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| Background:
Nissan Motors debuted its totally new Murano in December 2002 as a 2003 model year entry. Murano is one of several new vehicles introduced during the past couple of years helping the huge Japanese automaker to undergo an impressive financial turnaround. As with many recently introduced SUV-type vehicles, the four-door mid-size Murano is tough to pigeonhole. It’s not as boxy looking as the typical sport utility vehicle with much curvier features than a run-of-the-mill wagon. Large, standard 18-inch wheels enhance styling. It’s a crossover-type creation based on the highly regarded front-engine, front-drive Altima platform utilized beginning in the 2002 model year, which in and of itself is a good start. The longer, wider 2002 Altima was named North American Car of the Year by a group of noted automotive writers. Murano is built with unibody construction utilized on most passenger cars although it’s classified as a light truck by certain government bodies. Sport utilities with more off-road intents are built with body-on-frame construction found on most pickup trucks. Murano shares its name with decorative, sculpted Italian glass. Nissan assembles Murano in Kyushu, Japan. Key competitors include the Volvo XC90, and Toyota Highlander. Nissan also markets several other truck-based SUVs designed for heavier off-road duties including the compact Xterra and mid-size Pathfinder. Later this year, Nissan introduces its first full-size SUV, the eight-passenger Pathfinder Armada, assembled at the company’s all-new 3.5 million square-foot Canton, Miss. facility which opened earlier this year. This plant also assembles the redesigned Quest minivan. The sharp-looking Murano shares visual cues with its Infiniti counterpart, the FX45. Infiniti is the luxury-division of Nissan Motors.
Engine/Trim levels:
Murano is available in two trim levels: SL and uplevel SE. Both are available in either front wheel or all-wheel drive. Nissan also chose Murano as its first vehicle in North America to feature Xtronic continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This system utilizes a belt and two pulleys enabling the automatic transmission to essentially operate in one forward gear. Drivers feel very few jumps or hesitations as the vehicle smoothly exits one gear into another. It’s standard in all editions. Up-level SE models feature a sports-tuned suspension with firmer springs and struts. The sole powertrain in all editions is a double overhead cam 3.5-liter, V-6 engine cranking out 245 horsepower and featuring sequential multi-port fuel injection. It’s the same powertrain found in the redesigned Nissan Altima sedan. The tank holds 21.7 gallons of recommended premium unleaded fuel. Comparatively speaking, the six-cylinder, car-based Toyota Highlander cranks out 220 horsepower while a turbocharged six-cylinder Volvo XC90 generates 268 horses. Murano’s fuel economy checks in at 20 miles per gallon in city travel and 24 m.p.g. highway for all-wheel-drive editions. Front-drive editions get a mile or two better on the highway.
Standard equipment:
Both editions come with a six-speaker AM/FM compact disc player, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, cruise control, dual zone temperature controls with air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows, front fog lights, eight-way power driver’s seat and rear window defroster. Options across the board include a cassette player, power sliding moonroof, heated outside mirrors, heated front bucket seats, navigation system, four-way power passenger seat and upgraded Bose audio system. Option packages are available in both trim levels with assorted features. The SL trim offers a “premium” package while the SE includes a “popular” package.
Price:
Nissan supplied the Daily Herald with a bright, copper-colored all-wheel-drive SE edition with a $30,599 starting price. After factoring in the optional “popular” package (leather seating surfaces, power pedals, roof rails, sunroof, power passenger seat) $3,499; traction and dynamic control safety system, $749; navigation system $1,999 and carpeted floor mats $540, the bottom line reached $37,465 with the $540 destination charge. The lowest-priced edition, a front-wheel drive SL starts at $28,199; an SL all-wheel drive model begins at $29,799. A two-wheel drive SE checks in at $28,999. The mid-size Toyota Highlander is available with either four or six-cylinder power and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. A two-wheel drive six cylinder model checks in at $25,560. The Volvo XC90 comes with five cylinder or six-cylinder power. A six-cylinder all-wheel drive version starts at $39,975.
Interior:
Murano is a five-seat vehicle exclusively. No third row is offered as is the case with some other mid-size competitors, most notably the Volvo XC90. Second-row seating is positioned a bit higher than the first row bucket seats. Murano incorporates enough back seat room to accommodate three adults thanks to a flat floor. Head room in all seating positions are more than generous. Second-row seat backs fold flat on the cushion when more cargo room is desired opening up 81.6 cubic feet of room. Dual beverage holders retract from the bottom of a center console between the front bucket seats. Cloth seating comes standard while leather surfaces are available. Maneuvering into the vehicle requires a sit down, not a jump-up motion. Murano’s thick rear side pillars and cargo-area windows that are narrow and curved contribute to more blind spots than what’s normally encountered in a typical vehicle of this type. The ignition cylinder is on the dashboard right of the steering wheel. The two-tone, three-spoke steering wheel with brushed aluminum nuances includes all cruise control functions and secondary radio controls. Nissan designers incorporated a large, spacious top dash area for an open feel thanks in part to a long, sloped windshield. The instrument panel jets out from the dashboard and features three independent, same sized circular gauges: a left side tachometer, central speedometer and right-side temperature/fuel gauge. A thick, short turn signal stalk on the steering column’s left side also monitors headlights while the right-side stalk operates both the front and rear windshield wipers. The parking brake is foot operated. The large center storage bin, hinged on the right side opens up and away from the driver. Dual side-by-side beverage holders are positioned directly forward just in front of the automatic transmission shift knob. Nissan chose to locate power window controls near the shifter along with the heated seat buttons. A coin corral is nearby, too. The driver’s door is home to power window and lock controls. Front door map pockets accordion out for additional storage space. The central dashboard slopes forward with four vertical, rectangular vents interspersed along the way. Our SE edition included the optional navigation system with a screen at the apex of the middle dash. Below is the stereo system with many buttons of many shapes to play with. The ventilation system has twist knobs for monitoring fan speed and temperature. A row of buttons above the knobs monitor fan direction and front and rear defrosters. The temporary spare tire, stowed under the cargo floor, is accessible from inside the vehicle, not outside from the undercarriage.
Outside:
The long, narrow front bi-level grille stretches from fender to fender with Nissan’s circular insignia displayed in the middle. A large air dam resides below. Long, vertical headlight housing flanks the hood and grille. In back, the hatch door’s window boasts curved edges along the bottom and top rather than a square-shaped design. In fact, the door’s wide design creates a larger opening than many competitors, great for moving odd-sized objects. The door is made from lightweight composite plastics, reinforced with steel for easier opening and closing. The door, hinged at the top, opens from the bottom as one unit. Long, vertically-arranged taillights curve up the side fenders along side the door. Side doors feature less window and more paneling. All four doors have chrome, strap-like handles. The circular, non-locking fuel door is on the vehicle’s left rear fender.
Dimensions:
Wheel base: 111.2 inches
Overall length: 187.6 inches
Overall width: 74 inches
Overall height: 66.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,960 pounds
Warranty:
Nissan’s basic warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The drivetrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Roadside assistance checks in at three years or 36,000 miles. Corrosion and rust coverage is for five years with unlimited miles.
Safety equipment:
Murano comes equipped with a full compliment of air bag safety including reduced-force dual front air bags, front seat side impact air bags and curtain side air bags for head protection of front and second-row travelers. Other standard features include anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, energy-absorbing front steering column, front and rear crumple zones, remote keyless entry, security system and child safety rear door locks. Adjustable brake pedals are optional.
Final thoughts:
Murano’s wide wheelbase and CVT transmission contribute to a very stable ride with no jolts or bucking-type shifts along the way. It’s also generous with head and leg room for long journeys even after traveling for three hours on the highway. Some recent crossover type vehicles, including the Honda Pilot, Buick Rendezvous and Chrysler Pacifica are based on a minivan platform rather than a mid-size car platform, as is the Murano. Pilot, Rendezvous and Pacifica also offer three rows of seats.