The 2027 Nissan Murano Adds a Blacked-Out Dark Armor Grade, and It Lands Right in the Family Sweet Spot
Nissan just gave its award-winning midsize crossover some attitude. The 2027 Nissan Murano took a price increase for the new model year, starting at $43,990. The headline, though, is the arrival of a bold new Dark Armor grade. It brings gloss black styling and a price that slots neatly into the family-SUV middle. So for shoppers who have admired the Murano’s design but wanted a sharper look, this is the version to see.
A Streamlined Lineup With Dark Armor in the Middle
For 2027, Nissan narrowed the Murano to three all-wheel-drive trims. The new Dark Armor slots between the well-equipped SL and the richly appointed Platinum. Notably, every trim comes standard with AWD. That matters for families in colder climates, because it means no extra charge for foul-weather traction.
Pricing breaks down as follows, before Nissan’s $1,545 destination and handling charge:
- Murano SL AWD: $43,990
- Murano Dark Armor AWD: $46,990
- Murano Platinum AWD: $49,790
The entry point has climbed since last year. In fact, the 2026 Murano started at $41,670. As a result, the 2027 SL now represents a $2,320 bump at the bottom of the range.
What Makes Dark Armor Stand Out
The Dark Armor treatment is all about a sleeker, darkened look. Nissan fits it with gloss black 21-inch wheels, sportier bumpers, and lower side molding. It then adds gloss black Nissan badges, plus Dark Armor badges on the front doors. Altogether, the result reads more aggressive without shouting.
Buyers do trade some flexibility for the look. Dark Armor comes only with Graphite interior upholstery, so there’s no lighter cabin option. Outside, though, there’s plenty of choice. Six colors are available, including Gun Metallic, Super Black, Scarlet Ember, and Everest White. In addition, two-tone Boulder Gray and Everest White finishes each pair with a Super Black roof.
Comfort and Tech Built for Family Miles
Under the styling, the Murano remains the near-luxury cruiser Nissan has cultivated. Its available technology is strong for the segment. For example, ProPILOT Assist 2.1 lets attentive drivers take their hands off the wheel during single-lane freeway driving. In addition, Google built-in puts Google Maps, the Play Store, and Google Assistant into the 12.3-inch display, no phone required.
Families logging long hours will also appreciate the available massaging front seats. On top of that, the 3D Enhanced Around View Monitor adds full 3D rotation, Front Wide View, and Invisible Hood View. Together, those views make tight parking far less nerve-wracking.
Power, Efficiency, and a Reassuring Track Record
Motivation comes from Nissan’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine. It makes 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic and standard AWD. As for efficiency, Nissan lists the Murano at up to 27 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the carryover powertrain keeps the same EPA rating from 2025 and 2026: 21 MPG city and 23 MPG combined.
Just as important for family buyers is the Murano’s résumé. For instance, the 2027 model is assembled at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee, plant. It was also named Best Midsize 2-Row SUV for the Money in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 awards. On top of that, it earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, the institute’s highest honor.
The GT: Garage Talk® Take
The Murano has always occupied an unusual niche. It’s a two-row midsize SUV that trades some cargo practicality for a genuinely upscale cabin. Dark Armor, then, doubles down on the “want” factor rather than the “need” factor. Still, that’s not a criticism. After all, plenty of families shop with their eyes as much as their spreadsheets. At $46,990 before destination, Dark Armor also undercuts much of the blacked-out luxury-badge competition. On top of that, it delivers standard AWD and a proven safety and dependability record.