything works like it’s supposed to, which is more than I can say for a lot of “techy” cars these days.
The Bottom Line
Having grown up in the wholesale automobile business (my father was a wholesaler, later in life my husband was, and my grandfather was a car dealer when I was little) I’ve driven cars through every phase of my life – fast ones, family ones, practical ones, and everything in between. But the 2025 Nissan Murano feels like the first car that truly understands this chapter of my life. It gives me confidence, comfort, and a dash of indulgence all at once. It’s not just transportation; it’s a partnership.
It’s the car that reminds me that even though my needs have changed, my taste hasn’t. I still want something that feels good to drive, looks stylish pulling into a restaurant valet, and takes care of me in all the ways that matter. The Murano is the perfect blend of past and present. It’s smart, elegant, and quietly powerful.
So yes, I’ve traded in the muscle cars and the minivans, but I haven’t given up on loving what I drive, and the 2025 Nissan Murano proves that growing older doesn’t mean giving up the thrill, it just means finding it in new ways.
And honestly? With features like a massage seat, all-wheel drive, and a view that makes me feel like I’ve got eyes in the back of my head, I may have just found my new happy place…right behind the wheel.
