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2009 Nissan Murano Full Review
Date Published: 9/11/08
Also in the 2009 Nissan Murano Review:
5.
6.
Nissan Murano Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Nissan Murano Review
The 2009 Nissan Murano is redesigned. This midsize SUV seats five and is based on Nissan's "D" platform, which is shared with the midsize Altima sedan. Models are S, SL, and LE. All use a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. S and SL offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. LE is AWD only. Murano's AWD system lacks a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Heated front and rear seats are available, as are a navigation system and DVD entertainment. LE includes 20-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, a rearview camera, leather upholstery, and keyless entry and starting.
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2009 Nissan Murano Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| CVT performance | Wind noise |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Muranos averaged 16.0 mpg in mostly city driving and 21.7 with more highway use. Nissan recommends premium-grade gas.
| 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 and 21.7 with more highway use. Nissan recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
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.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
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
The steering is accurate and offers good feedback. Overall balance is just OK, as models tested occasionally felt wallowy and ponderous in even light-duty cornering. The brakes offer sure stopping control with good pedal feel.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
The steering is accurate and offers good feedback. Overall balance is just OK, as models tested occasionally felt wallowy and ponderous in even light-duty cornering. The brakes offer sure stopping control with good pedal feel.
Quietness
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.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.4 |
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
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. 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.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
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. 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
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.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
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)
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. 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.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
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. 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.7 |
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
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 must-see list.
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
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 must-see list.
Total Score
| AWD S | AWD SL | LE | Class Average |
| 69 | 70 | 70 | 64.6 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 64 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2009 Nissan Murano Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon | $26,330 | $24,263 | $745 |
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| AWD S 4-door wagon | $27,930 | $25,734 | $745 |
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| 2WD SL 4-door wagon | $27,880 | $25,688 | $745 |
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| AWD SL 4-door wagon | $29,480 | $27,159 | $745 |
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| AWD LE 4-door wagon | $35,910 | $33,073 | $745 |
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), traction control.
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, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
SL adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, power return rear seatbacks.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear privacy glass, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
LE adds to SL:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd-row seats, 4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, keyless access and starting, Bose sound system, satellite radio, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, rearview camera, rain sensing wipers, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, power liftgate, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, roof rails, 235/55R20 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Convenience Pkg.
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S
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$550
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$478
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Cargo cover, alarm, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
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Premium Pkg.
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SL
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$1,000
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$867
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Rearview camera, Bose sound system, satellite radio, iPod adapter, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, cargo organizer, cargo cover, alarm, roof rails.
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Leather Pkg.
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SL
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$1,600
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$1,388
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Leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 4-way power passenger seat. Requires Premium Pkg.
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Technology Pkg.
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SL
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$1,900
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$1,648
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Keyless access, wireless cell phone link, heated power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic xenon headlights. Requires Leather Pkg.
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Navigation Pkg.
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SL, LE
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$1,850
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$1,605
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Navigation system, music hard drive. Requires power sunroof. SL requires Technology Pkg.
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Tow Pkg.
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SL, LE
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$690
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$584
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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SL, LE
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$1,170
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$1,015
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2WD SL requires Technology Pkg. AWD SL requires Leather Pkg.
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DVD entertainment system
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SL, LE
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$1,600
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$1,388
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SL requires Technology Pkg.
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Illuminated door sills
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SL, LE
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$280
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$246
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Cargo mat
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LE, S, SL
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$95
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$70
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Floormats
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SL, LE
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$120
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$90
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Floormats and cargo mat
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S, SL
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$185
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$137
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rack
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LE, S, SL
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$190
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$147
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S requires Convenience Pkg. SL requires Premium Pkg.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Nissan Murano Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Murano 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4009 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 64.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 265 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 248 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| CVT automatic | 18/23 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| 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
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Premium Package (Bose Audio System, XM Satellite Radio, Rear-View Monitor, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror w/Compass and Homelink, Foldable Cargo Organizer, Roof Rails, 7 inch Color Display, Retractable Cargo Cover, Vehicle Security System), Leather Package (Leather Seats, Driver Power Lumbar Support, Heated Front Seats, 4-Way Power Front Passenger Seat) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 21.7 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell The redesigned Murano sees no radical changes, but plenty of incremental improvements that keep it at the forefront of its class. Don Sikora The new Murano is pleasant to drive, comfortable to spend time in, and easy on the eyes. Add in car-like handling and ease of entry with SUV-style utility and driving position and you get a great crossover. Rick Cotta As noteworthy for its cargo versatility and passenger space as for its impressive dynamic properties, the redesigned Murano remains a top contender in the hotly contested midsize "crossover" class. |
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Also in the 2009 Nissan Murano Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nissan Murano Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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