When you offer a powerful engine with a slick shifting CVT, it usually is enough to get people's attention. Thanks to some very unique styling, the Nissan Murano has people's attention long before they ever get into it.
The manufacturers are realizing they do not have to keep the SUV category looking, and more importantly driving, like trucks - or even traditional SUVs. Sport sedan power and handling are in the mix for the Nissan Murano. My SL tester was equipped with all-wheel drive and along with the aforementioned CVT, this SUV is style and power in one package.
On the exterior, it is impossible to confuse the Murano as anything other than a Murano. Several of the competition's newest offerings do bare a close resemblance to the Murano's rounded and stout stance. While I like the CX7 and CX9, and love the Infiniti FX, Murano had the look first.
My tester was set on 18-inch wheels, a chrome option is available for $1,200, but no matter what you choose, the Murano looks aggressive and competent handling the pavement. The thin two-stack grille runs the width of the front end, tying in the headlamps and giving the lower cowl a place to advance outward as the hood swoops back toward an even more aggressively raked windshield.
My tester had brushed aluminum roof racks that draw the eye down the sloped roofline and over the C pillar. This exterior design looks ready for anything, something an SUV should at least look like it can do. I loved the chrome finish on the dual exhaust and it just added to the allure of the Murano's 'power' persona.
So how competent is the Murano under its skin? Well, as it would turn out - very capable is why so many who are attracted to the vehicle because of it looks are so pleasantly surprised after a test drive. A 3.5-liter DOHC V6 delivers 240 horsepower to four wheels via a slick-shifting CVT transmission. I found acceleration to be fun and favorable at any instance. The power rack-and-pinion steering is tight and responsive.
Driving in the Murano is a relatively quiet experience. I found some engine and road noise does make its way into the interior spaces, but nothing so annoying that a little twist of the volume on the radio cannot fix. The dash design offers highly visible gauges with a nice 7-inch DVD-based Navigation screen centered. I found all the buttons to be well within reach and sightlines were excellent.
Front passengers will find good head and leg room. Rear passengers, Murano will comfortably handle three adults in the back seat, have less headroom with the sloping roofline but it is not a deterrent to sitting back there. Leg room is adequate for this class. Utility space behind the second row is relatively sparse, but still functional for groceries and medium sized parcels and sports equipment. The second row has a 60/40 split, so you can have two rear passengers while still having access to the utility area.
Part of the SL Touring Package on my tester ($4,700) were great looking leather seating that were comfortably bolstered with 10-way power adjustments (driver), 4-way power (passenger) and heated front seats and mirrors. In addition, the package included Intelligent Key, a large sunroof, adjustable pedals and a great sounding 225-watt Bose audio system with 6-disc in-dash player and MP3 capability. My question to Nissan is: Where was the iPod connection?
One of my favorite features now, thankfully, appearing on more vehicles of every level, is the rearview camera. You wouldn't think this would be something you would get used to, but rest assured I found myself within two days getting very accustomed to peeking at the 7-inch LCD screen every time I put the car in reverse. It's simply a safer way to back the vehicle.
My Murano tester had a base price of $30,990; with the staggering number of high-quality features included, this is a value. When you add in the SL Touring Package and Dynamic Control Package ($750), a real enhancement to the AWD system, and the Nav System ($1,800) and the chrome wheels ($1,200) your final tally rests at $40,090. look at what the Murano has as competition and you can quickly see that the powerful engine and 20/24 fuel economy put it at the top of a very competitive class.
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