2005 Nissan Murano Review

There is no sport-utility vehicle quite like the fast, utilitarian Nissan Murano, which looks like a rakish auto show concept vehicle and moves the design envelope almost into the artistic realm.

The Murano was named after sculpted Italian glass and was expressly designed for the U.S. market. American Murano sales totaled 62,057 units last year -- up from 56,075 in 2003. Sales through February also topped year-ago results.

Nissan originally hoped to annually sell 50,000 Muranos here, but this SUV shows that many want distinctive vehicles -- a fact also illustrated by booming sales of the uniquely styled Chrysler 300 sedan -- and below-expected sales of more conventionally styled new cars.

Nissan and Chrysler weren't afraid to take a chance on mass-produced models that look considerably different.

The boldly styled FX from Nissan's upscale Infiniti division is the only mid-size SUV that comes close to matching the Murano's "sculpture-in-motion" stylishness, and 2004 FX sales also outdid prior-year results.

Thanks partly to the Murano and FX, Nissan/Infiniti U.S. sales topped the 1 million mark for the first time in the automaker's just-ended fiscal year.

The Murano drives much like a car because it's based on Nissan's sporty Altima sedan platform. That's why Nissan calls it a "crossover" vehicle -- one that combines auto and SUV attributes. It comes with front- or increasingly popular all-wheel drive.

New for the 2005 Murano line is a lower-priced base S model. It costs $26,850 with front-drive, compared with $28,200 for last year's base front-drive Murano.

Despite a lower price, the S is no stripper, having such items as air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, tilt wheel, cruise control, power driver seat, AM/FM/CD player and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

There also is the mid-range Murano SL, with the top-line SE all-wheel-drive model costing $30,900 -- or a few bucks more than the 2004 SE. The SL adds a leather-wrapped wheel with radio controls and a better power driver seat, while the SE adds a sport suspension and powerful bi-xenon headlights.

Some option packages contain more items for 2005, and an $800 Convenience option package has been provided for the S. It contains items including a power driver seat and power adjustable pedals.

Some option packages are pricier. For instance, the Touring Package for the SL and SE costs $4,250-$4,550, although it has desirable items such as leather upholstery, power sunroof and front passenger seat, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals and a keyless entry and ignition system.

Also optional are a rear DVD entertainment system, satellite radio and chrome wheels.

Helpful for handling is the $750 Dynamic Stability Control package that features an anti-skid system and traction control -- although this option requires the Touring Package.

Murano handling is nearly in the sports sedan class even without the Dynamic Stability Control package, thanks partly to a supple all-independent suspension and wide tires on large 18-inch wheels. The SE's sport suspension provides slightly sharper handling with little change in the generally good ride comfort. The Murano's steering is quick, although effort is a little high at lower speeds. Braking is reassuring.

The Murano has a 3.5-liter, 245-horsepower V-6 that provides strong acceleration for merging and passing. Throttle response is smooth, thanks partly to the standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); it has a near infinite number of gear ratios and thus none of the abrupt shifting of some conventional automatics.

Nissan has one of the best CVT transmissions because it introduced its first production car CVT in Japan in 1992. The CVT in the SE has a manual shift feature, but it's not really needed.

The CVT contributes to higher fuel economy, but the Murano weighs nearly 4,000 pounds, so it's no fuel-miser; it delivers an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 on highways -- or 20 and 24 with the all-wheel-drive system.

That system has no low-range gearing and thus isn't for tough off-road use, although pushing a button provides a 50-50 power split for added traction up to 30 mph under slippery conditions.

The mid-size Murano has no third seat because it's mainly designed to be sporty, not a family hauler. But such seats in mid-size sport-utes often are cramped, and the Murano's sculpted front and rear seats comfortably handle four tall adults in its quiet, futuristic-looking interior.

There's good front room, but insufficient three-across seating room in the back despite plenty of leg room. The split rear seat reclines and folds forward to enlarge the generous cargo area without removing rear headrests and then trying to find a place to stash them. The cargo floor is nearly flat with the seat folded forward.

Large door handles in wide front/rear doors and a low floor make it easy to slide in and out. Gauges can be quickly read, and the stylish interior has such items as a protruding center dashboard pod that contains easily reached audio and climate controls.

Audio system readouts are on a dashboard screen several inches from the system's controls, which seems gimmicky. Interior aluminum trim helps the cockpit look upscale, but some plastics look cheap. Cupholders at the bottom of the front console are too low for easy use by rear occupants.

Numerous safety features include front torso side air bags, head-protecting curtain side airbags and a new rollover sensor that triggers the curtain air bags if a rollover is imminent.

In all, the competitively priced Murano is a breath of fresh air in a generally conservative market.

2005 NISSAN MURANO

PRICES
$26,850-$30,900

LIKES
Futuristic styling. Roomy. Sporty handling. Well-equipped. New lower-priced model.

DISLIKES
Mediocre fuel economy. Pricey option packages. No third seat.