Dorsett Nissan - Is Intelligent All-Wheel Drive standard on the 2026 Nissan Murano® near Lafayette, IN?

Shoppers around Lafayette who drive year-round in rain, sleet, and surprise snow squalls want an SUV that does more than look sophisticated - it has to inspire confidence when the weather turns. For 2026, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is newly standard across the Nissan Murano lineup, giving you surefooted traction without having to step up or special-order a particular configuration. At Dorsett Nissan, serving Bloomington, Terre Haute, and Indianapolis, we see this as a smart match for Indiana commuting, school drop-offs, and weekend trips where the roads can change from dry to slick in a few miles.

Here is what that means for your daily drive: the Murano’s system continually monitors wheel slip and driving inputs, then can redistribute power between the front and rear axles in a smooth, almost instant way to help maximize grip. You do not need to engage a separate setting to get the benefit - it is always on and always working in the background. Paired with a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine rated at 241 horsepower, the 2026 Murano balances an easygoing ride with added stability that helps on wet leaves in fall and slushy mornings in winter.

To visualize where Intelligent All-Wheel Drive helps most around Lafayette, consider these everyday scenarios.

Stoplight launches on slick pavement: The system can send power rearward to help reduce front-wheel slip when pulling away from a damp intersection on Sagamore Parkway.
Highway stability in crosswinds: On I-65, torque can shift as conditions change to maintain a planted, predictable feel as lanes curve or gusts pick up.
Confident cornering in rain: Exiting River Road or South Street, power distribution can help the Murano track cleanly through an on-ramp even when the surface is wet.
Mixed-surface drives: When pavement gives way to gravel or a leaf-covered driveway, the system adapts seamlessly to maintain traction without driver intervention.

Beyond traction, the 2026 Murano is designed to keep you relaxed and connected. Inside, a roomy two-row cabin draws inspiration from Nissan’s electric Ariya, highlighted by a pair of 12.3-inch color displays - one for the gauge cluster and one for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every trim, and SL and Platinum models add in-dash navigation courtesy of Google Maps, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, Amazon Alexa, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. Zero Gravity front and rear seats support you on long I-65 stretches, and every Murano includes a power liftgate to access the generous cargo area - 33 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64 cubic feet with them folded.

If advanced driver-assist tech is high on your list, you will appreciate that every 2026 Murano includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite and helpful features like Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control. SL and Platinum trims go a step further with ProPILOT Assist 2.1 - a hands-free driving mode available on compatible, mapped highways that can even use navigation data to gently slow for upcoming curves. It is an intuitive layer of support that pairs naturally with the standard all-wheel drive, especially for regular highway commutes between Lafayette and Terre Haute.

Choosing the right trim is straightforward. The SV brings a well-equipped starting point with the same standard all-wheel drive as the rest of the lineup. Step up to the SL for amenities Lafayette shoppers often want, including a panoramic sunroof, memory settings for the driver’s seat, ambient interior lighting, and a 360-degree exterior camera system that helps with parking downtown or backing out of busy lots. The available SL Comfort package adds ventilated and massaging front seats and heated rear seats for four-season comfort. For the most luxurious touches, the Platinum enhances the cabin with semi-aniline leather and additional convenience features ideal for family road trips.

When you are ready to experience the difference that standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive makes, our team at Dorsett Nissan will set up a route that mirrors your daily routine - from stop-and-go streets to highway cruising - so you can feel how the Murano settles into every scenario. We are an easy drive from Lafayette and are happy to walk you through features, trims, and trade-in options, all in one visit.

Key traction advantage: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is standard on every 2026 Murano for added confidence in changing Indiana weather.
Balanced performance: A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 9-speed automatic deliver smooth acceleration and relaxed highway manners.
Everyday tech: Dual 12.3-inch displays are standard, with Google Maps navigation, Bose audio, Alexa, and Wi-Fi hotspot on SL and Platinum.
Confidence assist: Nissan Safety Shield 360 features come standard, with available ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on SL and Platinum for compatible hands-free driving.
Practical space: 33 cubic feet of cargo with the second row up and 64 cubic feet with it folded for weekend gear or grocery runs.

If you are comparing the Murano to other two-row SUVs around Lafayette, we invite you to see how standard all-wheel drive plus the Murano’s premium ride and thoughtful tech stack up in person. Our team is ready to help you find the configuration that fits your day-to-day and your longer trips across Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Intelligent All-Wheel Drive standard on every 2026 Murano® trim?

Yes - for 2026, all-wheel drive is newly standard across the Murano lineup, so you get added traction on SV, SL, and Platinum models.

How does Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on the Murano work in real time?

The system continuously monitors road conditions and driver inputs, then can redistribute torque between the front and rear axles to help maximize grip - for example, sending power rearward as the surface gets slick and shifting it forward again as conditions stabilize.

Which trims offer ProPILOT Assist 2.1, and what does it add?

SL and Platinum models offer ProPILOT Assist 2.1 - a hands-free driving mode on compatible, mapped highways. It can also use navigation data to gently reduce speed as you approach a curve, adding a layer of support to your regular Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keeping Assist.

What infotainment features come standard, and what do higher trims add?

All trims include dual 12.3-inch color displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB-C ports. SL and Platinum add in-dash navigation courtesy of Google Maps, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, Amazon Alexa, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

Where can I test-drive a 2026 Murano near Lafayette, IN?

Dorsett Nissan is a short drive from Lafayette in Terre Haute, IN. Call our Sales team at (812) 917-4876 to schedule a tailored test drive and explore trade-in and financing options in one visit.