Acceleration

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.8

At 7.5 sec 0-60 mph for AWD SL, Murano is among the quickest 6-cyl midsize SUVs we've tested. It is without peer for smooth throttle response around town and in hilly terrain. Credit the CVT, which seamlessly transfers the engine's power without the gear-selection indecision or downshift delays of some conventional automatic transmissions. In highway-speed passing situations, CVT allows engine to rev up quickly for more power, benefiting acceleration. CVT behaves so well that manual shift gate seems unnecessary. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.

Fuel Economy

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	3.8

Test 2WD Muranos averaged 19.6-20.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving--quite good for a V6 midsize SUV. AWD model averaged 16.3 in mostly city driving. Nissan recommends 91-octane fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Abrupt only on sharp potholes and protruding tar strips. Rarely unsettled by larger pavement waves. Reassuringly stable in highway-speed cruising. Little discernible difference with SE sport-tuned suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	3.7

SE's sport suspension gives slightly sharper initial response in quick changes of direction, but no notable difference in overall handling. Both models have accurate, natural steering feel, though some testers found steering too heavy at low speeds. No undue lean or noseplow in turns, but slight tendency to skip sideways in corners on rough surfaces.

Quietness

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.4

Engine subdued unless CVT has it revving ahead of acceleration in full-throttle work. Road noise unobtrusive. Models tested had uneven suppression of wind noise, and some interior squeaks and rattles. All tested suffered loud buffeting above 50 mph with sunroof open.

Controls

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	6.2

Audio, trip-computer readouts display on dashtop screen removed by several inches from systems' actual controls. Not all testers like this layout or find the amber instrument lighting best for legibility. Controls easy to reach, use, though trip-computer and navigation-system buttons oddly mounted on horizontal dashboard shelf. Navigation option suffers the usual steep learning curve, but has advantage of not incorporating audio or climate functions. Genuine aluminum trim on console and dashboard, but some interior plastics feel cut-rate.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.4

Large-adult comfort, but wide seatbacks have subpar side bolstering, so grippy fabric upholstery holds better than leather in turns. Power-pedal control conveniently positioned on seat-cushion side, but power-seat controls mounted inboard at thigh level, an awkward location for some. Nicely elevated field of vision to front and sides, and large mirrors aid lane changes. Upswept rear roof pillars, smallish rear window cut into view astern.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	5.6

Great leg, toe room. Good head clearance. Nicely padded, chair-height seating. Seatback reclines. Nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort, though three adults across is a squeeze. Hard-to-reach floor-level cupholders slide from bottom of front console. Wallet-sized door map pockets. Modest ground clearance means no-hassle step-in through wide doors front and rear.

Cargo Room

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	7.8

Tailgate easy to open and close. Flat passage from bumper into cargo bay. Fastback roof cuts into cargo volume with rear seatbacks up. But no need to remove rear headrests to drop seatbacks, which fold in a jiff via levers at rear of cargo bay, though they can't be raised from there. Nearly flat load floor with rear seatbacks folded. Added storage under floor in shallow bin and deeper cubbies. Center console has cell-phone slot and bilevel storage. Poorly sized front cupholders make it hard to extract all but tall beverage containers.

Value within Class

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	5.1

Murano's debatable interior design isn't likely to drive away as many buyers as are attracted by exterior styling that stands out in this segment. Secure handling, fine utility, and CVT advantages are assets that add value beneath the skin. It's no threat to unseat Highlander or Honda's Pilot for broad appeal, but Murano cuts a fine figure nonetheless and is among our Recommended midsize SUVs.

Total Score

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
62	62	52.3

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		39
Average Score		52
High Score		66