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Nissan is selling a 2016 Murano Hybrid, but good luck finding one

If you want a rare car, forget the Bentley or Lamborghini and try to find yourself a 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid. Nissan is quietly introducing a hybrid version of its fashion-conscious crossover in the U.S., but will only import about 600 units, according to Car and Driver. Granted, there probably won’t be much demand for the Murano Hybrid given that Nissan isn’t exactly going out of its way to promote it.

Nissan seems to be following the same strategy it did with the equally low-key Pathfinder Hybrid, which lasted just two model years. The Murano Hybrid actually uses the same powertrain as the Pathfinder, which makes sense as the two models share a platform. A 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) work with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.

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Total system output is 250 horsepower, which is the same as the defunct Pathfinder Hybrid and 10 hp less than what you get from the non-hybrid Murano’s 3.5-liter V6. With front-wheel drive, the hybrid gets an EPA-rated 29 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 31 mpg highway), compared to 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) for the V6. All-wheel drive models get 28 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the hybrid and V6 powertrains, respectively.

Read more: Nissan’s 2017 Pathfinder is more user friendly

That bump in fuel economy comes with a price bump as well. The hybrid powertrain is only available on the higher-level SL and Platinum models, and there’s a $3,000 premium compared to non-hybrid versions of those models. That doesn’t make the Murano Hybrid very compelling from a value standpoint but with only 600 units to move, it’s not like Nissan needed to make this green SUV appealing to a wide audience.

As with the previous Pathfinder Hybrid, the Murano Hybrid is distinguished from other Murano models only by discreet exterior badging. For the short time that it’s on sale, the Murano will be the only hybrid model in Nissan’s U.S. lineup. The carmaker’s Infiniti luxury division still offers hybrid versions of the Q50, Q70, and QX60, though.

Given its limited production run, the 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid’s impact on the market will probably be as discreet as its powertrain operating in near-silent electric mode. Nissan’s primary focus continues to be electric cars; its Leaf remains the bestselling electric car in history, and is due for a full redesign.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
You can now lease a Hyundai EV on Amazon—and snag that $7,500 tax credit
amazon autos hyundai evs lease ioniq 6 n line seoul mobility show 2025 mk08

Amazon has changed how we shop for just about everything—from books to furniture to groceries. Now, it’s transforming the way we lease cars. Through Amazon Autos, you can now lease a brand-new Hyundai entirely online—and even better, you’ll qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit if you choose an electric model like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, or Kona EV.
Here’s why that matters: As of January 2025, Hyundai’s EVs no longer qualify for the tax credit if you buy them outright, due to strict federal rules about battery sourcing and final assembly. But when you lease, the vehicle is technically owned by the leasing company (Hyundai Capital), which allows it to be classified as a “commercial vehicle” under U.S. tax law—making it eligible for the credit. That savings is typically passed on to you in the form of lower lease payments.
With Amazon’s new setup, you can browse Hyundai’s EV inventory, secure financing, trade in your current vehicle, and schedule a pickup—all without leaving the Amazon ecosystem.
It’s available in 68 markets across the U.S., and pricing is fully transparent—no hidden fees or haggling. While Hyundai is so far the only automaker fully participating, more are expected to join over time.
Pioneered by the likes of Tesla, purchasing or leasing vehicles online has been a growing trend since the Covid pandemic.
A 2024 study by iVendi found that 74% of car buyers expect to use some form of online process for their next purchase. In fact, 75% said online buying met or exceeded expectations, with convenience and access to information cited as top reasons. The 2024 EY Mobility Consumer Index echoed this trend, reporting that 25% of consumers now plan to buy their next vehicle online—up from 18% in 2021. Even among those who still prefer to finalize the purchase at a dealership, 87% use online tools for research beforehand.
Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study reveals that while 86% of U.S. consumers still want to test-drive a vehicle in person, digital tools are now a critical part of the buying journey.
Bottom line? Amazon is making it easier than ever to lease an EV and claim that tax credit—without the dealership hassle. If you're ready to plug in, it might be time to add to cart.

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This would make sense as Android Automotive already uses Google's Assistant to help with those much-needed in-car hands-free requests.

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