2005 Nissan Murano: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Nissan Murano ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $27,150 -$31,200
- Invoice: $24,967 -$28,692
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Nissan Murano
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2005 Nissan Murano includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Nissan Murano from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Nissan Murano, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Nissan Murano help you decide if a 2005 Nissan Murano is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Among quickest 6-cyl midsize SUVs. Test AWD SL did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. Murano is without peer for smooth, quick throttle response. Credit the CVT, which allows engine to rev up quickly for more power and transfers it seamlessly. 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 | 3.9 |
Test 2WD Muranos averaged 19.6-20.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving--quite good for a V6 midsize SUV. Test 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 | 5.1 |
Abrupt only on sharp potholes, protruding tar strips. Rarely unsettled by larger pavement waves. Stable in highway-speed cruising. Little discernible difference with SE's sport-tuned suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
No undue lean or noseplow, but slight tendency to skip sideways in bumpy corners. SE's sport-tuned suspension gives slightly sharper turn-in, but makes little difference in overall handling. Steering accurate, has good feedback, but some testers find it too heavy at low speeds.
QUIETNESS
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Engine subdued except in full-throttle acceleration. Road noise unobtrusive. Some test vehicles had higher levels of wind noise; others a few interior squeaks and rattles. All suffered loud buffeting above 50 mph with sunroof open.
CONTROLS
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Audio, trip-computer readouts display on dashtop screen, several inches from actual controls. Not all testers like this layout or find amber instrument lighting legible. Controls easy to reach and use, though trip-computer and navigation-system buttons oddly mounted on horizontal dashboard shelf. Navigation option takes learning, but doesn't absorb--and thus complicate--audio and climate adjustments. Genuine aluminum trim on console and dash, but some interior plastics look low buck.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Large-adult room and comfort, but wide seatbacks have subpar side bolstering, so fabric upholstery grips better than leather in turns. Power-seat switches are on seat bolster near thigh--awkward for some. Nicely elevated field of vision to front and sides; 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 | 6.2 |
Great leg, toe room. Good head clearance on nicely padded, chair-height seat with reclining backrest. Three adults are a bit squeezed, but nearly flat floor helps middle passenger. Hard-to-reach floor-level cupholders slide from bottom of front console. Small map pockets. No-hassle entry/exit through wide doors, front and rear.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Liftgate easy to open and close. Flat passage from bumper into cargo bay. Roofline cuts into cargo volume. No need to remove rear headrests to drop seatbacks, which fold via levers at rear of cargo bay, though they can't be raised from there. Nearly flat load floor with rear seats folded. Added storage under floor in shallow bin and deeper cubbies. Center console has cell phone slot and bilevel storage. Shape of front cupholders makes it hard to extract all but tall containers.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 5.6 |
You may not love the design, but at least Murano brings some style to the conservative world of the family SUV. Its tangible assets include secure handling, good utility, and a strong, efficient V6/CVT powertrain. Competitive pricing rounds out this Recommended pick's dossier.
Total Score
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 61 | 61 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
