The Calm Within: A Design Discussion With Murano Designer Giovanny Arroba
Nissan x SHARP
“We were determined to create something striking,” said Giovanny Arroba, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe and visionary behind the all-new Nissan Murano. “Energetic elegance,” is how he described the design philosophy.
“Our goal was to create a vehicle that has equal parts form and function, with a sleek, premium look inside and out,” Arroba explained. “At first glance, you want to walk up to it. You want to get in and drive it.”
If you haven’t yet taken a close look at the All-New Murano, you should. “Elegance,” “striking,” and “premium” aren’t words that typically come to mind when thinking of family-friendly crossover SUVs, but the Murano stands apart. Before we dive into what makes the new one — and its calming interior — so intriguing, let’s take a look back at the Murano’s history.
As Arroba has shared, when the first-gen Murano rolled off the production lines in 2002, SUVs were typically boxy, straight-edged machines. Many of them seemed like they could have been assembled from Ikea flat-packs. That was the norm. “Functionally-oriented” is how Arroba described the design trend at the time.
In that context, the original Murano was unusual. It was sleek when others were square, approachable when others were trying to be tough. The original Murano’s rounded, athletic design arguably helped steer the SUV segment in a new direction. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear how influential the Murano’s design has been; just take a look down your street.
Much has changed since this original design, however there has been a precise continuity as the Murano evolved from its first generation to its present form. Its presence, its use of form; anyone familiar with the nameplate will know what they’re looking at before seeing its badging. The 2025 Murano stands on the shoulders of giants — machines that reshaped the genre and became a smash hit for Nissan.
The All-New Murano was designed with an eye toward making it a sanctuary, a surprisingly premium vehicle that aims to delight both drivers and passengers. It’s all in the details.
“That arcing roofline that encapsulates the side glass all the way from the A-pillar to the rear, you know, this is elegance,” said Arroba. This elevated design can be seen everywhere, from the sharp silhouette of the nose to the commanding headlight band that guides your eye toward the bodyside, he adds.
Even the rear wiper blade is tucked away, hidden inside the rear wing above the window. It not only looks cleaner and more refined, but it also reduces wind noise, creating a quieter cabin.
“The Murano is a wide car — almost two meters wide, three inches wider than the outgoing model. I really wanted to emphasize that with these powerful, muscular rear fenders, undulating like it’s ready to leap,” Arroba said.
But it’s really the cabin that surprises the most. It’s bright, airy, and inviting, with an unexpected sense of spaciousness.
“Inside, the Murano delivers the Japanese principle of Omotenashi, or elevated hospitality,” Arroba continues. “Everything around you is soft, wrapped and stitched. We wanted to make you feel pampered in this sophisticated interior environment. We have the horizontal dual displays, and we didn’t just want to drop them in place. We wanted to cover them with wrapped and stitched materials, so they feel harmoniously integrated. And all these things together have that balance of beauty and functionality.”
Nissan’s unique Murano Glass trim — inspired by Venetian glassworks, after which the crossover is named — features color-shift graphics and textures that play with light. Premium features like a panoramic moonroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, and semi-aniline quilted leather create a distinctly luxurious atmosphere.
“The All-New Nissan Murano,” Arroba said, “is an oasis for your commute, your family, and your road trips, and — I hope you will agree — it is a beautiful evolution of the Murano family.”
