Now in its third generation, Nissan’s stylish crossover, the Murano, is bolder than ever.
The Murano made its debut back in 2003. It was Nissan’s first midsize, five passenger crossover in North America, and it stood out for its unique look and great design.
While the second generation Murano was more evolutionary, Nissan unveiled a breakthrough design for the third generation model which started a design renaissance for the brand.
In its lineup, the Murano is Nissan’s halo crossover. But, unlike the typical halo car which serves a small niche and sells in low numbers, Nissan hopes the Murano will hit high volume numbers and reinforce a styling image for the brand.
Nissan has to keep in mind that the competitors such as the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Jeep Grand Cherokee will try to beat Nissan at its own games.
The Murano was all new in 2015. Therefore, the 2016 model is largely unchanged.
Design
When Nissan went to the drawing board for the Murano, the company faced the challenge of designing something fresh while living up to the head-turning original. This third generation certainly brings attention and will appeal to customers looking for a unique SUV.
Nissan managed to make the Murano more dramatic than before with bodylines that are flowing, yet also more rugged. Nissan’s now signature V-Motion grille sets the tone for the overall design.
Along the sides, the sculpted rocker panels, highly arched character lines, and sloping roof lead to blacked-out D-pillars. The “floating roof” look is popular right now, and this treatment works well on the Murano.
With so many eye-catching details, a few of the functional aerodynamic features may go unnoticed. These include active grille shutters, front and rear spoilers, rear tire air deflectors, and rear suspension fairing – even the fuel tank shape was optimized for efficient airflow.
Also not to be forgotten are the changes to the dimensions. Wheelbase is the same as before, but the current Murano is marginally longer and wider than before. Despite its growth, the Murano has shed a few pounds. The SUV now weighs about 4,000 pounds depending on trim.
Inside, Nissan aimed the Murano at a more luxury-minded customer – the materials are a class above.
Performance
With all the changes applied to the Murano’s exterior, under the hood Nissan returned to a tried and tested package.
Powering the Murano is a VQ35 3.5-litre V-6 that is available in several vehicles across Nissan’s range, as well as the previous Murano. In this application, it produces 260 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque, which is adequate for most occasions.
Mated to the engine is Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission. CVTs are sometimes not appreciated by the driver (people feel strange when there is no shifting feel), but this one features D-Step Logic which creates the feel of a conventional stepped automatic.
The base Murano S is only available as front-wheel drive. However, if you want or need all-wheel drive, it is an option on SV models and standard on SL and Platinum trim levels.
Handling in the Murano can be described as predictable and steady. Whether it’s a quick errand or a long distance cruise, the ride is comfortable, but steering feel is a little vague for a spirited drive.
Environment
Obviously the exterior steals the majority of the attention, but Nissan also spent a lot of time redesigning the Murano’s interior.
Nissan designers focused on a few key areas, the first being the level of quality and comfort. As a result, the Murano’s cabin is very inviting and upscale.
With no sharp edges in sight, the Murano’s big sweeping curves provide a relaxing, gentle feel all around.
The Murano offers roomy front and rear seating; Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats reside in the four outboard positions and can ease a tired back within minutes.
Nissan’s marketing department now refers to the rear seat as the “social lounge,” and if you opt for the expansive panoramic sunroof, it’s easy to see why. The interior is bathed in natural sunlight and will make it easy to enjoy long trips in the Murano’s back seat.
Cargo space in the Murano is acceptable, if not great. Behind the rear seat is about 31 cubic feet, and folding down the seats increases that to 65 cubic feet.
Nissan also focused on technology but wanted to ensure that the high tech items are easy to use and safe to navigate while driving.
Fitting in well with the Murano’s flowing design is the standard seven-inch customizable display or the optional eight-inch touchscreen. All controls in the centre stack are logically placed and within easy reach.
NissanConnect with Navigation is standard on the Murano and very intuitive to use. Also standard is a rearview camera, which makes parking easier.
Taking safe parking to the next level is the available Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. Using four onboard cameras, three radar systems and an advanced computer, you can easily park the Murano anywhere.
Available Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Cross Traffic Alert are just a couple of features designed to bring safety into the core thinking.
Features
The Murano is available in four trim levels with starting prices ranging from $29,998 for the base S, up to $43,998 for the Platinum.
Standard Equipment includes keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, heated exterior mirrors, and Bluetooth.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include memory systems for the driver’s seat, steering column and mirrors; cooled front seats; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power liftgate; remote start; and LED headlights.
Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilmetres) for front-wheel drive models are 11.0 city and 8.2 highway. All-wheel drive models return 11.2 city and 8.3 highway.
Thumbs up
While the exterior grabs the headlines, the interior is the star of the show. It’s easy on the eyes, roomy and relaxing for everybody.
Thumbs down
With upscale focus, it’s not the cheapest option out there, nor an SUV with most space for the dollar.
The bottom line
If you want a unique, stylish and comfortable midsize SUV, there aren’t options as distinctive as the Nissan Murano.
Competitors
Ford Edge: The base model Edge SE is excellent value for your money and boasts many premium features and a strong, yet efficient, engine. The top-of-the-range Edge Sport is the most fun-to-drive midsize SUV in this class.
The Ford Edge is available in four trim levels with starting prices ranging from $31,349 to $44,649.
Hyundai Santa Fe: If you need a family SUV but are on a budget, the Hyundai Santa Fe is very accommodating. For those who only need seating for five, the Santa Fe Sport is well-equipped and affordable, and if you need seven seats, the Santa Fe XL is available for not much more.
Starting prices for the Santa Fe Sport begin at $28,599, while the Santa Fe XL starts at $32,199.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Jeep’s premier SUV, the Grand Cherokee, is all about the balance of off-road prowess, refined on-road manners, and a reasonable price. The most recent update improves its on-road performance without compromising its off-road abilities.
Buyers have plenty of choice with the Grand Cherokee, and starting prices range from $43,395 to $71,695.
