2007 Nissan Murano Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This midsize SUV seats five and is based on a car-type design. 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. S and SL offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. SE is AWD only. Murano's 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 side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. 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.

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.

News

Nissan's usual product cycle suggests Murano will be redesigned for 2008. Sources believe that will indeed happen, but we think the replacement might be delayed to '09. Whenever it appears, the new Murano shouldn't stray far from the current model's successful concept.

Meantime, a compact crossover is said to be on for 2008 or '09 as Nissan's first direct rival to the popular Toyota RAV4 and Honda's newly redesigned CR-V. It's said to use the platform of Nissan's new Versa compact car, but will drive the front wheels with a 2.5-liter 4-cyl engine. All-wheel drive should be available, though. This sounds to us like a redesign of Nissan's X-Trail SUV, which has been sold in Europe and Canada for several years. More news on this as we get it, so keep checking back.

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2007 Nissan Murano Road Test

Pros	Cons

CVT performance	Instruments/controls

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD SL	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.2

One of the quicker 6-cyl midsize SUVs. Test AWD SL did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph, and 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	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	4

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 premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD SL	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.5

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	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.5

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	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.6

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

Controls

AWD SL	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.6

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.

Details

AWD SL	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	3.5

There's genuine aluminum trim on the console and dash, but some interior plastics look low buck.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD SL	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	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	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.1

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	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8

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	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	5.9

Murano earns its Recommended credentials for its secure handling, good utility, and strong, efficient V6 powertrain. Competitive pricing rounds out this midsize SUV's assets.

Total Score

AWD SL	SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
68	68	61.9

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		69

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2007 Nissan Murano Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD S 4-door wagon	$27,750	$25,519	$650

AWD S 4-door wagon	$29,350	$26,990	$650

2WD SL 4-door wagon	$29,300	$26,945	$650

AWD SL 4-door wagon	$30,900	$28,416	$650

AWD SE 4-door wagon	$31,850	$29,289	$650

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

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	$1,650	$1,432
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	$2,650	$2,299
Premium Pkg. plus power sunroof.

Leather Pkg.
SL, SE	$2,750	$2,385
Premium Pkg. plus leather upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, unique bumpers.

Leather Pkg. w/power sunroof
SL, SE	$3,650	$3,166


Touring Pkg.
SL	$4,700	$4,077
SE	$4,400	$3,817
Leather Pkg. and Premium 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	$5,050	$4,381
SE	$4,750	$4,120


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.

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2007 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

< 2007 Nissan Murano Photos

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Also in the 2007 Nissan Murano Review:

Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano Road Test

Nissan Murano Prices & Equipment

Nissan Murano Specs & Safety

Nissan Murano Photos

Nissan Murano Full Review