2009 Nissan Murano Review & Road Test
June 24, 2009 by Karl Peskett
2009 Nissan Murano Ti Review & Road Ttest
New, shiny and hard wearing – it suits its namesake
Model Tested:
- 2009 Nissan Murano Ti 3.5-litre V6, CVT - $55,890
Options:
- Metallic Paint – $495
Spacious, quality interior, smooth engine, overall refinement
Sluggish CVT, styling eats into boot space
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Karl Peskett
What’s in a name? According to proverbial sources, it’s only after you’ve lived your life that your name has any meaning, but for a car it all starts at the beginning.
You’d have to ask yourself, will it have any relevance? Will the car be worthy of the name? Will we have to change it out of embarrassment, like from Gordon Sumner to Sting? Or like Reginald Dwight to Elton John. Let’s investigate Nissan’s Murano.
Murano is an island (or more correctly, an archipelago of islands) in the Venice Lagoon on the northern Italian coast, and was known as the centre of glass making of Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, Murano glass is still being produced with the emphasis on jewellery, and brightly coloured pieces. What does that have to do with the car?
You could say that the front end of Nissan’s Murano is quite jewel-like with its shiny, divided chrome grille, and multifaceted headlights. Road Test Editor Matt Brogan wasn’t overly impressed with the styling, but I think that as subtle as the changes are, they’ve made a huge improvement over the original. Even the chrome knurled dial for the dash menu is quite beautiful in detail.
You can see, though why the emphasis is now on design. The dynamic lifestyle car is supposedly the X-Trail, so rather than have two products competing in the same sporty SUV category, it was time to give the Murano more luxury. Concentrate on differentiating it from all previous iterations and influences.
According to Nissan Australia’s CEO, Dan Thompson, the shift in emphasis started from the inside out.
“We have changed the ambience of the cabin from sports activity to club lounge comfort”, said Mr Thompson. Isn’t that really an admission of guilt?
In other words, the previous Murano’s 350Z-style dials in the pod didn’t really work all that well, and Nissan’s opted for a more integrated look. Put simply, in this tester’s opinion, the new ones work where the old ones didn’t.
Similar to the redo of the X-Trail interior, the new Murano’s cabin is light-years away from its piecemeal, bitsy predecessor. The plastics are all excellent, the chrome and brushed silver is top notch, and the integration of the satellite navigation is brilliant.
The space is also fantastic. The Murano is a big car, no doubt, and with it, you get a plenty of room for both front and back. The boot is also huge; it would be even better if the angle of the tailgate didn’t cut into the space at the top.
The electric tailgate’s actuator also impinges on the ultimate height, too with its dip on the headlining on the left hand side. The depth, though, is excellent, and with the back row of seats folded, it’s virtually a flat floor.
Which means it’s a pretty versatile car. Loading long lengths is a sinch, and perambulators will be swallowed in a jiffy. Baby seats are also easily fitted with both ISOFIX and Australian standard mounts behind the seats. There’s also enough room for the kid’s feet not to be banging against the front seats.
More than that, complete family safety has to be a priority. The Murano glassmakers were fairly prominent in Venetian society. They enjoyed prosecutorial immunity from the state, and were even allowed to wear swords, which afforded them protection. The Murano keeps its occupants well protected by offering VSC, a swag of airbags, huge crumple zones and all-wheel-drive.
In my opinion its roadholding too is superb, especially in comparison with the old model. Although, what it’s made up in the handling stakes, it’s lost in ride comfort. That said, it’s not overly hard, with little crash, but certainly firmer than the original. Still, the “club lounge” chairs that it uses for front seats go a huge way to dampen the hits from big imperfections in the asphalt.
Increasing its feel, too, is the better steering. There’s now meat all the way through the lock, if lacking in genuine feel. The big chairs also prevent big changes in direction, because you tend to slide around a bit, but as a comfy cruiser, it’s perfect.
For a big V6 with all-wheel-drive, it’s not too bad on fuel, except for the fact that it requires a minimum of 95RON petrol. At an ADR Combined test figure of 10.9L/100km, the claims are all but impossible to match. Our real world testing saw us use 12.5L/100km.
To try and conserve fuel, the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) does its level best to drop the revs at any given opportunity. However from a standstill, it’s very sluggish to respond.
Instead of letting the revs rise instantly and then haul the car along using the elasticity built into the CVT, it simply ambles along at full throttle, lifting the revs ever so slowly until finally they hit the business end of the tacho.
While rolling it’s better, but still nowhere near as quick to respond as you’d like. I’ll take a regular six-speed automatic any day. On small throttle openings, it does keep things very smooth, and very quiet.
In range topping form, the Murano Ti is a very likeable family car. The price is certainly up there, but at a smidge over $60,000, it’s a competitive product in a competitive market. It’s got the space to please, the quality to impress, and the safety to satisfy.
If the jewellery-producing, treasure-troved, sword-wielding Venetian glassmaker were around today, he might even consider one as his family chariot.
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: 12.5 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
Road Test the Rivals:
Print it: 
You guys reviewed the Murano the other week…another review? I guess it is the ‘Luxury’ version, but still…
Good car, I wouldn’t buy one – but there is a market out there for them. Weird looking, but that is the appeal of it, but the interior is a bit cheap looking for $60K IMO.
good review karl,
don’t know about the ti-l bit though(its just a ti).does anyone know any model with a cvt that a motor jorno has liked…
What were they thinking with the chrome grille & headlights – that is a seriously ugly combo! I think it should be renamed the Nissan Predator.
Nice review but:
I prefer [and own] the MUCH more functional dash of the X Trail, ie T31 over the new one which is really boxy and boring to look at……Anyway
Its nowhere price wise, the CX7 is better and $10 less, while a whole bunch of Euro SUV’s are at his price, Audi, Volvo etc AND the one that is going to make it REAL difficult for Monaro[sic] and the others, the mighty BMW X1, its all about labels/brands/bling dear…
*NISSAN* just does not have the street-cred like a Euro.
The Morano will continue on in small numbers, nothing more
PS/Why is it so expensive, check out the price in USA its in the $20k’s, should be $45k MAXIMUM!
Cheers,
F-0
Too expensive rather have a Q5 for slightly more or save 10k plus and have a Tiguan or CX7 with the same street cred as the Nissan!
I prefer, and own, a previous model Murano.
Even though this current one looks like shyte its still more attractive than the Panamera.
Another scintillating post from you F Zero, I can’t find the words to express just how moronic you are.
Jash
Uuugly..yak..I think nissan went backwards here as I did like the older model.
$60k is a bit excessive for this thing. For $5k less, I can get myself into a Mazda CX9!
Previous gen Murano was much better looking than this one. This looks too confused from the front with its wierd headlights ….
I cant stand it when people start comparing a car in production now , with something thats not yet been launched … in this case FO comparing it to the BMW X1…
and for those who say nissan does not have cred – just look at the GTR and 350/370 Z or rather their whole Z series …. people only believe what they want to believe….
Price comparisons against the CX7 & Tiguan are are little unfair as the Murano (in its defence) is a size larger, i.e. sizewise its probably more comparable to the Kluger.
Boot space in the CX7 & more so in the Tiguan is laughable given the “all-practical load carrying SUV” marketing tags applied to these vehicles.
i’ll wait for the new kia sorrento or ssangyong, bit they’ll be much cheaper
This is a Ti and the price is $55490 not $60K, and just go and try to buy a Audi or a BMW for that price and see what you get.Sat nav is $6K and a auto tail gate is $1500 on a 2.O ltr Q5.Even the Volvo XC60 blows out to over $70K when optioned up.Bi Xenons are optional at around $2K on all the Euros unless you get the top model. My wife had the old model Ti-L and now have this new Ti and the interior is every bit as good as the Euros. I would like a conventional 6 speed over the CVT though. Servicing is also much more expensive on the Euros.
i was at work and saw a black R35 GT-R drive past with trade-plates – not only was i in shock, but in utter disbelief i had seen one! so i went to my local nissan dealer (campbelltown – slag it all you want, not everyone there is a hill-billy) and there it was, in all it’s glory, in the showroom. stunning….
and next to it a pearl white murano with black leather! I REALLY LIKED IT! and would easily have it… as long as the GT-R is next to it in the garage for weekends… XD
in all, dont judge this thing untill u’ve felt the qulaity and seen it in person…
Jash,
Did you mean to say Panamera, or were you thinking of the Cayanne?.
It bothers me not, just wondered where the comparison came from.
How does it compare to the CX-9?
the rear is look like mazda2 somehow. i dont like the front
Tony and Jekyl, Nissan supplied us with a Ti-L. The L adds reversing camera and 3D sat nav.
Cheers
KP
Shaun H..don’t fool yourself, a slightly more expensive Q5 will get you the most basic model. Have you checked out how much Audi charges for metallic paint? I bet it will be over $1500. The standard gear in the Murano Ti will cost u a fortune as options in an Audi. The last I checked, the Ti is $55k, I think the price of $60k includes on road costs.
Karl… there is no Ti-L model in the new range of Murano..just ST and Ti. Ti has Sat Nav and camera.
Unlike most other people, i actually like the chrome grille and jewel like head lamps. I like the design and the interior quality as well. But i really have to say, for the price of the murano, you could get a CX9 luxury!! The mazda has just as good of an engine, a proper 6 speed atx, and handles and drives better than the murano. Not to mention it looks even better with 7 seats and 20″ wheels!
The only reason i see that people would take the murano over the CX9 is if they are technogadget freaks – the murano has the advantage over the cx9. and possibly fuel economy. but all in all, for $60k, you really have to put up a good fight because there are so many other credible vehicles in the same price category.
If you are into driving it’s not really a car for you especially with the silly CVT gearbox but it has a much greater feeling of luxury & quality then any of it’s Japanese rivals so is a great choice for people who don’t care about handling & driver feedback & just want comfort & toys to play with, if you want handling & practicality buy a Territory or better yet a proper car.
Guys, my apologies. There is only the Ti, not the Ti-L. Nissan’s press pack was an older version, and I’ve had a go at them.
I was wrong, the masses were right – it’s not the first time, and probably won’t be the last!
Article has been corrected.
Cheers
KP
All Nissan has to do is change that hideous front and the car would look quite good.
Don’t let the RRP fools you guys. For Ti, you can drive away at 54k, ST could be done around 44k. ABN holders can even get cheaper price. I can’t find better cars at that price.
Over all seems like a well put together package for a reasonable price. This car should be compared to a CX-9, tribeca and the over priced kluger.
CVT no thanks ~
Frugal one says
“The Morano will continue on in small numbers, nothing more”
Actually these things are selling like hot cakes, ring a dealer and ask him when they can supply a car?
A couple of more things, you should actually have a look in side one and have a look in an RX350 or Volvo / Audi and tell me they are any better in qualiy fit and finish.
PS your X-Trail is a POS in comparison to this thing
This car should be compared with CX-9 and not CX-7. I’m in the market for this type of car. Considered the CX-9 but it feels absolutely massive (I think its about 5m) and will consume more juice and I don;t need 7 seats.
I don’t think this car competes directly with the CX9 though. Murano is a smaller car with smaller boot and no 7 seater, whereas CX9 and Klugger is a bit roomier and have the option of 7 seats. It’s not quite comparable to a RX350 or Q5 either as they are more premium and expensive, so it’s not fair to say the Murano has poor interior quality when compared to RX350. Not too sure which car this best competes with, it is a nice car with nice drivetrain and interior, but i really can’t stand the grille at the front, it’s really questionable styling.
I had a long drive of one of these (Melbourne to Winton and back) a few weeks ago. A mate has a new TI and asked me to drive. It is a superb vehicle! I could not fault the quality, fit and finish and I am fussy. I will admit the CVT does take a bit of getting used to and yes you floor it from a standing start and its no sportscar. But it is not intended to be one. it is such a comfortable and quiet ride. The satnav is easy to use and the stero is top class. The fuel economy around town (checked vefore we set off) was showing 12.1/100 (5′200k on the clock) and on our round trip it was averaging 9.1/100 of easy driving (cops everywhere – V8 weekend!). I would assume this would drop a touch more with more k’s up. All in all I find it hard to crtisice the car. Front end styling is unique but would probably grow on me and would not stop me buying one. Cost $55′500 drive away. Way cheaper than Euro’s and Lexus. More practicle that Tiguan. Option up any Euro with the gear in this and you are $20′000 over the price. Option up a Tiguan with all that the Murano has and there not a big differance (Tiguan satnav is close to $3′500 + $1500 metallic + leather + + + +!!!!). Will I buy one? Well next year, probably!
I just wouldn’t buy one because of the way it looks
Allan, Thanks for answering my question. You got my vote!
$60K for a Datsun – tell ‘em they’re dreaming.
Looks are a subjective thing as everyone is different, if you see the Murano and a new RX Lexus coming up the road from a distance it is hard to tell which is which and it is only up close when you can tell. Also the Ti spec Murano sells for $37K in the US and the Lexus RX for $39K but here in OZ there is nearly $50K difference in price.Are Lexus buyers being ripped of or what?
Tony, USD37′000 = AUD46′250 at todays exchange rate. Add in shipping (Murano’s are made in the US for the US market) plus import duties, taxes and freight here in Australia and the answer is no, we are not being ripped off. You also need to factor in different specification levels and make sure you are comparring like for like.
If the import duty is 10% (its either 10 or 15%) the Aussie price of your USD37′000 Murano is AUD50′875 plus a couple of grand for other costs and you are about spot on for the $55′000 my mate paid for his Murano.
The same with the Lexus. In the states they have a wide range of spec levels so you need to check the Aussie vs the US specs.
Tony, one other point with car prices in the US. The prices shown are “base prices”. Unlike what we now have in Australia, the US prices don’t show Federal Tax, State Tax, Town Tax, destination charges (thats freight to the dealer) the dealer delivery charge and tag (registration) charges. All of these depend where the car is purchased. The only way you get all of this added up is to visit a dealer. Even if you go onto a manufacturers website and enter a zip code, the charges are estimated only and can easily change by a couple of grand.
Aussie Muranos are made in Japan and so are RXs and the local taxes and federal taxes and the destination charge are all similar to the rego and stamp duty and dealer delivery charges here that are not included in the RRP. The Muranos Ti equivilant in the US is the LE which is the price I quoted roughly and the major difference is the LE has 20″wheels. Belive me Lexus owners are being ripped of here in Aus as are the rest of the luxury brand buyers.
there is no question that cars are much cheaper to buy in the US than what we pay here. Over in the US, the new Lexus Hybrid RX450H AWD has a based msrp of $43,250. In Australia, the entry level is $89,900. Last time I check, our dollar is hovering around 0.80 so the exchange conversion should be around $54,000. Go figure!.
Firstly – the CVT is not that bad, its buttery smooth and responsive over hills, driving out of corners etc.
There is also the option to manually select up to 6 gears like any other auto box.
It is a bit slow on take off as the box dials in the revs in the peak torque range instead of the motor getting close to redline during quick getaways. The best thing about the cvt is it rolling acceleration and response, it is always in an ideal ratio.
On the downside it feels weird at first and can be annoying but after some time with it you realise its benefits out-weigh its downfalls in a family car
The ST is a steal at $45.990 with leather, climate control etc for a car of this refinement, space comfort and finish. That is not much more than a top shelf CRV, Forrester, X-trail and on par with the Captiva LX with as much equipment.
The VQ35 is a great engine and driving around normally in Sydneys Western suburbs my average fuel consumption is currently at 10.6L/100km on a motor that has only 2300kms on board, so it eclipses its rated consumption and can only get better with time and a gentle foot.
Frugal_One: The T31 X-trail is the new model, do you prefer the T30’s centre stack? As a previous X-trail owner ( great car), but this car is in a different league- sorry!
As for the CX7, have you driven one? I used a friends one for a week and it is a vastly overated car. The engine is too small for its weight and only decent for a smallish rev range, terrible fuel consumption 17L/100km, rough bouncy ride and not all that roomy. The CX9 is nicer but not bigger apart from the rear storage/seating area. Its seats are smaller, less cushioned and not as comfortable. The Duratech engine is no comparison for refinement or fuel consumption either. But overall it is a much better option than a Kluger as a 7 seater.
The Murano was never anticipated to sell in big numbers as it is a fairly large luxury AWD with no direct competitors, a bit like the Maxima and Honda Accord V6 compared to a Falcadore but the new model is doing very well and above expectations, currently up to a 3 month wait for some Ti models as an indication on how much better it is selling to Nissans expectations.
Enjoy paying extra for your overated Euro brand with “more cred” and enjoy your relaibility, servicing and repairs after the warranty period has lapsed!
Perhaps you need to drive all these cars you have mentioned before opening your mouth with unsubstantiated drivel!
Anyone got a good deal on the Ti lately? Looking to buy one.
YZ……… you said you can have a ST $44k driveaway…where did you get the quote? You sure it’s 2009 new model?
BTW, what is your best quote/price so far on a Murano ST or Ti?
I got a quote of $47500 driveaway on a ST. What do you think?
Ck
I just got a Ti for $55980 drive away including metallic paint, mats and tint in Perth.
There is a HUGE waiting list for the Murano and back orders a mile long ( this info from 10 Qld dealers ) also a price rise of $2000 on the new shipment due to dock now.
VW Tiguan are over rated and expensive for what they are and try to buy one standard. None come with out some sort of extra on it that costs a couple more thousand and they are small. The interiors are fantasic plastic … resale is s***t and I wish I looked at the Nissan before buying the VW. I should of brought a GTI Golf after being in my friends Im sure it has more leg / boot room then my Tiguan.
I have had the Murano for 2 months so far and I am absolutely delighted with it. It is quiet, comfortable and fuel efficient considering its size and weight. I averaged 9.8l/100km on a trip from Wetherill Park (Sydney) to the CBD and back including the usual crawl down Parramatta Rd to the M4 on Sunday.
Give it a couple of years and Nissan might give us an updated MO with the 370z’s 245kw engine and 7 speed auto gearbox. I can only dream on…..
Got my Ti for %56,250 with Carmat, front sensor, tint and rear protection mat in QLD.
That’s a good deal lovepub. I’ll see if I can get an as good deal in Melb.
Does anyone know if the parking sensors can be installed in the rear? I read somewhere that due to the rear camera on the TI model, parking sensors cannot be installed in the rear bumper. I would prefer to have rear sensors in addition to the camera.
The rear camera is installed in the rear hatch opener, a considerable distance from the bumper so I do not see it being a problem.
Good luck with your purchase STEVO.
Should be able to beat that price without any problem. I got mine 56250, but that’s with my 2 year old car traded in. They might be making some profit out of that car i am guessing. GOOD LUCK MAN…
according to Nissan you cannot get the reverse parking sensors installed. I took my murano in for its 10K service and asked whether or not it could be done. I was informed that it wasnt able to be done, due to the fact it already has a camera. Im a bit dissapointed actually, and a bit peeved theres no sunroof (and no extra available for that either)
yeah….that’s what the sales told me….just cna’t install the rear park sensor…disappointed. Camera is good…but sometimes can rely on the beeping makes it even easier….pitty. I dont see any reason they cant install it….!!
Sunroof is good…but hear alot of US people say it’s really noisy….well…we dont have it as an option….so, too bad.
Adrian, I own a Ti with rear and front sensors, so I would speak to Customer Relations at Nissan as that is just crap advise.
A Murano ST (with rear sensors fitted) does it for me. I looked at Tiguan (good build quality but too small) Outlander VRX (a little small & made in Thailand)Kluger KX-R (good servicing costs but low rent interior)For the money $44500 drive away (sensors & matts) QLD, it makes a Lexus RX look very expensive.