2009 Nissan Murano Review | Buyer Guide
Nissan Revamps Murano
Nissan had to walk a fine line when redesigning its popular Murano crossover SUV. They wanted to make improvements, but didn’t want to alter its styling too much. After all, styling is what made it so popular in the first place. Although the 2009 Murano looks much like last year’s model, and its dimensions are almost the same, it rides on a new platform, and comes with all-new sheetmetal. The most distinguishable visual change is in the grille—it’s rather ornate now.
However, more dramatic changes can be viewed on the inside. This is where the Murano needed some help. My test car was trimmed in two-tone beige and taupe, and had a warm feel to it. Nissan replaced the pod-type instrument cluster and center control panel with well-integrated units that create a more upscale look. The quality of the materials used in the cabin also seems better.
The Nissan marketing people are targeting the Murano to empty nesters. They see it as an SUV for adults who drive other adults. The Murano offers seating for five only. The seats up front have been made wider and more comfortable for 2009. The second row seats are roomy as well, and there’s plenty of head and legroom. And as a sign of who this car is intended for, I counted only four cup holders.
Storage areas in the Murano are well designed. A large glove box in the dash will swallow up a woman’s purse. A two-tier bin in the center console will hold a cell phone in the top tray and a large camera beneath it. Additionally, there are several small cubbies for odds and ends. Behind the rear seat, the Murano sports a 31.6-cu.-ft. cargo area, which is a bit below average, but it can be had with a pop-up organizer that will hold bags upright, and keep your groceries from rolling around on the floor.
Nissan equips the Murano with standard features like push button ignition, dual-zone air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with MP3 capability, and an anti-skid system. Buyers can also order from an extensive option list that includes features such as, keyless entry and start, satellite radio, a navigation system, a DVD entertainment unit and a dual-panel sunroof. My test car had this last item, and it really made the interior bright and airy.
Under the hood, Nissan continues to power the Murano with it’s award-winning 3.5-liter, V-6 engine. However this year, it gets 25 more horses, for a total of 265. It’s teamed with Nissan’s second-generation continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with 30-percent faster shifting speeds. The engine and transmission seem perfectly matched. Together, they deliver a steady stream of smooth power. As before, Murano is offered with both front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The gas mileage rating on my AWD test model was 18-23 mpg.
From a distance, the Murano looks compact, but up close, and especially behind the wheel, you realize that it is a fairly large midsize SUV. Driver visibility is not its strong suit. The up-sweeping dash makes it difficult to see the front end and the side edges of the body. The Murano can be unwieldy in a tight parking lot.
Nissan strengthened the body on the ’09 Murano. Its platform is one and a half times stiffer than its predecessor, so the car feels solid on the road. However, I noticed no radical upgrade to the driving dynamics. The handling is still about average for this type of SUV. It’s decent, with a moderate amount of body-lean in corners. The ride is smooth on highways, but a bit stiff and jiggly on secondary roads.
The 2009 Murano has starting price of $27,075 for the base S model. My mid-range SL test car, with AWD and $3770 worth of options, had a bottom line of $33,995.
Snapshot Review
Dramatic Styling
Improved Interior
Outstanding Power Train
Average Ride and Handling
