2015 Nissan Murano SL
The audacious crossover continues to break new ground.
When the Murano first showed its radical face 12 years ago it helped to reset expectations of what an SUV could be. While this latest, third-generation model doesn’t go quite that far, it is a worthy successor to the groundbreaking original.
The Murano’s audacious skin is an integral part of its appeal; featuring Nissan’s new face, a show car-worthy window line, sculptural taillights and copious—and copiously folded—sheet metal, it is a standout outside.
The interior is equally fetching, at least at first glance. The bold, metallic sweeps of trim are a very welcome departure from faux tree and the acres of contrast stitching; bright accents and black backdrops are artistically conceived. Sadly, the bean counters undermined some of the materials’ quality; especially disappointing is the otherwise well laid out and copious center console, which is so flimsily attached that you worry for its future. But the large, generously padded seats, comfy armrests and fast, intuitive infotainment system help make up for such lapses. Cargo room is excellent and helps differentiate the Murano from smaller luxury crossovers.
Luxury also describes the way this Nissan proceeds down the road. The ride is smooth, absorbent and very quiet. Wind noise and tire roar are likewise noticeable by their absence; the Murano is in Lexus RX territory here. Steering precision is fine—though there’s no real feel—and the handling improves on its predecessor’s. While not to be confused with more obviously athletic competitors, the Nissan is more than competent in this department.
Motivation is provided by a carryover, corporate, 3.5-liter V6, with outputs of 260hp and 240lb-ft; despite the slightly lighter curb weight of this new, larger Murano, and its wider-ratio CVT, it doesn’t feel any faster than the older model, with independent tests showing mid-7s 0-60mph backing up the seat-of-the-pants assessment. Fuel economy ratings have dramatically improved, though real-world numbers are more in line with the older model as well—typical of vehicles with continuously variable transmissions.
I commend Nissan for making the new Murano so focused as an on-pavement, luxury crossover. There’s no token third row or off-road hardware; this is all-weather large capacity transport for today’s world. While a lingering sense of insubstantiality intrudes at times (examples include doors—and door handles—that feel cheaply hollow), there are many areas of real improvement. The Murano is larger yet lighter, more frugal but just as fast, quieter and more luxurious, loaded with safety and entertainment tech that is easy to suss out—all while making a stronger visual statement than any recent crossover.
EPA ratings: 21/28mpg; 24mpg combined
Price as tested: $41,905
Here is what Nissan has to say.
