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In order to present a comprehensive take on the 2010 Nissan Murano and how it measured up to other mid-size crossover vehicles, the editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Murano and examined it inside and out. And to bring you the most comprehensive review, TheCarConnection.com has combed the Web for the most useful information from other reputable sources.
Likes:
- Nice size for urban commuting
- Smooth, unified styling inside and out
- Refined, strong V-6
- Available all-wheel drive
Dislikes:
- Difficult rearward visibility
- Weird front-end design
- Surprisingly tight interior
- No manual mode for the CVT
With underpinnings based on those of the mid-size Altima sedan, the 2010 Nissan Murano is a bit more stylish and sportier than the typical crossover vehicle. With seating for five, it does not offer a third row of seating, off-road ability, or impressive towing capability. Think of it more as a tall, style-conscious wagon that doesn't instantly evoke images of strollers and animal crackers.
The Murano's smooth, unified styling inside and out is part of what makes it so appealing to shoppers in the first place. With last year's redesign, the Murano received a significantly revamped interior, with an instrument panel that's a little more distinctive and echoed some of the features in Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand, as well as the last Altima redesign. The Murano's center stack of controls has a new two-tiered design, with a screen (nav system or trip computer) up top and audio/climate functions below. In between, it gets a set of menu buttons and a controller for screen-based functions. The gauge cluster is also revamped, replacing a flat set of instruments with a multilayered arrangement of hooded dials. Overall, the Murano now has a richness in its materials that stands out in the practically minded crossover class.
A smooth, powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides the power for all Muranos. 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. Overall, the Murano is one of the best CVT-equipped vehicles TheCarConnection.com has driven, with smooth, unobtrusive operation and less of the rubber-band feel that you get with smaller engines and CVTs. Only if you drive the Murano fast on a curvy road do you miss real gears; while some other CVT vehicles, like Nissan's Maxima, offer six simulated ratios, the Murano doesn't. That said, the Murano's powertrain is responsive and leans toward doing the right thing, complementing the responsive handling and firm but absorbent ride. Fuel economy also tends to be decent for a V-6 vehicle of this size, with ratings of 18 mpg city, 23 highway whether with front- or all-wheel drive.
