The Nissan Murano, first introduced for model-year 2003, gets redesigned for 2009.
The first-generation Murano was a great success for Nissan with sales increasing each year after its debut. This left Nissan in a quandary: what should the company do for the second-generation model? Nissan wanted to improve on what people liked about the original Murano, but they couldn't go too far and risk turning off a very loyal base of customers. Per Nissan, nearly three of 10 Murano owners buy another.
In order to capitalize on this high rate of customer loyalty, designers focused on an evolution of the original vehicle with special focus on three areas: curvaceous modern art, premium driving feel, and an interior that has the atmosphere of a "premium suite."
Murano, Take Two
Nissan says the second-generation Murano is intelligent in design, sophisticated in appearance, refined in execution, and exciting in performance. The company is targeting empty nesters and baby boomer couples who are college graduates with full-time jobs and have household incomes in the $100,000 range.
Nissan marketers say these people are sophistication seekers who are creative, passionate, and discriminating. The company also says these people do not necessarily need to own a premium brand.
Exterior
Upon first seeing the new Murano, it is clear that it's a Murano. The styling has changed more than it would appear on first glance, but many of the changes only become obvious when looking at the old and new vehicles side by side. The general proportions are very similar and the latest Murano's exterior dimensions are nearly identical to the outgoing model.
The Nissan Murano is available with 20-inch wheels for 2009.
The bodysides now have more prominent character lines that form large flares around each wheel well. Nissan says the available 20-inch wheels and tires help add to the visual appeal. The optional dual-panel sunroof blends into the top of the windshield for a smooth, clean appearance.
Nuts and Bolts
The new Murano is built on Nissan's D-platform that debuted under the 2007 Altima sedan. Nissan claims the new body structure is 1.5 times stiffer than the old model's and offers improvements in ride comfort and handling, and better controls noise and vibration.
All Muranos use Nissan's well-regarded VQ-series 3.5-liter V6. In this application the engine is rated at 265 horsepower and is mated to a smooth CVT automatic transmission. The Xtronic S-CVT is new and, according to Nissan, offers improved and more linear acceleration and operates with reduced internal friction. Based on customer feedback, the CVT no longer includes a manual shift mode.
Murano S and SL models are available with front- or all-wheel drive. The top-line Murano LE is only offered with all-wheel drive.
The all-wheel drive system is new and the company says the integrated yaw-rate (side-to-side movement) moment control helps provide better performance under all weather conditions. The system also uses yaw, wheel slip, and steering angle sensors to distribute torque front to rear as conditions warrant. The initial distribution is split 50/50 when accelerating from a stop. The system shifts nearly all available torque to the front wheels under normal driving conditions, but it never sends more than half the torque to the rear wheels.
Cabin
Nissan marketers say the typical Murano customer is involved in their community and enjoys one or more hobbies. Knowing this, along with the other characteristics mentioned previously, designers sought to create what the company calls a premium-suite atmosphere inside Murano.
Nissan offers a 9-inch rear DVD screen on the redesigned-for-2009 Murano.
Up front, the expected technological features including Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera, touch-screen navigation, a hard drive for digital music storage, keyless entry and ignition, and an 11-speaker audio system are available. A DVD player with a 9-inch screen for rear seat occupants is also offered. The upgraded sound system includes an iPod interface that connects to the radio's display screen.
Front passengers get their own buckets with a commanding view of the road, but with a fairly low step-in height. The center console houses the shift lever, two covered bins, and covered cupholders. Rear-seat passengers will find a chair-height bench seat and adequate head- and legroom for a six-foot-tall passenger to sit behind another six-footer.
In the back, all models have a split-folding rear seat that is operated by easy-to-reach handles on the sidewalls of the cargo bay. Murano SL and LE models come with a standard power up function that automatically flips the seats back up by pushing a button in the cargo area or on the driver's side of the dash. There is also a segmented cargo organizer--standard on LE--that easily deploys from the floor and is meant to keep small items from rolling around.
Behind the Wheel
Consumer Guide was recently offered the opportunity to sample the Murano SL with AWD and the Murano LE on roads around Phoenix, AZ. Staff members also drove the AWD Murano SL in southeastern Wisconsin and around our home base in suburban Chicago.
The new Murano shows its car-based roots on the road with a pleasant driving experience that's more midsize sedan than trucky SUV. The driver sits high on a wide bucket seat, and visibility is generally good. The view to the rear is compromised somewhat by Murano's styling, but large outside mirrors and the available rear-view camera help the driver keep track of what's going on around the car.
The 3.5-liter V6 offers good power around town and on the highway. Even mountainous roads are handled with little trouble. Spirited acceleration is accompanied with a refined growl, but the engine largely fades into the background during cruising. The CVT works very smoothly and is mostly unnoticed in normal commuting, which is a high compliment for a CVT.
Murano's ride is well controlled and comfortable on most surfaces. On the expressway the ride is very serene with some moderate wind noise in the background.
The 2009 Nissan Murano is on sale now.
2009 Nissan Murano prices start at $26,330.
05.13.2008
