2027 Nissan Murano Adds Bold Dark Armor Grade: Pricing and Specs Revealed

A New Look for Nissan's Flagship Crossover

Nissan has officially announced pricing for the 2027 Murano, introducing a streamlined trim strategy and an aggressive new styling package. The midsize crossover is on sale now, starting at an MSRP of $43,990 for the base SL AWD model.

For buyers in the premium two-row SUV segment, this update is particularly notable. By cutting lesser trims and introducing a bold new “Dark Armor” edition, Nissan is pushing the Murano further upmarket, aiming directly at consumers who prioritize striking design, advanced hands-free driving tech, and a richly appointed cabin without stepping up to a luxury badge.

What Is New?

The most significant change for the 2027 model year is the debut of the Dark Armor grade. This new mid-tier variant slots exactly between the well-equipped SL and the top-tier Platinum, effectively streamlining the Murano's lineup into three distinct all-wheel-drive offerings.

The Dark Armor model strips away traditional brightwork in favor of a sleeker, darkened exterior treatment. Furthermore, Nissan has heavily upgraded the vehicle's technological suite, equipping the cabin with a 12.3-inch infotainment display and integrating Google built-in software to seamlessly connect drivers with modern digital ecosystems.

Key Features

The 2027 Murano focuses heavily on high-end design elements, passenger comfort, and advanced semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

• Dark Armor Exterior: The new grade features gloss black 21-inch alloy wheels, sporty bumpers, lower side molding, and gloss black Nissan badges. Dark Armor badges are also applied to the front door panels.
• Google Built-In: The 12.3-inch infotainment display natively hosts Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store.
• ProPILOT Assist 2.1: This advanced driver assistance system allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel during freeway driving.
• Premium Interior Comfort: The cabin includes options like massaging front seats to elevate the touring experience.
• Safety Heritage: The vehicle continues to hold the 2026 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.

Specifications

Based on the official 2027 Murano press kit, the powertrain shifts toward efficiency and responsive turbocharging.

• Engine: 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) four-cylinder.
• Power: 241 horsepower at 5,600 rpm.
• Torque: 260 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm.
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission.
• Drivetrain: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard across all 2027 grades.
• Drive Modes: A new Snow Mode has been added as a drive option across the lineup.
• Fuel Economy: Rated for up to 27 mpg on the highway.

Price and Variants

The 2027 Nissan Murano features a simplified, three-grade lineup, all equipped with AWD. The destination and handling fee is an additional $1,545.

• Murano SL AWD: $43,990
• Murano Dark Armor AWD: $46,990
• Murano Platinum AWD: $49,790

The Dark Armor edition is exclusively paired with Graphite interior upholstery. Buyers can choose from six exterior paint configurations: Gun Metallic, Super Black, Scarlet Ember, Everest White, and two two-tone options featuring a Super Black roof over either Boulder Gray or Everest White.

Launch and Availability

The 2027 Nissan Murano is officially on sale now at U.S. dealerships. The crossover continues to be domestically assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Why It Matters for Buyers

The midsize two-row SUV segment is notoriously crowded, with buyers increasingly demanding luxury-level features from mainstream brands. The introduction of the Dark Armor grade indicates that Nissan recognizes a strong consumer demand for factory-blackout aesthetic packages. Standard aftermarket blackout kits often lack warranty backing, so offering gloss black 21-inch wheels, darkened bumpers, and stealthy badging directly from the factory is a major convenience.

For buyers, the important part is that this trim offers a distinct, aggressive look for $46,990, avoiding the near-$50,000 threshold of the top-spec Platinum. Furthermore, having advanced connectivity like Google built-in and hands-free driving capabilities standardizes tech that was once reserved for high-end luxury vehicles. The addition of massaging front seats elevates the cabin to compete directly against premium alternatives.

What Remains Unknown

While the official press release thoroughly outlines the pricing structure and the visual upgrades of the Dark Armor package, several practical details remain unconfirmed. Nissan has not explicitly detailed the interior cargo volume with the rear seats folded down, nor have they announced the maximum towing capacity for the 2027 model year. Additionally, the real-world city fuel economy figures for this specific VC-Turbo and AWD pairing are not provided in this initial pricing announcement.

AkulRide Verdict

The 2027 Nissan Murano is strategically interesting. Rather than completely reinventing the wheel, Nissan has chosen to refine a successful formula by leaning heavily into what midsize crossover buyers actually want: strong curb appeal, comfortable seating, and seamless digital integration. The addition of the Dark Armor grade at $46,990 bridges a crucial price gap. While it may be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the combination of hands-free ProPILOT Assist 2.1, the VC-Turbo engine, and aggressive styling keeps the Murano highly relevant in a fiercely competitive segment.