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2009 Nissan Murano Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com’s team of car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new 2009 Nissan Murano to produce this conclusive review. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the vehicle, and to help you figure out the truth where other car reviews might differ.

Likes:

  • Much richer interior styling and materials
  • just-right size for city driving
  • available all-wheel drive
  • smooth, powerful V-6 engine

Dislikes:

  • Oddly styled grille
  • Slightly snug interior
  • CVT works well, but takes getting used to

Buying Tips:


The 2009 Nissan Murano offers good value in all three of its trim levels. But if you live in a warm climate, the added expense and weight of all-wheel drive probably isn’t necessary. Nissan’s navigation system, offered as an option, is also expensive, but it’s one of the better systems around. If you need a three-row family vehicle, the Murano’s not it--but Nissan is expected to replace its minivan with a crossover larger than the 2009 Nissan Murano.

Nissan’s Murano is a mid-size crossover vehicle derived from the company’s Altima sedan. It’s sold with a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The S and SL versions come with front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel-drive system, while the top LE version has standard all-wheel drive.

TheCarConnection.com researched Web reviews of the new Murano to compile this conclusive review. In the opinion of reviewers around the Internet and at TheCarConnection.com, we think the 2009 Nissan Murano is so relentlessly refined that the airy PR comparisons to Lexus's RX crossover actually hold water. The Murano is just as smooth as the Lexus RX 350, definitely sharper in profile, and very nearly the Lexus's equal in interior refinement. It also scores highly on the government’s crash tests.

The Murano can rightly be criticized for a slightly snug interior and an oddly tiered nose, but not much else. There's none of the wet-diaper dynamics of the Toyota Highlander or the egregious heft of the Ford Edge--just quick, natural responses, coupled to a right-sized crossover body with jazzy, urbane styling.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Nissan Murano, also consider:

Reason Why:

Ford’s Edge is similar in size to the Murano and, like it, comes only with two rows of seating. The same’s true of the Lexus RX 350 and Mazda CX-7, but those crossovers offer distinctly different driving experiences. The Lexus is geared to smooth driving and the industry-leading service provided by its dealers, while Mazda’s CX-7 is a sporty alternative to typical crossovers with tauter handling and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Nissan Murano combines good handling and a recognizable style with a much more sophisticated interior.

TheCarConnection.com’s team of car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new 2009 Nissan Murano to produce this conclusive review. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the vehicle, and to help you figure out the truth where other car reviews might differ. Likes:Much richer interior styling and materialsjust-right size for city drivingavailable all-wheel drivesmooth, powerful V-6 engineDislikes:Oddly styled grilleSlightly snug interiorCVT works well, but takes getting used toBuying Tips: The 2009 Nissan Murano offers good value in all three of its trim levels. But if you live in a warm climate, the added expense and weight of all-wheel drive probably isn’t necessary. Nissan’s navigation system, offered as an option, is also expensive, but it’s one of the better systems around. If you need a three-row family vehicle, the Murano’s not it--but Nissan is expected to replace its minivan with a crossover larger than the 2009 Nissan Murano. Nissan’s Murano is a mid-size crossover vehicle derived from the company’s Altima sedan. It’s sold with a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The S and SL versions come with front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel-drive system, while the top LE version has standard all-wheel drive. TheCarConnection.com researched Web reviews of the new Murano to compile this conclusive review. In the opinion of reviewers around the Internet and at TheCarConnection.com, we think the 2009 Nissan Murano is so relentlessly refined that the airy PR comparisons to Lexus's RX crossover actually hold water. The Murano is just as smooth as the Lexus RX 350, definitely sharper in profile, and very nearly the Lexus's equal in interior refinement. It also scores highly on the government’s crash tests. The Murano can rightly be criticized for a slightly snug interior and an oddly tiered nose, but not much else. There's none of the wet-diaper dynamics of the Toyota Highlander or the egregious heft of the Ford Edge--just quick, natural responses, coupled to a right-sized crossover body with jazzy, urbane styling. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Nissan Murano, also consider:Ford EdgeLexus RX350Mazda CX-7Reason Why:Ford’s Edge is similar in size to the Murano and, like it, comes only with two rows of seating. The same’s true of the Lexus RX 350 and Mazda CX-7, but those crossovers offer distinctly different driving experiences. The Lexus is geared to smooth driving and the industry-leading service provided by its dealers, while Mazda’s CX-7 is a sporty alternative to typical crossovers with tauter handling and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Nissan Murano combines good handling and a recognizable style with a much more sophisticated interior. TheCarConnection.com’s team of car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new 2009 Nissan Murano to produce this conclusive review. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the vehicle, and to help you figure out the truth where other car ...

Other Choices:

Ford’s Edge is similar in size to the Murano and, like it, comes only with two rows of seating. The same’s true of the Lexus RX 350 and Mazda CX-7, but those crossovers offer distinctly different driving experiences. The Lexus is geared to smooth driving and the industry-leading service provided by its dealers, while Mazda’s CX-7 is a sporty alternative to typical crossovers with tauter handling and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Nissan Murano from a dealer near you

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for the 2009 Nissan Murano

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Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Nissan Murano near you

See the Nissan Murano in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

Comments (7 total)

  1. By  ceykelly bone #1, Posted: 8/2/2008

    kelly

    pls kindly give me the last price of the 2009 NISSAN MURANO JEEP.
    THANK FROM
    KELLY

  2. By Papa-T #2, Posted: 10/1/2008

    PRICE OF MURANO

    Please, I will like you to give me the current price of the vehicle, MURANO, from 2006/2008/2009

  3. By Ron #3, Posted: 12/24/2008

    Noise levels

    Hi,
    we are looking to buy a new crossover. I'm deaf in the right side and wear a hearing aid in the left. Communication while driving is difficult in our 2001 Rav4 because of road noise. where would i find decibel ratings for crossovers??
    Thx,
    Ron

  4. By Alan #5, Posted: 4/10/2009

    The amazing 2009 Murano

    This is my first Nissan (I just sold my Lexus RX300), and I must say that I vastly prefer the Murano. The Murano is quieter, faster, better handling, and cheaper. This car accelerates quickly and smoothly...gets 25mpg on the highway (not yet fully broken in, no less), and looks like a million bucks. In a few years, I'll not doubt trade in for another one. I love it !!

  5. By Edna #6, Posted: 4/26/2009

    Ms

    Would like fuel economy of both Mazda Cx7 and Nissan Murano in litres please?

  6. By ASEDA AZUNGAH #7, Posted: 5/14/2009

    programming assisstant

    thanks to nissan company Lmt. what is the current or expected price of the latest nissan murano 4*4

  7. By Mr Bruno #8, Posted: 10/16/2009

    Good day! I will like you to give me the current price of MURANO Jeep, from 2006/2008/2009 and their pictures if possible.
    Thanks.

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