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2006 Nissan Murano Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Nissan Murano Review:
2006 Nissan Murano Review
Minor styling and equipment changes mark this car-type SUV for 2006. Based on Nissan's Altima sedan platform, Murano is a five-passenger wagon with no third-row seating available. Models are S, SL, and SE. All use a 245-hp V6 and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The SE's has a manual-shift mode that mimics preset gears. All models offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing, but a console button can lock in a 50/50 power split for extra traction up to 30 mph. ABS is standard. So are front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. All models have a rear liftgate with fixed glass. SEs come with a firmer suspension and xenon headlamps. An antiskid system is available, as is a navigation system and DVD entertainment. SL and SE include a rearview camera. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are illuminated for '06, and all models get revised grille and exterior trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
Murano should keep marking time for a while. Nissan's 2007 emphasis is on cars, with redesigns for Altima, Maxima, and Sentra, plus introduction of the subcompact Versa. Murano should get substantial changes, possibly a full makeover, come 2008 or '09.
2006 Nissan Murano Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| CVT performance | Instruments/controls |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2006 Nissan Murano Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/23/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD S 4-door wagon | $27,600 | $25,381 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD S 4-door wagon | $29,200 | $26,852 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD SL 4-door wagon | $29,150 | $26,807 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD SL 4-door wagon | $30,750 | $28,278 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD SE 4-door wagon | $31,700 | $29,151 | $605 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 4-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65TR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
SL adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, rearview camera, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
SE adds to SL:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive, locking center differential, manual-shift capability.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
S
|
$800
|
$694
|
|
10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, front seatback pockets, cargo cover and net, roof rails.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$1,550
|
$1,345
|
|
Power-adjustable pedals, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, cargo cover and net, roof rails.
|
||
|
Sunroof Pkg.
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$2,550
|
$2,213
|
|
Premium Pkg. plus power sunroof.
|
||
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$2,650
|
$2,299
|
|
Premium Pkg. plus leather upholstery, 4-way passenger seat, unique bumpers.
|
||
|
Leather Pkg. w/power sunroof
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$3,550
|
$3,079
|
|
Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
SL
|
$4,600
|
$3,990
|
|
SE
|
$4,300
|
$3,730
|
|
Leather Pkg. plus power sunroof, heated front seats and mirrors, memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors), keyless access and starting, xenon headlights w/manual levelizer (SL).
|
||
|
Touring Pkg. w/satellite radio
|
||
|
SL
|
$4,950
|
$4,294
|
|
SE
|
$4,650
|
$4,034
|
|
Dynamic Control Pkg.
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$750
|
$651
|
|
Antiskid system, traction control, tire-pressure monitor. Requires Touring Package.
|
||
|
Tow Pkg.
|
||
|
S, SE, SL
|
$590
|
$494
|
|
Class II receiver hitch, ball mount.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$1,800
|
$1,561
|
|
Requires Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$1,720
|
$1,366
|
|
Requires Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Woodgrain interior trim
|
||
|
SL
|
$100
|
$86
|
|
Requires Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Floormats
|
||
|
S, SE, SL
|
$90
|
$68
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
S, SE, SL
|
$190
|
$146
|
|
S requires Convenience Pkg. SL, SE require Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
SL, SE
|
$1,200
|
$878
|
|
Requires Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
2006 Nissan Murano Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Murano 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3983 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 245 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 246 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| CVT automatic | 19/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Murano 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Nissan Murano Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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