From the logbook: Nissan Murano

The last-generation Nissan Murano was a staff favorite here at the track. Many of us, having no real need for competitors with a third-row seat or big towing capacity numbers, listed it in multiple SUV Personal Picks. Indeed, we mentioned it so often that some of our editors thought we, ah, were mentioning the Murano a little too much. [‘Tis true-Ed.]

But there’s a redesigned Murano now. Based on the Altima sedan, the 2009 Murano moves to the updated Altima platform, a car that now tops our family sedan ratings. The old Murano had a lot going for it, especially its sporty driving dynamics. However, fit and finish wasn’t a strong point (although it got better in a 2005 update) and the swoopy styling compromised visibility.

You’ll have to look close to notice that the Murano is new. Other than a very prominent, very chromed grille, styling didn’t veer far from that of the popular first generation. Let’s flip through the logbook to see what our first impressions are on this new model:

"Instead of building a budget BMW X5 (like the last Murano), Nissan built a budget Lexus RX."

"Engine is punchy and refined. CVT is one of the best—unobtrusive and never needs to rev the engine too much and for too long."

"Seems to have lost a bit of charm from earlier models."

"White-on-silver gauges are not a recipe for easy legibility. Can’t possibly see or read climate control AUTO labeling or indicator – probably seemed fine on the blueprints, but not in the car."

"Two separate levers for steering wheel (tilt and telescope) adjustment is a pain."

"The new Murano is fully equipped and nicely finished—so much so that it should have been an Infiniti."

"Visibility has gotten even worse —thicker pillars, tiny rear window, miserable ¾ sloping side window."

"Power (rear) hatch is slow; I prefer manual override."

"Lost some of the sporty edge from last model."

"Very comfortable and relatively quiet on the highway. Especially with the satellite radio, this car makes for good road trips."

"Very wide A-pillars hurt visibility."

“Seat cushions are flat and not much support on the side – also short cushions."

"Good handling, but you feel its size."

"Nice car and good follow-up to last Murano. Interior design is much less caustic."

At first glance, almost everyone agrees that the inside of the Murano is a much more attractive place to be and visibility remains a problem. But the jury is still out on whether the Murano is as enjoyable to drive or as comfortable as the last version.

So, will the Murano again be a frequent visitor in our Personal Picks, or have newer SUVs usurped its place in our affections? We’ll see how the Murano does against other upscale five-passenger SUVs, including its corporate-mate, the Infiniti EX35, and Volkswagen’s updated Touareg in a future test.

—Tom Mutchler

Comments

[Adam]

Why not just get an Altima instead?

[Kelly Blue Book]

Yeah, I am not sure I like this one much. On first glance I liked it but have spent a while picking holes in it. I agree with Adam actually!

[M. Ranson]

I'm trying to decide, 'Is is wise to trade in my 2004 Cadillac Deville for a 2009 Murano? Opinions seem to vary too much to make a decision.

[John]

The thing with me about deciding which vehicle to purchase/use nowadays doesn't just have points for its looks and its engine's power. As much as I like to drive powerful and attractive cars, I now would have to consider the money I would have to spend on it's gasoline and the amount of pollution it costs. My last car, its says on the brochure that it produces 320 g/km of CO2 but when tested on the rode it produces more than that. So choosing the right car nowadays are really rather difficult.

[DPN]

Huh?

How did we get a headline on the home page calling this a staff favorite when the comments in the actual article about the current model are so negative, and the article ends with the question: Will it be a favorite? -- and the author basically says, we don't know yet.

[Jeremy]

Agreed. The headline on the home page is misleading, ¨The Nisan Murano is a Staff Favorite at the Test Track¨. As I read the excerpts from the logbook, I was looking for the positive comments but did not find them. Seems like the interior has improved, but compfort and the previous model´s sporty flare are gone. Please change headline.

[jaymes]

Why not just get an Enclave, or CX-9, the Murano is priced a little to optimistically with all the new, bigger and much better looking competition.

[Aaron]

I do not care for the look of the redesigned 2009 Murano, especially the rear. It appears trapped in indecision between a Subaru (rear) and first generation Murano (front). Some area of the first generation's interior needed reworking but the 2009 says Nissan hasn't quite found the answer. While the new Murano is probably more refined than the previous it has lost some of its visual appeal and it lacks personality.

[Steve Rankel]

I own an '07 Murano, and it's a vast improvement on the '05 I owned before that. Faster, better CVT transmission, better handling (cushier ride but even better handling than the '05), steering tighter, I have to say this car is terrific.

I looked at the '09 Murano and did not like the styling as much; the seats are harder, and there are no adjustable footpedals as in previous cars. (Nissan skipped the '08 model year, so I believe my '08 was built in or close to '08).

I'd strongly advise you to consider buying an '07 off the dealer - they bought me out of my previous lease and I still got money back from Nissan when I turned the car in...