Does the Nissan Murano Have Third-row Seating?

The Nissan Murano does not have third-row seating. It’s a midsize SUV designed with two rows and seating for up to five passengers, prioritizing comfort and style over maximum passenger capacity.

Key Takeaways

• No Third-Row Seating: The Nissan Murano is a two-row SUV with seating for five, not seven or eight like some larger competitors.
• Spacious Second Row: While it lacks a third row, the Murano offers generous legroom and comfort in the rear seats, making it ideal for families with older kids or adults.
• Cargo Flexibility: With no third row, the Murano provides more cargo space behind the second row, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
• Premium Interior Focus: Nissan emphasizes upscale materials, quiet cabin design, and advanced tech features over maximizing passenger count.
• Better Suited for Smaller Families: The Murano is perfect for couples, small families, or those who value comfort and refinement over hauling extra passengers.
• Competitors with Third Rows: If you need a third row, consider the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, or Honda Pilot instead.
• Fuel Efficiency Advantage: With a lighter build and fewer seats, the Murano often delivers better fuel economy than larger three-row SUVs.

Does the Nissan Murano Have Third-Row Seating? The Straight Answer

If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV and wondering whether the Nissan Murano has third-row seating, the answer is clear: no, it does not. The Murano is designed as a two-row crossover with seating for up to five passengers. This might come as a surprise if you’re comparing it to other vehicles in its class, some of which offer optional third rows. But the Murano takes a different approach—focusing on comfort, style, and a premium driving experience rather than maximizing passenger capacity.

Nissan has consistently positioned the Murano as a more upscale, driver-focused SUV. Instead of cramming in a third row that often sacrifices legroom and cargo space, the brand opted to give passengers in the first and second rows more room to stretch out. The result is a cabin that feels open, airy, and luxurious—especially when compared to some of its boxier, family-hauling rivals.

So why doesn’t the Murano have a third row? It’s not an oversight. It’s a deliberate design choice. Nissan engineers prioritized ride quality, interior materials, and a quiet cabin over adding a cramped third row that most families would rarely use. If you’re someone who values comfort, smooth handling, and a refined interior—and you don’t need to transport more than five people regularly—the Murano could be a perfect fit.

Understanding the Nissan Murano’s Seating Layout

Let’s break down the Murano’s seating configuration in detail. As mentioned, it’s a two-row SUV with a standard five-passenger layout. That means two front seats and a three-person bench (or optional captain’s chairs in higher trims) in the back. There is no option to add a third row, either from the factory or through aftermarket modifications.

Front Seating: Comfort and Support

The front seats in the Murano are among the most comfortable in the segment. They’re well-padded, offer excellent lumbar support, and come standard with power adjustments on most trims. Higher-end models like the SL and Platinum include heated and ventilated front seats, making long drives more pleasant in both summer and winter.

The driver’s seat is positioned high, giving you a commanding view of the road—something many SUV buyers appreciate. The dashboard is driver-centric, with controls angled toward the person behind the wheel. This layout enhances usability and reduces distraction while driving.

Second-Row Seating: Room to Relax

Here’s where the Murano really shines. Without a third row, the second row gets all the space. Rear legroom is generous—around 37 inches, which is more than enough for most adults to sit comfortably, even on long trips. The seatbacks are well-contoured, and the cushioning is plush, making it a great place to be whether you’re a passenger or a parent shuttling kids around.

The rear seats also recline slightly, allowing passengers to lean back and relax. There’s plenty of headroom, even for taller individuals, and the wide rear doors make getting in and out easy—especially helpful when installing car seats or helping elderly passengers.

Some higher trims offer rear-seat climate controls, USB ports, and even a rear entertainment system option, making the Murano a strong contender for families who want to keep backseat passengers happy.

No Third Row = More Cargo Space

One of the biggest advantages of not having a third row is the extra cargo room. With all seats in place, the Murano offers about 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. That’s significantly more than what you’d get in a three-row SUV with all seats up.

Fold down the 60/40-split rear seats, and you unlock up to 67 cubic feet of storage—enough for luggage, groceries, sports gear, or even a small mattress for a weekend camping trip. The flat load floor and low liftover height make loading heavy items a breeze.

This cargo flexibility is a major selling point for buyers who don’t need a third row but still want a versatile SUV. Whether you’re a weekend warrior hauling bikes and coolers or a busy parent managing school supplies and strollers, the Murano’s cargo area is up to the task.

Why Nissan Chose Not to Include a Third Row

You might be wondering: why would Nissan skip the third row when so many competitors offer it? The answer lies in the Murano’s design philosophy and target market.

Focus on Comfort and Refinement

Nissan designed the Murano to compete with premium crossovers like the Lexus RX, Acura RDX, and Lincoln Corsair—not bulky family haulers like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse. These vehicles emphasize a smooth ride, quiet cabin, and high-end materials over raw passenger capacity.

By skipping the third row, Nissan was able to focus on improving the driving experience. The suspension is tuned for comfort, the cabin is insulated against road noise, and the interior features soft-touch materials, real wood trim, and ambient lighting. It’s a more upscale feel than you’d get in a utilitarian three-row SUV.

Targeting a Different Buyer

The Murano is aimed at buyers who want the height and visibility of an SUV but don’t need to transport large families regularly. Think empty nesters, couples, or small families with one or two kids. These buyers often prioritize comfort, style, and fuel efficiency over maximum seating.

In fact, many people who buy three-row SUVs rarely use the third row. It often ends up as extra cargo space or collects dust. Nissan likely concluded that most Murano buyers wouldn’t miss the third row—and would appreciate the extra space and comfort instead.

Engineering and Cost Considerations

Adding a third row isn’t just about slapping in extra seats. It requires reinforcing the chassis, redesigning the floor pan, adding more airbags, and reworking the HVAC system to cool the rear cabin. All of this adds weight, complexity, and cost.

By keeping the Murano a two-row SUV, Nissan could keep the vehicle lighter, more fuel-efficient, and less expensive to build. Those savings can be passed on to buyers or reinvested into higher-quality materials and tech features.

Comparing the Murano to Three-Row Competitors

If you’re set on having a third row, the Murano isn’t your best option. But it’s worth comparing it to similar-sized SUVs that do offer third-row seating to understand the trade-offs.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Murano’s Three-Row Sibling

If you like the Murano but need a third row, consider the Nissan Pathfinder. It’s built on a similar platform but offers seating for up to eight passengers. The Pathfinder is more rugged, with available four-wheel drive and a stronger towing capacity (up to 6,000 pounds), making it better for families who need versatility and power.

However, the Pathfinder is also heavier, less fuel-efficient, and has a less refined ride than the Murano. The interior, while improved in recent years, doesn’t feel as premium. So if you don’t need the extra seats, the Murano is the more comfortable choice.

Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot: Family Favorites

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are two of the most popular three-row midsize SUVs. Both offer seating for seven or eight, strong reliability ratings, and generous standard features. They’re excellent choices for large families or those who frequently carpool.

But they also come with compromises. The third row in both vehicles is best suited for children or short trips. Adults will find it cramped, and cargo space shrinks significantly when the third row is in use. The Murano, by contrast, gives you more usable space and a more comfortable ride for the passengers you do have.

Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe: Two-Row Alternatives

If you like the Murano’s two-row layout but want to compare options, the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe are worth a look. Both offer similar seating for five, upscale interiors, and strong tech features.

The Edge has a sportier feel and available all-wheel drive, while the Santa Fe offers a longer warranty and more standard safety features. But the Murano still stands out for its quiet cabin, smooth ride, and distinctive styling.

Who Should Buy the Nissan Murano?

The Murano isn’t for everyone—but it’s perfect for the right buyer. Here’s who should consider it:

Small Families and Couples

If you have one or two kids, the Murano’s five-passenger layout is more than enough. The rear seats are spacious, and the cargo area can handle strollers, diaper bags, and weekend getaway gear with ease. Plus, the quiet cabin and smooth ride make school runs and road trips more enjoyable.

Empty Nesters and Retirees

Older buyers often appreciate the Murano’s comfortable seating, easy entry and exit, and relaxed driving dynamics. The available safety features—like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control—add peace of mind without complicating the driving experience.

Tech-Savvy Drivers

The Murano comes well-equipped with modern tech. Even the base model includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assistance features. Higher trims add wireless charging, a premium Bose audio system, and a head-up display.

Those Who Value Style and Comfort

Let’s be honest—the Murano looks good. Its sleek, coupe-like roofline, bold grille, and LED lighting give it a premium appearance that stands out in a sea of boxy SUVs. Inside, the attention to detail and high-quality materials make it feel more like a luxury vehicle than a mainstream crossover.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

Another benefit of not having a third row is better fuel economy. The Murano comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps optimize fuel efficiency.

Front-wheel drive models get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive drops those numbers slightly to 20/27 mpg, but that’s still competitive for a V6-powered midsize SUV.

The Murano isn’t a performance machine, but it’s plenty capable for daily driving. Acceleration is smooth and responsive, and the ride is comfortable over bumps and rough roads. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is a strong suit for the Murano. It comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes:

– Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
– Blind-spot warning
– Rear cross-traffic alert
– Lane departure warning
– High beam assist
– Rear automatic braking

These features earned the Murano a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in recent years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gave it an overall 5-star safety rating.

In terms of reliability, the Murano has a solid track record. J.D. Power and Consumer Reports both rate it above average for dependability. The V6 engine and CVT have been proven over time, and routine maintenance is straightforward and affordable.

Final Thoughts: Is the Murano Right for You?

So, does the Nissan Murano have third-row seating? No—and that’s actually one of its strengths. By focusing on comfort, style, and a refined driving experience, Nissan created a midsize SUV that stands out in a crowded market.

If you need to seat six or seven people regularly, the Murano isn’t the right choice. But if you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped SUV for five passengers, it’s hard to beat. The spacious interior, generous cargo room, and premium features make it a great option for small families, couples, and anyone who values a quiet, comfortable ride.

Before you decide, take a test drive. Sit in the back seat, load up the cargo area, and see how it feels on the road. You might find that the Murano’s two-row design is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Nissan Murano have third-row seating?

No, the Nissan Murano does not have third-row seating. It is a two-row SUV with seating for up to five passengers.

Can you add a third row to a Nissan Murano?

No, it is not possible to add a third row to the Murano. The vehicle’s design and chassis do not support a third row, and Nissan does not offer this as an option.

How much cargo space does the Murano have?

The Murano offers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. With the rear seats folded, it expands to 67 cubic feet.

What Nissan SUV has third-row seating?

The Nissan Pathfinder is the brand’s midsize SUV with available third-row seating, accommodating up to eight passengers.

Is the Murano comfortable for long trips?

Yes, the Murano is known for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and supportive seats, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel.

How does the Murano compare to the Toyota Highlander?

The Murano is a two-row SUV focused on comfort and style, while the Highlander offers three rows and more passenger capacity but less cargo space and a less refined ride.