Nissan's Murano

When Nissan decided to enter the North American crossover sport-utility segment its first vehicle was dubbed the Murano. It didn’t take long for the SUV to catch the attention of the automotive press and it was named North American Truck of the Year for 2003, its first model year on the market.

One thing we can say right off the top is that Nissan set the style for others to follow when the company launched the Murano. The sharp-looking crossover employed, and continues to use, styling cues other vehicles in the segment incorporated into their designs.

When the second-generation Murano arrived in dealer showrooms for the 2009 model year, Nissan infused its popular crossover SUV with the same attractive, convenient and thoughtful details with which it had loaded the original Murano. For the consumer, that means high comfort and high quality.

Take for example the use of recent technology like the “smart-key” feature that senses the approaching of the key holder and automatically unlocks the doors. No need for fumbling for the keys in pockets, purses or briefcases. A nice feature to have while carrying handfuls of grocery bags or making a dash for the vehicle in the rain. Once inside, the same “smart-key” technology allows the driver to start the vehicle with a push of a button.

The Nissan Murano is available in three models (base S, SL and LE) with prices starting at $38,298 and climbing to just under $50,000. One thing that you will find is that even the entry-level S trim is very well appointed with features such as an intuitive “all-wheel-drive” system (more about that later), traction control and Dynamic Vehicle Control, the afore mentioned intelligent key system and comfort and convenience amenities like heated outside rear-view mirrors, rear glass tinted for privacy and dual-zone climate control.

All Muranos are powered by a 3.5-litre, V6 engine that is capable of pumping out 265 horsepower. Nissan’s Xtronic continuously-variable transmission delivers engine power to the drive wheels. This is where the Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system comes in. The vehicle starts in all-wheel-drive mode, splitting the power evenly to the front and rear wheels. As you cruise down the highway, the intuitive system switches to front-wheel drive to maximize fuel efficiency. Then it is back to AWD when driving inputs suggest a corner or the vehicle detects wet or slippery conditions.

Nissan has also put high emphasis on rider safety. There are some 50 features incorporated into the Murano to protect passengers. Things like standard anti-lock brakes and dynamic vehicle control, six airbags, active head restraints for front-seat passengers all contribute to rider safety and front and rear crumple zones are designed to displace impact energy away from the passenger cabin.

Depending on which Murano model you choose, extras available include dual-panel sliding moonroof, power sliding sun shades, high-intensity headlights, leather seats, a hard-drive navigation system, a sound system that features 9.3-gigabyte of digital-audio storage and compact-flash card reader for playback of MP3/WMA files.

Inside, you can equip the Murano with the latest technology. Integrated navigation system sits at the top of the centre console. There is also a rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity and the second-row seats power-controlled to lay flat for optimal cargo capacity or back into position to allow seating for five. A pop-up cargo organizer at the rearmost point of the vehicle creates up to three individual compartments to prevent smaller items from rolling around in the cargo area. The power liftgate can be opened and closed with a touch of a button on the key fob or either of two liftgate switches inside the vehicle.

Gauges and controls are decently marked and well within reach to operate. We did find some of the gauges a bit hard to read while wearing sunglasses, requiring a little extra time to focus in, thus meaning extra time the eyes were away from the road. Overall, though, this is nitpicking as there is very little wrong with the design and feel of the Murano’s interior.

Ride quality is very good. Anyone who has driven around Durham Region is well aware of the state of the roads. Murano’s ride quality seemed to be affected only by the poorest of road surfaces. Highway cruising was smooth and quiet.

As far as fuel consumption goes, this Nissan is thrifty. The provided fuel rating figures show it to be the most economical in its segment. While we weren’t able to match the EnerGuide stats, we were happy to be able to keep driving past most gas stations.

Overall, the Nissan Murano sits very comfortably among its segment competitors. A visit to your local Nissan dealer and a test drive is sure to convince you that this vehicle may just be the crossover you are looking for, with decent passenger comfort, cargo convenience, stylish good looks and reasonable on the pocketbook to operate.