2009 Nissan Murano: crossover is a treat to drive
Published Thursday August 28th, 2008
Looking for a family SUV? Don't want the neighbors asking 'which one that is'? If so, you needn't look much further than the Nissan Murano. It's just had a redesign for 2009 that sees its glorious victory of oddball styling over conventional taste advanced and re-modernized.
It isn't easy to get talked about when you're a crossover these days, so any attention is good attention- even if it's for being strange to look at. Murano's grille treatment leaves many scratching their heads, but it is distinct. Competing machines don't usually attract long stares in parking lots and traffic- regardless of the reason.
It's not just the sheet-metal strangeness that attracts the eyes. Murano features xenon lighting, LED taillamps, dual-outlet exhaust and a huge set of wheels the size of trash-can lids.
The exterior style may be an acquired taste, but the interior can be appreciated by anyone. Only five seats are available, though the well trimmed cockpit in the LE designated tester came with heated leather in both rows and power operation for those up front. The driver sits on a memory seat behind a sharp looking instrument cluster and multi-function steering wheel.
Materials selection is well done. Leather trims the steering wheel, shifter and door panels, while wood and metal accents help set off the upbeat, high-tech looking environment. There's plenty of storage to be had too- even right on the dashboard itself.
The cargo area in back is accessible by a powered lift-gate, and the seatbacks fold down in seconds with a simple pull on a latch. They return to their upright position at the touch of a button too, allowing for simple switching of the interior to match the job at hand. Metal scuff plates protect the plastic surface of the loading deck too- very thoughtful.
Helping the tester earn its $50,500 price tag, the Murano LE also featured keyless entry and engine start, a Bose audio system with hard drive, navigation, Bluetooth, a dual-pane sunroof, and automatic lights, wipers and climate control.
Drivers sit up high with a great view of the road ahead, but Murano doesn't beg most folks to stretch out inside like in some of the larger machines available for the money. Rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, and headroom is decent.
Visibility isn't, though. Proper rearview-mirror aim and the backup-camera with parking assist are must-haves here. Thick A-Pillars up front can impede vision as well.
Like the interior, Murano's ride and handling are well set up. In most situations, it's premium sedan quiet, with quick, sharp steering, and a suspension nicely tuned for a comfortable but sporty experience. It's not cushy or floaty, but it's usually not harsh or jarring either. It's a great balance of ride and handling for the crossover buyer who really wanted a sports sedan.
Mind the 20-inch wheels though. They look fantastic, but can result in some potentially unwanted sound effects when the road gets rough. The suspension helps keep things civilized overall, though twenties with low-pro tires and a tight suspension are never the smoothest way to go on uneven surfaces.
Brakes are powerful and provide excellent feel, and stability control is standard.
Sending Murano on its way, a 3.5 liter, 265 horsepower V6 teams up with a Continually Variable Transmission (CVT) and standard all wheel drive system for automatic traction and smooth acceleration in any situation. There's even a 'lock' setting for the AWD system for additional traction on slippery or loose surfaces.
The CVT's shift-free operation goes almost totally un-noticed in regular traffic. Throttle take-up is quick and peppy, and full throttle performance is very good once the machine gets rolling. The strange sensation of the CVT at full throttle will take some getting used to for many drivers new to the technology.
CVT's are said to turn in improved mileage and smoothness. Neither impressive nor disappointing, mileage on my watch averaged about 12.5L / 100km.
The emphasis here is on luxury, performance and style. Murano's aimed not towards a buyer who off-roads or tows frequently, but to one that needs room and flexibility, an upscale interior, and styling that packs a punch.
In nature, it's said you're only given so many gifts. As such, odd-looking creatures sometimes have special skills or talents to make up for their strange appearance. Murano is one such creature.
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