2003-2007 Nissan Murano: Road Test

Muranos are fast-movers. In fact, an AWD Murano SL accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, ranking among the quickest six-cylinder midsize SUVs. The Murano is also without peer in smooth throttle response, around town and in hilly terrain. Credit the CVT, which seamlessly transfers engine power without the gear-selection indecision or downshift delays that plague some conventional automatic transmissions. In highway-speed passing situations, CVT allows the engine to speed up quicker than the vehicle is actually accelerating, but to no ill effect. It behaves so well that a manual shift gate seems unnecessary. Muranos with 2WD have averaged 19.6 to 20.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. That's quite good for a V6 midsize SUV. An AWD model averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving. Nissan recommends 91-octane premium fuel. Despite 18-inch tires, the ride gets abrupt only on sharp potholes and protruding tar strips, and just rarely unsettled by larger pavement waves. A Murano is reassuringly stable in highway-speed cruising. There's little discernible difference with the SE's sport-tuned suspension. The SE's sport suspension gives slightly sharper initial response in quick changes of direction, but no significant difference in overall handling. Both models offer accurate, natural steering feel, though some drivers might consider the steering too heavy at low speeds. No undue body lean or noseplow is noticed in turns, but there is a slight tendency to skip sideways in bumpy corners on rough surfaces. Engine sounds are subdued, unless the CVT has it revving ahead of acceleration in full-throttle work. Road noise is unobtrusive. Some Muranos have shown wind noise and squeaks/rattles, but others have been trouble-free in those areas. All have suffered loud buffeting above 50 mph with the sunroof open. Audio and trip-computer readouts display on a dashtop screen, removed by several inches from the systems' actual controls. Not everyone likes this layout, or considers the amber instrument lighting a helpful choice for legibility. Controls are easy to reach and use, though the trip-computer and navigation-system buttons are oddly mounted on a horizontal dashboard shelf. The navigation option suffers the usual steep learning curve, but has the advantage of not incorporating audio or climate functions. Genuine aluminum trim decorates the console and dashboard, but some interior plastics feel cut-rate. Front seats offer large-adult room and comfort, but wide seatbacks have subpar side bolstering, so grippy fabric upholstery holds occupants better than leather in turns. The power-pedal control is conveniently positioned on the seat-cushion side, but power-seat controls are mounted inboard at thigh level--an awkward location for some. Occupants get a nicely elevated field of vision to the front and sides, and large mirrors aid lane changes. Upswept rear roof pillars and a smallish rear window cut into the view astern. Great leg and toe room is available in the backseat, along with good head clearance. Nicely padded, chair-height seating includes reclining seatbacks. A nearly-flat floor helps center-position comfort, though three adults across is a squeeze. Hard-to-reach floor-level cupholders slide from the bottom of the front console. Wallet-sized door map pockets are installed. Modest ground clearance means no-hassle step-in through wide doors, front and rear. The tailgate opens and closes easily, to a flat passage from the bumper into the cargo bay. The fastback roof cuts into cargo volume with rear seatbacks up, but there's no need to remove rear headrests to drop the seatbacks. They fold quickly via levers at the rear of the cargo bay, but cannot be raised from there. Folding the seatbacks produces a nearly flat load floor. Added storage is available under-floor. The center console contains a cell-phone slot and bilevel storage. Poorly-sized front cupholders make it hard to extract all but tall beverage containers.

Value for the Money
Not everyone falls for its lush exterior look, or for its interior layout, but the Murano brings some seriously fashionable style to the ordinarily-conservative family-SUV world. Secure handling, fine utility, and CVT advantages are assets that add value beneath the skin. While it's no threat to unseat the Highlander or Honda Pilot for broad appeal, the Murano cuts quite a fine figure on the road and is among our Recommended midsize SUVs.