2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD
02/14/2008
Shahed Hussain
Crossover SUVs have become wildly popular in the past few years, as consumers have dumped the truck-based SUVs that were so commonplace in the recent past. The Murano, along with the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX, and Acura MDX were among the first midsize crossover SUVs available in the US. For the second-generation design, Nissan wisely chose not to tamper with the successful formula of style and power that defines the Murano. Meanwhile, the crossover segment has become more crowded, with newcomers such as the Ford Edge vying for the same customers as the Murano.
Nissan offers the Murano in three trim levels: S, SL, and LE. All-wheel drive is standard on the LE, and optional on the S and SL models. The base Murano S 2WD starts at $26,330, while the range-topping SL AWD is $35,910. All models share a 3.5L V-6, coupled with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). We tested a Murano SL AWD ($29,480) painted in Brilliant Silver, with a black leather interior (part of the $1,600 Leather Package). Other options include the Premium Package ($1,000), Technology Package ($1,900), Dual Panel Moonroof ($1,170) and hard disk navigation system ($1,850). The total sticker price totaled up $37,745 (including $745 destination charge).
The original Murano's interior was an unconventional combination of textures and shapes that was stylish, yet understated. For the second generation vehicle, Nissan upgraded the interior material quality significantly, with soft-touch plastics almost everywhere. Brushed aluminum trim on the steering wheel, dashboard, doors, and center console replaces the painted plastic bits used on the previous Murano. Aside from a few hard plastic moldings, the Murano is a cut above the Ford Edge and compares favorably to the Acura MDX, although it lacks the overtly luxurious ambiance of the more expensive Lexus RX350.
After settling into the comfortable leather seats, the driver faces a central 160-MPH speedometer, with 8,000 RPM tachometer to the left. Fuel, coolant temperature, transmission mode display, and the odometer are on the right. All three gauge pods are surrounded by bright orange ring lighting. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel includes audio, cruise, and Bluetooth controls within easy reach. On the sloping center console is the leather covered shift knob for the continuously variable transmission (CVT). A small bin next to the shift lever can store coins or other objects. Flip open a rectangular cover on the center console to reveal dual cupholders for the front passengers. The glove box is surprisingly large, and will hold drinks or small packages.
While most moonroofs have a sliding glass panel above the front seats, the Murano includes a fixed skylight above the rear seats as well. An overhead console button controls the tilt/retract of the front moonroof; the same button also unrolls the fabric sunshades that cover both glass panels for privacy.
Nissan has combined keyless entry and engine start across most of its product range. The engine start/stop button is conveniently located on the dashboard, just next to the navigation system controls. To start the engine, press the brake, tap the start/stop button and the V-6 fires up with slight delay. Hit the button to stop the engine, or press once more to activate the accessory mode. The key fob fits in a slot under the dash, or you can just keep it in your pocket. A small touch pad on the exterior door handle will unlock the vehicle as long as the driver has the key fob in his possession.
An extremely useful rearview camera system (included with the Technology Package) shows a wide angle picture directly behind the vehicle on a 7-inch LCD display. Red, yellow, and green dashed lines superimposed on the LCD show the relative distance from objects. In addition, yellow curving lines change depending on the steering wheel angle to indicate the Murano's projected path as it moves backward, which can assist the driver to steer the vehicle away from obstacles.
An optional Bose audio system (part of the Premium Package) includes a 6-CD changer with MP3/WMA capability, XM satellite radio, auxiliary audio/video inputs, nine speakers plus dual subwoofers. The navigation system includes a 9.3 gigabyte hard disk to rip and store compact discs as MP3 files. As an added bonus, a Compact Flash card slot will play MP3 and WMA files, which eliminates the need to bring along a separate MP3 player. Most importantly, the Bose stereo system has superb sound, with tight bass and clear treble. While its maximum volume isn't especially loud, distortion is nearly inaudible, so listening at high volumes isn't as fatiguing as one might expect.
Nissan combines the LCD touchscreen, control buttons, and knobs into a seamless interface that makes the navigation system intuitive to use while driving. Most frequently used functions are accessible via the buttons next to the 7-inch LCD display, so the driver rarely gets distracted while operating the navigation system. We usually recommend aftermarket portable navigation systems for their much lower cost and intuitive user interface, but the Murano's factory-installed navigation system is superior to most others we have tried. We aren't sure that the navigation package is worth $1,850, but at least customers can be assured of a relatively simple to use system.
The Murano's heated front seats have multiple power adjustments for the driver, while the passenger gets 4-way power adjustability. Perforated leather seat cushions are just soft enough for long distance comfort, but with adequate support to prevent back fatigue. Even with the optional moonroof, headroom for 6-ft. tall passengers should be adequate. Rear compartment accommodations are better than average, with ample legroom and comfortable seats. Dual cupholders are hidden behind the center folding armrest. The Murano LE even offers heated rear seats, a rarity among non-luxury SUVs.
Storage space behind the rear seats is reasonable (31.8 cu. ft.) for grocery shopping duties or for small suitcases. For additional capacity, the split rear seats fold down for a total of 64.5 cu. ft. for bigger cargo. The power rear liftgate conveniently opens and closes with a key fob button, or you can touch a hidden handle and the liftgate will rise automatically. Although the Murano can hold luggage for a family of four, for extended trips the standard roof rack will come in handy. The Murano is rated for up to 3,500 lbs. towing capacity.
Many SUV customers have shifted to crossovers for their car-like ride and handling, although most of these vehicles are still relatively heavy. The Murano SL weighs in at 4,030 lbs., while the 2WD model slips under the 2-ton mark at 3,855 lbs. Suspension is fully independent with twin-tube struts in front, and a multi-link rear suspension with twin-tube dampers. Front (23 mm diameter) and rear (20 mm diameter, tubular) stabilizer bars are standard.
With its low-effort rack-and-pinion steering, the Murano feels light and nimble, aided by front and rear stabilizer bars that keep body roll to a minimum. Like most SUVs, the Murano exhibits significant acceleration squat and brake dive, despite the best efforts of Nissan's chassis engineers; the Murano's tall body just cannot be as tightly tied down as that of a comparable midsize sedan. The Murano's predominant handling trait is moderate understeer, as expected from its front-heavy weight distribution and high-profile tires. The standard 235/65R18 Goodyear Eagle LS tires provide good traction on wet and snowy roads, but are noisy on concrete-surfaced highways. Wind noise around the A-pillars at 80 MPH is noticeable, but not annoyingly so. We didn't drive the Murano much past 80 MPH as it tends to wander at higher speeds. The lower profile tires available on the LE model may provide better straight-line tracking, as we think the standard 65-series Goodyear LS tires are biased more towards ride comfort than sporty handling.
The Murano is equipped with a comprehensive set of active safety features that include ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Traction Control, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Brakes consist of 12.6"/12.13" diameter vented rotors (F/R). A firm pedal combined with progressive brake actuation slow the 2-ton Murano with confidence. All Murano models are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, except the LE, which gets 20-inch wheels with 235/55R20 tires.
A 3.5L V-6 continues to power the Murano via a second generation XTronic CVT. With 265-bhp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque, the VQ35DE engine has enough grunt to move the 2-ton Murano with ease. The AWD system eliminates wheelspin and torque steer, while providing reassuring traction on slick surfaces. We drove the Murano through several winter storms, and its 7.4" of ground clearance was more than adequate for snow-covered Michigan roads. Customers in milder climates may consider the less expensive 2WD Murano, but according to EPA, mileage estimates for 2WD and AWD models are the same: 18/23 MPG (city/hwy.). We put 260 miles on the Murano SL during our test, and averaged 19.5 MPG in mixed city and highway driving.
Nissan has arguably more experience with high output engines and CVTs that any other major manufacturer, and the Murano shows that its engineers have put that expertise to good use. The smooth Xtronic CVT shifts seamlessly according to throttle position to maximize acceleration or fuel economy. An "L" mode setting on the shifter console will bias the CVT to high RPM for increased engine braking; for most other conditions, just leave the shift lever in "D". Mash the throttle, and the CVT responds with a fast "downshift" in about a second, so the Murano never feels sluggish, even at 80 MPH.
For the 2009 Murano, Nissan carefully refined its midsize crossover SUV to appeal to its style-conscious customers, while retaining the handling and performance that separate it from most competitors. While most other SUVs in its class are more about "utility", Nissan chose to accentuate the "sport" aspect of its SUV. With a full complement of the latest technologies, a more powerful V-6, and a base price comparable to the previous model, the Murano promises to be a continuing success story for Nissan.