2009 Nissan Murano: Road Test
2009 Nissan Murano ▼
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- MSRP: $27,680 - $37,260
- Invoice: $25,504 - $34,315
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Our road test for the 2009 Nissan Murano includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Nissan Murano from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Nissan Murano, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Nissan Murano help you decide if a 2009 Nissan Murano is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
One of the quicker 6-cylinder midsize SUVs, Murano has few peers 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.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Muranos averaged 16.0 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.9 in mixed city/highway driving, and 21.7 with mostly highway use. Nissan recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
The ride is well controlled and is abrupt only on sharp potholes and badly broken pavement. Murano is reassuringly stable in highway-speed cruising. There is little discernible difference in ride quality among models.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Testers are divided on steering feel, some cite accurate response and others find it too light in any situation. Overall balance is just OK, as Murano feels wallowy and ponderous in even light-duty cornering. The brakes offer sure stopping control with good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
Other than in full-throttle acceleration, the engine is quite subdued. Road noise is fairly well controlled, with the LEs being the quietest models. Wind-noise suppression was not uniform in all test models.
CONTROLS
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Audio and trip-computer readouts display on a single dashtop screen removed by several inches from those system's actual controls. Gauges have amber lighting and can be hard to read in bright conditions, even while wearing sunglasses. Same goes for the available navigation system screen. Most controls are easy to reach and use, but a few switches are mounted on a shelf under the center stack and in front of the console. The navigation system is easy to use, and most audio and climate functions are separate.
DETAILS
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Cabin assembly quality is good. Abundant soft and padded surfaces add to overall quality feel. Aluminum trim on console and dash add upscale appeal. LEs add genuine wood accents on the console and door panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Large-adult room and comfort, but the wide seatbacks could use more side bolstering, as the available leather seats can be slippery in turns. Murano's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids in finding a comfortable driving position. It's power-operated on LE, but other models use an inconvenient two-lever configuration. Six-footers have good headroom, even with the optional sunroof. There is a nicely elevated field of vision to the front and sides, and the large mirrors aid lane changes. Low step-in aids entry and exit. Upswept rear roof pillars and a smallish rear window cut into the view astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Great legroom and foot space. There's ample headroom on nicely padded, chair-height seats. Three adults are a bit squeezed, but the nearly flat floor helps the middle passenger. Modest ground clearance means no-hassle entry and exit through wide doors front and rear.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Murano features a flat passage from the rear bumper into the cargo bay, though the rakish roofline cuts into cargo volume with rear seatbacks up. But there is no need to remove headrests to drop the 60/40 split rear seatbacks, which fold nearly flat via levers from the rear, and SL and LE have a standard power return feature that is operated by a button near the hatch. A multi-section cargo organizer--standard on LE--easily deploys from the floor to help keep small items from rolling around the cargo hold. Other interior storage includes a large glovebox, a twin-bin console, seat back pockets, and small door pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
The redesigned Murano is a likable SUV that retains the model's secure handling, comfortable interior, cargo utility, and strong, refined powertrain. Midsize SUV shoppers should add it to their test-drive list.
Total Score
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 70 | 70 | 64.5 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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