Acceleration

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5

Among the quickest 6-cyl midsize SUVs we've tested at 7.5 sec 0-60 mph for AWD SL. Murano is without peer for smooth throttle response around town and in hilly terrain. Credit the CVT, which seamlessly transfers power without the gear-selection dithers or downshift delays of some conventional automatic transmissions. In highway-speed passing situations, the CVT brings engine revs up faster for more power, benefiting acceleration. It behaves so well that the 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 city/highway driving--impressive for a V6 midsize SUV. Test AWD models averaged 16.3 in mostly city driving, 22.4 mpg in mostly highway use. Nissan recommends 91-octane fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.4

Abrupt only on sharp potholes and protruding tar strips, despite 18-inch tires. Rarely unsettled by larger pavement waves. Reassuringly 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
6	6	4.1

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	5.2

Engine subdued unless CVT has it revving ahead of acceleration in full-throttle work. Road noise unobtrusive. Wind-noise suppression not uniform in some test models; others had a few interior squeaks and rattles.

Controls

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	6.3

Audio, trip-computer readouts display on a 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 and use, though trip-computer and navigation-system buttons oddly mounted on horizontal dashboard shelf. Navigation option takes learning, but doesn't govern--and thus complicate--audio and climate adjustments. There's 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 with subpar side bolstering, so fabric upholstery grips better than leather in turns. Power-pedal control conveniently positioned on seat-cushion side, but power-seat switches are inboard at thigh level and thus awkward 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	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. Wallet-sized door map pockets. Modest ground clearance means no-hassle entry/exit through wide doors front and rear.

Cargo Room

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	8.3

Tailgate easy to open, close. Flat passage from bumper into cargo bay. Roofline cuts into cargo volume with rear seatbacks up. But no need to remove headrests to drop rear 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. Twin-bin center console includes cell-phone slot. 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	5.7

You may not love the way it looks, but at least Murano brings some original style to the conservative world of the family SUV. Its tangible assets include secure handling, good utility, and a strong, efficient V6 powertrain. Competitive pricing rounds out this Recommended pick's dossier.

Total Score

AWD SL	2WD SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
63	63	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66