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2009 Nissan Murano Performance Review

May 15, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

plenty of power
Edmunds.com

smooth, consistent and very strong
Automobile

above average for its class
Car and Driver

well controlled
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Nissan Murano delivers better performance than it did in its last generation. It’s a sportier vehicle than Ford’s Edge, but not as darty and gutsy as Mazda’s CX-7.

The Murano’s engine is a familiar piece. It’s shared across Nissan’s big-car lineup. Edmunds.com says, “the 3.5-liter V6 provides plenty of power for almost all situations.” Car and Driver says, “The engine makes a subdued growl under hard acceleration, but the noise goes largely AWOL at part-throttle while cruising down the highway.”

CVTs use belts and pulleys to keep the engine operating in its optimum range, but are prone to a “rubberband” feeling and more engine noise. AutoWeek says the Murano’s CVT is a surprise. “Normally we bemoan CVTs, but Nissan's unit impresses with its fluid operation and adaptive shift control that does a good job of simulating stepped gears.” Automobile says, “power delivery is smooth, consistent, and very strong.” MyRide feels, though, that “even so, we longed for more deliberate response when the throttle was pinned to the floor, and would welcome a sport or manual-shift mode.”

Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds for the Murano--“above average for its class.”

Autoblog noted that it was “disappointed with the car's preliminary EPA numbers. Surely more than 18 mpg can be squeezed out of a CVT,” while MyRide observed fuel economy of “about 19 mpg.” The Murano is rated at 18/23 mpg, while Ford’s front-drive Edge gets 16/24 mpg and the Mazda CX-7, 17/23 mpg.

Automobile says the Murano “has decent body control, but it can feel a bit floaty.” But the brakes are “strong” and ride quality is “fine.” AutoWeek says, “Expressway runs are stable and quiet, while in-town motoring is comfortable and well dampened over rough goings,” and praises its braking and steering feel. Cars.com notes an improved ride in the backseat. ConsumerGuide says, “the ride is well controlled and is abrupt only on sharp potholes and badly broken pavement.”

TheCarConnection.com’s editors have driven the Murano, and its performance is more than competitive. The Murano responds with free revs and loads of power. The CVT doesn't feel more like a rubber band than a gearbox, though it lacks the paddle shifters and preset gear ratios found on Nissan’s smaller Rogue.

Conclusion

As Car and Driver puts it, “It hardly drives as sportingly as the CX-7, but it feels much lighter on its feet than the Edge.”

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:plenty of powerEdmunds.comsmooth, consistent and very strongAutomobileabove average for its classCar and Driverwell controlledConsumerGuide The 2009 Nissan Murano delivers better performance than it did in its last generation. It’s a sportier vehicle than Ford’s Edge, but not as darty and gutsy as Mazda’s CX-7. The Murano’s engine is a familiar piece. It’s shared across Nissan’s big-car lineup. Edmunds.com says, “the 3.5-liter V6 provides plenty of power for almost all situations.” Car and Driver says, “The engine makes a subdued growl under hard acceleration, but the noise goes largely AWOL at part-throttle while cruising down the highway.” CVTs use belts and pulleys to keep the engine operating in its optimum range, but are prone to a “rubberband” feeling and more engine noise. AutoWeek says the Murano’s CVT is a surprise. “Normally we bemoan CVTs, but Nissan's unit impresses with its fluid operation and adaptive shift control that does a good job of simulating stepped gears.” Automobile says, “power delivery is smooth, consistent, and very strong.” MyRide feels, though, that “even so, we longed for more deliberate response when the throttle was pinned to the floor, and would welcome a sport or manual-shift mode.” Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds for the Murano--“above average for its class.” Autoblog noted that it was “disappointed with the car's preliminary EPA numbers. Surely more than 18 mpg can be squeezed out of a CVT,” while MyRide observed fuel economy of “about 19 mpg.” The Murano is rated at 18/23 mpg, while Ford’s front-drive Edge gets 16/24 mpg and the Mazda CX-7, 17/23 mpg. Automobile says the Murano “has decent body control, but it can feel a bit floaty.” But the brakes are “strong” and ride quality is “fine.” AutoWeek says, “Expressway runs are stable and quiet, while in-town motoring is comfortable and well dampened over rough goings,” and praises its braking and steering feel. Cars.com notes an improved ride in the backseat. ConsumerGuide says, “the ride is well controlled and is abrupt only on sharp potholes and badly broken pavement.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors have driven the Murano, and its performance is more than competitive. The Murano responds with free revs and loads of power. The CVT doesn't feel more like a rubber band than a gearbox, though it lacks the paddle shifters and preset gear ratios found on Nissan’s smaller Rogue. ConclusionAs Car and Driver puts it, “It hardly drives as sportingly as the CX-7, but it feels much lighter on its feet than the Edge.” 2009 NISSAN MURANO STYLING  | 8 out of 10 Automobile: “The overall effect is not pretty” AutoWeek: “Warm and modern” Autoblog: “eye-pleasing” The 2009 Nissan Murano wears all-new sheetmetal, but it shares the same general shape of the first version that went on sale ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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