Flash Drive

2015 Nissan Murano

September 15, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD

An aggressively styled body makes the new Nissan Murano stand out in any crowd.
An aggressively styled body makes the new Nissan Murano stand out in any crowd.

Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder gas, 260 horsepower, 240 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined

Base Price: $40,600

As Tested: $43,745

Performance:

Smooth, powerful engine

Pleasant highway ride

Agile off road handling

Good fuel economy

Tow rating 3500 pounds

The rear 3/4 view is unique, but the glass angle affects cargo space.
The rear 3/4 view is unique, but the glass angle affects cargo space.

Hill Assist Start

Blind Spot Warning

Around View Monitor camera

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Forward Emergency Braking in Tech Package

We averaged 27.4 mpg

Handsome alloy wheels

Comfort:

Zero Gravity front and rear outboard seats

Very comfortable, supportive seats

Three temp heated and cooled front seats

Two temp heated rear outboard seats

Stretch-out driver legroom

Super stretch-out front passenger legroom

Very good rear legroom even with front seats all back

Interior space, comfort, and luxury are all superior.
Interior space, comfort, and luxury are all superior.

Flat rear floor

Excellent shoe room under front seats

Driver power lumbar support

Contoured leather steering wheel

Power tilt/telescopic steering column

Excellent sound system

Soft, wide rear armrest

Reclining rear seats

Ample headroom

High quality interior materials

Utility:

Rear roof design impacts cargo space

Good, effective auxiliary steering wheel controls

Large navigation/info screen

Digital and analog speedometer

Power tailgate, but a little low for tall people

Nissan Murano rear seat space is excellent, too.
Nissan Murano rear seat space is excellent, too.

Wide hatch opening

No lift over

Flat cargo deck

Folding rear seat releases in cargo area

Very big, deep console bin

Big, super deep locking glovebox

Small front door bins

Oversize, sliding sun visors

Wow Factors:

Unique, aggressive styling

Loaded with standard, high-tech safety features

Upscale interior

Excellent interior room and comfort

The 3.5L V-6 engine is smooth and efficient like all the Nissan V-6 engines.
The 3.5L V-6 engine is smooth and efficient like all the Nissan V-6 engines.

Whines:

Polarizing styling

Difficult to access back of big glovebox

Bottom Line:

The Nissan Murano crossover mid-size SUV was all-new for 2015. Its crisp styling is eye-catching. The spacious, luxurious interior is a high point as are all the standard (and optional) safety features.