2009 Nissan Murano Review & Road Test

Pros: Smooth power delivery; capable suspension; spacious cabin

Cons: Lazy cruise control; familiar styling; 'A' & 'D' pillar visibility

By Matt Brogan | April 30th, 2009

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Price: $26,910 to $42,720

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3
Comfort and Interior	3.5
Quality & Design	3.5
Value & Features	3.5
Green	2.5

2009 Nissan Murano ST Review & Road Test

Has the new Murano shifted far enough to stay ahead?

Model Tested:

2009 Nissan Murano ST Xtronic CVT, 3.5-litre V6, automatic, wagon – $45,990 (RRP)

Options:

Metallic paint $495 (Fitted)

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Matt Brogan

The Murano. It’s one of those cars that people either love, or love to hate.

Not that there’s any thing particularly wrong with that, I mean we all have different tastes when it comes to styling and appearance, and though I’m not personally excited by the Murano’s looks, I can appreciate its modern-family appeal.

The angular, futuristic styling of the front coupled with bold rounded wheel arches, large 18-inch alloys and upswept rear glass somehow work together to offer Murano a distinctive presence amongst similar sized SUVs.

For my money though I can’t help but think that although it’s a completely new platform, and certainly a more modern looking car than the model it replaces, the styling is still largely familiar to that of its predecessor.

Evolutionary changes seem to be all the go at Nissan this year. The recently released Maxima – which coincidentally is based on the same platform as the Murano – is a prime example, and though these safe bets are good for retaining existing customers, I’m not convinced they will win the hearts and minds of newcomers to the brand. I guess time will tell.

But aesthetics aside, what’s it like?

Well, in all honesty, it’s quite good. The vehicle itself is well put together, it’s quiet on the open road and more importantly, very smooth to drive thanks to the partnership of Nissan’s revised and highly acclaimed VQ35, 3.5-litre, V6 engine and Xtronic CVT transmission.

The two work together beautifully and whilst I’m not a particular fan of CVT technology, I will admit that Nissan have done a terrific job this time round.

The one possible exception to my new found CVT love lies within the transmission’s programming that will almost always want to find the most economic ratio – even if you’re requiring something else from the car at the time.

It’s not a bad thing I guess, considering most buyer’s needs, but its certainly noticeable when you’re trying to iron out a hill or finish and overtaking manoeuvre.

The afore mentioned V6 engine produces 191kW of power at 6000rpm and 336Nm of torque at 4400rpm and is certainly a capable performer on paper. In practice however you really do need to keep the engine on the boil to deliver adequate performance, and it’s this need for revs that really starts to challenge the economics of the situation.

Nissan claims the Murano should average 10.9 litres per 100km combined, though my week proved vastly different with Murano offering a hefty return of 13.6L/100km, almost three litres above the ADR claim.

It wasn’t that I was lead footed either, in fact I drove rather economically, so let’s just put this down to the car being very new and say the figures may sharpen up once the car is sufficiently run-in.

The strut front/mulit-link rear ride on offer is both capable and confident, but perhaps just a little stiff from a passenger stand point. The upshot to this however is very nimble handling assisted with positive reassurance from the all-wheel-driver system.

I’d have liked a little more in the way of involvement from the steering finding it a touch numb for the size of the car. That said it is very light to manage when parking with the added bonus of a tight turning circle of just 11.4 metres.

While we’re on the subject of parking though, I did find the thick “A” pillar and small triangular “D” pillar window make visibility somewhat awkward in car parks with massive blind-spots causing excessive caution when reversing from 45-degree angle parks.

The remainder of the interior however is practical and quite enjoyable with the ST base model (as tested) offering much in the way of standard equipment, comfortable and supportive seating and easy-to-follow functionality.

Leather trim with electrically adjustable drivers seat, six-CD tuner, xenon headlamps, cruise control, LED tail lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels (with full size matching spare), keyless entry and push-button start, power windows, mirrors and dual zone climate control do tally a fair amount of kit when you consider a Murano ST comes in at sub-$50,000 on-road.

Storage too is more than adequate with the added bonus of all oddment compartments being covered with a lid – except it would seem the boot which sees a retractable blind costing extra.

Cargo capacity is however rather practical for a mid-sized family with the flat-floored boot offering 402-litres with the seats up. Flip down the 60:40 rear seats and the area more than doubles to offer 838-litres of space. Murano can also be optioned to tow up to 1500kg (braked).

On the safety front Murano offers six-airbags as standard, as well as the usual run of acronyms such as ABS, EBA, EBD, ESP and TSC, while ANCAP results are yet to be confirmed.

So while it’s not vastly different the new Murano is certainly a very capable, confident and practical family SUV that is sure to provide you with years of pleasant motoring.

The Nissan Murano starts at $45,990 for the Murano ST (as tested) or from $55,890 for the range topping Murano Ti and is available now.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

Engine: 3498cc DOHC V6 cylinder (24-valve)
Power: 191kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 336Nm @ 4400rpm
Induction: Multipoint
Transmission: Continuously variable
Driven Wheels: All
Brakes: Disc with ABS, EBA & EBD
0-100km/h: 8.0 seconds (Claimed)
CO2 Emissions: 259 grams per kilometre
Fuel Consumption: 10.9 litres per 100km (ADR combined)
Fuel Consumption: 13.6 litres per 100km (as tested)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 82 litres
Fuel Type: 95RON petrol
ANCAP Rating: TBC
Airbags: Front, side & curtain
Safety: ESP with Traction Control
Spare Wheel: Full-size alloy
Suspension: Strut (F)/Multi-link (R)
Cargo Capacity: 402/838 litres
Tow Capacity: 1500kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
Weight: TBC
Wheels: Alloy 18 x 7.5-inch

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The competition

MAZDA CX-7

Rating:

JEKYL & HYDE

now let me see.territory=ugly,cheap looking.freddy kruger=very ugly,overgrown honda hrv.captiva=ugly,cheap.santa-fe=ugly.cheap.volvo=nice,but it’s a volvo.bmw,audi etc=nice,but pricey.

hope this even ‘s out the 50 UGLY comments that will be mentioned below.murano is a nice bus.ti model is the seller.too dear now but will probably get cheaper it this global doom and gloom…
NacaYoda

Thirsty on PULP… ouch.
And sloppy cruise control is one of my pet hates. My wife’s Astra will happily skip 15km over its setting as it crests a hill, there’s no excuse for Holden in this regard and certainly no defence for an AWD to do the same.
lazybones

“Lazy cruise control”

I like the sound of that, does that mean when you press the cruise control button a topless virgin blue hostie appears in the passenger seat ready to serve up some refreshments and drive the car?

Thats what I call “Lazy Cruise control”
Baji

ouch getting really close to the realms of the CX9 price wise. not to mention fuel economy wise as well. i’d still take the cx7 or 9 over the murano.

still, its a very nice effort by nissan.
http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811

ive never liked the styling of the murano, its to overstyled and a bit girly IMO..And I hate CVT transmissions!!
give me the new 3.6 tribeca anyday, at least it looks a bit more aggresive and has a decent normal 5sp auto, and even sounds good being a boxer engine..
eh179driver

Matt, great review as usual. I’m sitting here is a hotel in the US reading the review. I looked at the pictures taken up at Split Rock out the back of Upper Beaconsfield feeling very homesick. My house is walking distance to where the pics were taken…
http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt

G’day EH179,

Well spotted my friend, it is indeed just at the end of Split Rock Rd, I think the locals call it the Emerald Elephant.

Make sure you give us a good plug in the states!

Cheers, Matt.
JEKYL & HYDE

name one single suv petrol motor of 3.0ltrs or more in a 1600kgs plus frame that drinks less than 13ltrs per hundred(real world)(not diesel)…
Camski

RX450h aside…

“With five people and their baggage on board the RX350 cruises quite comfortably and returned an average fuel economy figure of 11.7-litres per 100km with a week’s drive this time including an 850km highway round-trip. A further 410kms were clocked up inner-city.” – CA
+ it weighs 2085kg

Granted it’s pricey by comparison however the same engine is used in the Kluger so expect similar results.
Bret

J&H,
Hired a Territory for 2 weeks on the Gold Caost and averaged 11.2 l/100km. Similar trip with a Kluger returned 11.9 l/100km.
Chucky

JEKYL & HYDE Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 9:52 am
now let me see.territory=ugly,cheap looking.freddy kruger=very ugly,overgrown honda hrv.captiva=ugly,cheap.santa-fe=ugly.cheap.volvo=nice,but it’s a volvo.bmw,audi etc=nice,but pricey.

hope this even ’s out the 50 UGLY comments that will be mentioned below.murano is a nice bus.ti model is the seller.too dear now but will probably get cheaper it this global doom and gloom…
———————————————————————————————————————-

Dad got the new Ti model in the same colour I think a week after it came out for just uner $52k driveaway. Aren’t fleet discounts great?

It is a nice car by the way.
murano

I love this car. Matches build quality, prettier and alot cheaper than BMW, Landrover, Audi, Mercedes. So what if it loses out on handling…who buys an SUV for handling qualities anyway.
Casey

“The upshot to this however is very nimble handling assisted with positive reassurance from the all-wheel-driver system.”

Murano, did you even read the article?

I have to wonder about some of the people who leave these comments.

Anyway, good review. Tells it like it is. Cheers.
http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811

ive driven a tribeca over a 2 month period, mainly trips to work and back and averaged 11.4l/100km so can be fuel efficient!!, I wasent driving hard but I dont drive slow!!
Duck

Sorry but I have gotta say this is UGLY!
Mitch

Shame about Nissans after-sales service!
We purchased a Nissan Murano mid-late ’07.
The front diff died at 34,000km for no apparent reason.
Nissan would not cover this under the warranty and
charged $5k to replace.
We will DEFIANTLY NOT be purchasing another Nissan.
LN

Sorry to hear that Mitch… most dealerships are different in terms of policy with warranty and things like that.

When the Diff died out… you should have had it replaced under warranty. I would not payed $5k to have it changed. You should have taken this up with the department of trading and they would have been onto it immediately.
AAA

Why did Honda dropped the CVT from the Jazz? Honda and Toyota have no CVT cars in Aust except those hybrid cars. I wouldn’t buy a CVT car any time soon because of questionable reliability and very high unit replacement cost.
David

I had a 2004 Kluger to replace – great car but the new Kluger 4×4 weighed 2025 kilos. I did drive one and at 100Kph it had less acceleration than the old model and the body roll scared me. The Tribeca 3.6 I drove was let down by being made in the crappy USA – it dropped an intake hose. The Mazda CX9 I drove felt great and went like a rocket but drank like a fish.
I took delivery of my new Murano in February and immediately drove it from Sydney to Rockhampton and back – average fuel 9.5.lt/100Kilos. My old Kluger had to be nursed on the flattest part of the Hume Hwy. (Albury to Melb. ) to just get 10.5.
Murano’s faults are:
1. the huge A pillars that restrict your view creating an enormous blind spot.
2. Boot too small for high objects due to rake of tailgate.
3. Ride is probably too hard for most people.
4. Australian model has stupid 200mm protruding front bumper (unlike USA model).
Now balance those against the unbeatable price, decent steering feel, fantastic engine, 6 speed auto, Made in Japan quality, low weight (1800 Kilos not 2000+ like rivals) and returns decent fuel economy: Murano is it….and there is no way these will get cheaper – unless they make them in Thailand as with the new Maxima.
..and the rear doors are 65mm longer than the old model’s – and that makes Murano equivalent to Kluger’s rear seat legroom…..
Steve

Good feedback David.

I’m currently considering getting the Murano ST (I can live without the electric gadgets). i think the ST the best value on the market and a decent SUV with good standard features like leathers and Xenon headlights and a roomy interior. Hoping to grab one before the end of financial year.

Many reviews have complained about the tiny rear quarter window causing blind spots and the thick A pillar so they could be the deal breaker when I go for a test drive.

I read it is also very quiet and comparable to the Lexus RX350. How do you see it compare to say, Kluger?
Steve

Just to add to my previous post, For under 45K is there a better luxury SUV than the Murano? I’ve looked at the CRV, Rav4, Forester which all fall under this $ bracket but they seem to be a step down from the Nissan in every aspect. I read that Nissan priced the new Murano ST $4000 cheaper than the previous model and with better standard features.
David

Steve
Kluger Vs. Murano. The Murano steering feel is way better than Klugers (steers like a yaucht one reviewer said) and the fuel economy is better by 15% at least. The Kluger is a big brute like the CX-9 and you will pay at the bowser. The old model Kluger was built on the old RX platform and weighed 1800 – same as Murano. The new Kluger 4×4 is 2025. None of these SUVs handle like sports cars Steve. My Kluger originally had heaps of body roll, I sorted that by getting Whiteline (now called Red Rover formerly called Selby’s)to fit 25mm anti-sway bars replacing the standard 20mm. That fixed the roll but the cars ride remained firm but soft. Iv’e just got back from out Western NSW. and though the Murano steers and feels better than the Kluger unmodified – my old Kluger (after modification) was a sports car by comparison. Trouble is this time there are no off the shelf anti-sway bars out there. (because the Murano is so new) Also the Murano dampening is not as supple as the Klugers and you will feel every bump – believe me. However the engine is – awesome. given the car is slower off the mark than a Kluger for the first 100 metres (due to the CV gearbox) but does the 0-100 half a second quicker you will appreciate that the Murano at 100 Kph. going to say 120Kph. in overtaking mode, is awesome. The Klugers weight catches up with it at that speed. I also have the ST model and saved the $10,000. Just make sure you cut the best deal
Undecided

Am considering buying larger vehicle, currently have Toyota 2003 Camry V6. Murano Ti has features and comfort that we want but disappointed by towing capacity (1500kg) as we are planning to tow 2300kg caravan several times a year (normal roads) but the majority of use is day to day driving. Have looked at all others but don’t want a truck. How does Falcon get a up to 2300kg towing rating than the heavier?? stronger murano. Is this telling me that the CVT is no good for any sort of hard work??
David

David

What is a good deal for ST? we test drove one today and yes I thought ride a bit hard, but a really nice car. dealer saying that cars are hard to find so no deals….??

David
Ken Smith

How does the Murano, Kluger & Lexus rate off road, are they very good in sand? Do any of them have diff lock?

Pound for Pound, if I go and buy one tomorrow, which one should I buy?
Derek

Just bought a ST Z51 murano at 43k drive away with fog lamp, floor carpet, cargo tray. Quite happy about the car.
John

Nice deal Derek. If you’re in Melb, can you refer me to the dealership you got it from? I’m interested in purchasing the ST too. thanks…
Shane

Hi Just brought Murano Ti. Spent time looking and driving all of the above cars Honda ( underpowered power plant)
Kluger ( not as roomy) even tested the Range Rover but just too pricey and no value for money.
Final decision came down to what was under the bonnet the proven Nissan 3.5 V6 and RACV’s recommendation that this was the most trouble free car and yes it costs more to run but reliability and trouble free motoring. also dealer had 6year 175,000 warranty to boot. I think either you like them or hate them
Gilly

Lazy cruise???- I dont have any problem with mine, does the job perfectly.

Keep the engine on the boil??? – I can keep the revs under 2000rpm and keep up with normal traffic.

Fuel economy- Current average 12.1/100 with short urban trips on a tight engine that has yet seen 1000km so like mentioned, can only get better.

I think they should have included parking sensors as a minimum on the ST as rear visibility is shite.
Arek

I bought a New Murano Ti Z51. Had to wait 2 and half months. June 2009 build July 2009 delivery.

Excellent car very fuel efficient the engine is awesome and the CVT transmission is so quiet and so smooth. The CVT transmission normally stays below 1500RPM as you accelerate to gain speed.

I really like the CVT transmission in this car.

The car is fantastic to drive.

The 11 speaker BOSE sound system is just brilliant having Treble and BASS at 100% and volume to 100% there is no distortion from speakers at full volume. The subwoofer goes off at full volume as it sits in the spare wheel. Seat adjustement all electric is great. Electric telescopic and up down steering wheel through joystick is great. GPS navigation is also awesome and bluetooth handsfree is absolutely great as when I call through bluetooth or receive calls friends tel me it is crystal clear.

I definitely recommend this car.

I bought the car from Mildren Nissan Artarmon Sydney NSW as they gave the best deal.

Bought the Ti version for $57125 onroad for Black colour.
Included in the $57125 driveaway no more to pay deal was
- Towbar
- Roof racks “Murano calls these roof bars”
- Weathershields
- Carpet mats
- Maximum legal tint
- Bonnet Protector
stevo

Does anyone know which dealer in Melbourne is offering the best driveaway deal on the Murano ST?
Juan

I got my Murano Ti for $55k, which includes mats/tints/rear scuff plate/weather shields.

I’ve also looked into other forums and have confirmed with other dealers the lowest you can go for Ti is $54k driveaway* (depending on dealer delivery cost – Sydney)

For the Sydney people I suggest heading to Ryde Nissan
http://www.ledgerguard.com.au Larry

I am in the market for a SUV because I feel they are the most practical vehicles in this day & age. My list of possibles included VRX Outlander(a little small & made in Thailand), Tiguan 147 (nice build quality but too small), Kluger KX-R (good size,& servicing costs, but low rent interior). The Murano ST (rear parking sensors fitted) fits the bill for me. With the right price,size,contempory looks, power and build quality, plus most Murano owners I have asked in car parks, all say they would buy another. I think that speaks volumes.

frank

So Larry (back in Nov 2009) you were in the market for a SUV. your possibilties were Outlander VRX, Murano, Tiguan and Kluger, what did you buying? I too am now in the market for a SUV, comparing the Murano Ti, Kluger Grande, and Subaru Tribeca.

tony

Just brought my new TI Murano. I traded my 2005 Murano TI in on the new car without even takling a test drive. Having done 60000km in my old one I have to say it was one of the best cars I have ever had. Now 200 km into my new one I am even more satisfied that the Murano leaves most of the other SUV for dead especially now that they come with a lot of little extras such as GPS, Trip Computer, outside temperature, reversing camera etc etc etc none of which were available in the first models.
Dave

I m thinking of buying 2010 ti model which comes with sunroof. Anyone got a good deal on the Ti lately?
damien

think a little clearer about this piece of crap, it only makes 100kw at the wheels, try a 2002 ba xt petrol powered, at just over 140kwkw in 4 speed auto guise plus the torque that v6 engines can not match even in 2010.
frank

what is the best drive away price for Murano Ti?
mick

Got rid of the Tribecca, a piece of rubbish, back struts and tyres replaced after 40,000ks, into a new Murano, brilliant so far, will see how it goes on the dirt!
Gilly

Update:
My Murano now has over 22000km on board, my long term average consumption is now 11.3l/100km (all urban) and the car is still like new, no rattles or any other issues.
Blokie

dont mind the overall shape – very similar in looking as the 350Z/370Z – But what were they thinking with that front grill? the lights are ok, but they could have brought the bonnet down a bit more to the head lights and it would be have been really nice looking.

no doubt they go well, pity no 7seat option though like the Mazda CX-9 and Toy Kluger it competes with