2015 Nissan Murano VIDEO REVIEW

2015 Nissan Murano VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

In a sea of blandness, the Murano has been standing out since 2003 with concept car looks you can’t ignore. Now in its 3^rd generation, Nissan continues to refine its popular crossover by advancing its personality into a conversation-friendly lounge on wheels.

The Murano is one of the original crossovers arriving before that term was even coined. It emerged with great success at a time when truck-like SUVs were just starting to lose their grip. It remains one of Nissan’s strongest performers, selling at about half the rate of the bigger Pathfinder. And now for its 3^rd act, this U.S.-built Murano aims to be better through a thorough maturation process that includes a focus on making the interior a place where people look forward to spending time.

To encourage conversation between front and rear seat occupants, the Murano has a wide, low center console creating what Nissan calls a communication alley. It also includes a compartment for a rear occupant’s smartphone as well as a USB port.

I love the combination of the Cashmere leather and this funky pearlescent trim – an oh-wow moment that instantly garners attention; it’s bright, airy and quiet – a perfect place for relaxing and chatting it up with a lounge-like ambiance. The optional power panoramic moonroof and reclining, heated rear seats foster a feeling of even greater space. Up front, there’s been a reduction in button clutter and the quality of the leather and plastics has been raised a few more notches. The technology integration is very good and includes NissanConnect – a system that uses your smartphone, tethered if it’s an iPhone but via Bluetooth otherwise, to enhance the connected experience providing a greater breadth of features such as Online Search with Google. The navigation system is built-in so it responds quickly and the 9-speaker Bose audio system with dual subwoofers has brilliant sound. Look over to the gauge display and there’s easy to access information about the car there, as well. And when you add the $2,600 Technology package, intelligent cruise control and a predictive forward collision warning system enhance an already deep offering of safety features which includes Nissan’s Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Warning. So much of the guess work has been taken care of so all you have to do is enjoy these Zero Gravity seats – a NASA inspired design that reduces fatigue by pursuing the ideal posture. Packed with easy to use features and beautifully flowing lines, it’s no wonder the Murano’s interior is one of WardsAuto World’s 10 Best.

The Murano’s cargo area has been broadened to accommodate 4 large suitcases and can be reconfigured entirely from the back with no need to walk to the rear doors.

As part of the Platinum trim, the power folding 2^nd row seats make the job of hauling stuff that much easier.

The Murano has always had plus power and the 3.5-liter V6 still delivers abundant kick. It’s one of those rides where you’re always going at least 10mph faster than you think aided by its smoothness and a very quiet cabin. And this isn’t a CVT you need to fear as new computer programming gives it a traditional transmission feel. But when all is said and done its chassis is not tuned for handling, losing some driver connectedness through its aloof steering feel.

The available 260 horsepower, 240 pound-feet of torque and standard Xtronic transmission provide the power to the intuitive all-wheel drive system, or just the front wheels if you choose. Gas mileage here is rated at 21mpg city/28mpg highway. MSRP of a base Murano S is about $30,000 while this fully loaded, top trim Platinum AWD stickers for $43,955 and adds 20” blade-style wheels, LED headlights, climate controlled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel with power tilt, telescope and memory and power folding 2^nd row seats. Though not exactly a driver’s crossover, the Murano’s strong suits are enough to make it a winner.

CLICK HERE to get your TRUECAR SAVINGS CERTIFICATE for your new NISSAN. Absolutely NO OBLIGATION.