2017 Nissan Murano

The Dodge Durango, Chevy Traverse and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee are the ones representing the nation of the stars and stripes against the Nissan which is actually cheaper than the rest at $29,770. Can the Murano still hold its own in this SUV showdown? Time to find out.

The Murano comes in four different trims and each trim is available with optional Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) powertrains. The line-up starts off with the Murano S priced at $29,770 (FWD) or $31,370(AWD), the ‘SV’ at $32,970 (FWD) or $34,570 (AWD), ‘SL’ at $37,300 (FWD) or $39,900 (AWD) and the ‘Platinum’ trim at $39,610 (FWD) or $41,210 (AWD).

 Here is a detailed list of options and features you get in each trim:

Trim	S	SL	SV	Platinum
MSRP (FWD)	$29,770	$37,300	$32,970	$39,610
MSRP (AWD)	$31,370	$39,900	$34,570	$41,210
Key Features	18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights LED running lights Rear privacy glass Keyless entry and ignition Cruise control Dual-zone automatic climate control 60/40-split folding rear seat Rearview camera Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity Smartphone app integration (including Siri Eyes Free voice command) 7-inch color touchscreen interface Six-speaker sound system with CD player Satellite radio, and USB and auxiliary audio jacks.	SL model includes the Bose audio system and the SV's optional Driver Assistance package features plus – Heated side mirrors driver seat/mirror memory settings Leather upholstery Heated front seats Ambient interior lighting Power liftgate.	SV brings the navigation package features as well as – Remote engine start Leather-wrapped steering wheel Roof rails Foglights Power-adjustable front seats	20-inch alloy wheels Power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel LED headlights Additional memory settings Heated and ventilated front seats Heated outboard rear seats Power-folding rear seats.

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For the average family looking for comfort and sufficient performance on errands and school runs, an AWD ‘SV’ trim would be more than enough with its long list of features and indestructible powertrain. However, if your annoying neighbor driving an Audi Q5 constantly keeps rubbing it in your face, go for the $41,210 ‘Platinum’ AWD trim that manages to cram in every possible luxury feature available just to show that you are on par with that “gentleman”.

The Murano accelerates like most other V6-powered crossovers in the class. It's not quick, but it easily merges into highway traffic. Its continuously variable transmission balances performance and efficiency; the suspension leans toward comfort. A solid all-around performer, but not sporty. -edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Nissan made the clever choice of ditching those boring 2 liter four bangers you see in every other SUV these days for a proper 3.5 Liter V6 that makes a healthy 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The only downside is that it works with a conservative CVT transmission fit for an insurance clerk who can't tell the difference between a GT-R and a Maxima.

But hey, if you aren't a petrol-head and wouldn't bother yourself about perfectly timed gear shifts, the new CVT will suit you just fine. Moving on, you would find that the competitors are all equipped with slightly bigger V6 motors making a few more ponies but the Murano doesn't exactly fall at the back of the pack and you'll find out why in the next section.

Models	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
MSRP	$29,770	$30,395	$34,100	$29,995
Engine	3.5L 6 cyl	3.6L Pentastar V6	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT	3.6L Pentastar V6
Transmission	CVT	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	260 hp	293 hp	281 hp	293 hp
Torque	240 lb-ft	260 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	260 lb-ft

Acceleration

Normally you would get into a Nissan Murano and expect to be passed on the highway by anything on four wheels but the case is certainly different here as this new model runs to 60MPH from a standstill in just 7.3 seconds and will ultimately finish the quarter mile in 15.6 seconds.

This means that it is quicker than the Durango and the Grand Cherokee but falls short to the Traverse by four tenths of a second. Also, it is quicker than the Jeep and the Chevy on the quarter mile but is a few milliseconds less quicker than the Dodge.

Models	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
0-60 MPH	7.3 sec	7.6 sec	6.9 sec	7.6 sec
Quarter mile	15.6 sec	15.8 sec	15.7 sec	14.9 sec
Engine	3.5L	3.6L	3.6L	3.6L
Emission   (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.4	8.4	8.4	8.4

Handling and Steering

The performance figures might suggest that the Murano rides like a European hot hatch whenever you push it but in reality, it rides like any other tame SUV that gives you enough power when you need it and enough calm and quiet when you don't. The CVT used here is a very efficient one but doesn't guarantee Patrol-like excitement on the freeway.

The heated steering is a little dull but it tries its best to give you necessary feedback via the electrical systems on board. As long as you don't expect a corner-hugging sports-car out of it, the very comfortable and smooth ride this new Nissan provides is more appreciable than you might think.

Braking

A significant upside that contributes to the performance and safety on the Nissan Murano is the braking system that does its job fairly well. It can get to a full stop from 60MPH in just 117 ft. which puts it almost on par with the Jeep and the Dodge. Furthermore, the 60-0MPH figure is also better than the Chevy's performance in this arena.

The brakes in the front are 12.6 inches and the ones in the rear are 12.1 inches in diameter. Here's how the Murano performs against the competition in terms of braking.

Model	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
Brake Front(in)	12.6	13.0	12.8	13.0
Brake Rear(in)	12.1	13.0	13.0	13.0
Curb weight(lbs)	3769	4545	4713	4913
60-0 MPH (ft.)	117	116	126	115

Being lighter and efficient clearly has its perks in the fuel economy department and that's exactly why the new Murano can give a combines 24 miles to the gallon making it the most fuel efficient car its segment. The closest car to the Nissan in terms of fuel economy is the Chevy Traverse LS that gives a combined figure of 22MPG.

In the city, expect around 21 MPG and on highways, expect an average of 28 MPG.

Model	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
MPG (city)	21	19	15	19
MPG (highway)	28	26	18	26
MPG (combined)	24	21	22	21

This is where Nissan put a lot of time and effort. There isn’t a straight line in sight, with big, sweeping curves, and even the surfaces that you know are hard appear to be soft. -kbb

Seating and Comfort

Once you get inside this Nissan, you are greeted by a very smooth and flowing dash fitted with an 8-inch infotainment screen due to which it doesn't house an awful number of buttons like the older models. The materials used are surprisingly top-notch and could also be on par with something like a Lexus RX350. The highly ergonomic design of the dash also ensures that everything is well within the reach of the driver.

The Murano can drive around 5 people at a time in satiable comfort and the broad seats do the job of providing maximum back and thigh support to the passengers. To further boost the amount of convenience in the interior, there is also a Driver's Memory System in which you can save the seating position, height and temperature most suitable to you.

Model	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
Passenger capacity	5	5	8	6
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	108.1	105.4	150.8	133.9
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)   (In.)	39.9/59.6/40.5	39.9/58.7/40.3	40.4/61.50/41.30	39.9/58.5/40.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)   (In.)	39.8/58.8/38.7	39.2/58.0/38.6	39.40/61.0/36.80	39.8/50.4/38.6
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg)   (In.)	NA	N/A	37.8/57.5/33.20	37.8/50.4/31.5

Infotainment System

The upgraded Nissan Connect Infotainment system does wonders in controlling the car's audio/video and mobile connectivity features. It comes with Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard and an 8-inch colour display to keep up with whatever's happening in your car. The Nissan Navigation system can also be operated via this screen which can also be configured in the "Advanced Drive Assist Display" mode as well.

What's more is that you have the usual Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports and a premium Bose sound system to play your favorite track in high quality sound. You could say that the new Murano is packed with all the necessary features for a car of this era and that it also boosts usability of those very features to new levels.

Interior features

• Driver's Memory System
• 8-inch Infotainment screen
• Sirius XM Radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Android Auto
• Apple Carplay
• Advanced Drive Assist Display
• Automatic Collision Notification
• Emergency Call options
• Roadside Assistance
• Remote Door Lock/Unlock
• Remote Engine Start/Stop
• Parked Car Finder
• Speed Alert
• Journey planner
• Tire pressure warning
• Digital compass
• Dual Zone climate control
• Heated Steering Wheel

Cargo Volume

In direct comparison to its rivals, it may be observed that the Murano has lesser cargo space but you must take into consideration that it is a smaller car than those behemoths. So for a car of its size, the boot space is pretty much sufficient. Here is a detailed look into the space available in the boot in different seating settings:

Model	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
Behind 3nd Row(ft.cube)	NA	N/A	24.4	17.2
With 3nd Row folded (ft.cube)	32.1	36.3 (w/2nd row folded)	70.3	47.7
With All Seats folded (ft.cube)	67.0	68.3	116.3	84.5

If you take a visual survey of the midsize crossover segment, it isn't difficult to peg the Nissan Murano as the standout. -cnet

Dimensions and Weight

Nissan's famed Zone Body construction keeps the drivers safe during an unavoidable collision via designated crumple zones and reinforced chassis portions. This system has the added benefit of being extremely lightweight in comparison to its rivals and we can all appreciate it as soon as we take a look at how little the Murano weighs.

Tipping the scales at just 3769 lbs, this Jap boy is the most lightweight car here and that weight is sculpted in fluidic and futuristic lines that give rise to a very handsome machine that is the Murano. It may not be as retro cool-ish as a Dodge Durango but it is a stylish little SUV you wouldn't mind staring at for a while in the parking lot.

Model	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
curb weight(lbs)	3769	4625	4713	4913
Length(in)	192.4	189.8	203.7	201.2
Width(in)	75.4	76.5	78.50	75.8
Height(in)	66.6	68.1	69.90	70.9
Ground clearance(in)	6.9	8.6	7.2	8.1
Wheelbase(in)	111.2	114.7	120.9	119.8
Track width(in) F/R	64.6/64.6	63.9/64.1	67.3/67.0	63.9/64.1

Maximum towing capacity

The Nissan Murano has a total towing capacity of 3500 lbs. which is on par with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo but both the Chevy Traverse and Dodge Durango are capable of towing so much more as it can be seen below:

Model	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse LS	Dodge Durango SXT
Capacity (lbs)	3500	3500	5200	6200

Exterior Features

• Zone Body construction
• 18" machine finished allow wheels
• LED Daytime running lights
• LED Headlights (optional)
• Automatic headlights
• Fog lights (optional)
• Black/Silver roof rails (optional)
• Panoramic Moon-roof(optional)
• Chrome door handles
• Power heated side mirrors(optional)
• LED turn signal indicators
• UV Reducing solar glass
• Black exterior accents (optional)
• Midnight edition 20" aluminum alloys
• Motion activated power Lift Gate
• Black splash guards (optional)
• Rear privacy glass
• 360 degree camera system
• Blind spot sensors (optional)

There are a staggering number of class leading safety features which you wouldn't have even heard of in the new Murano. From its special Zone Body construction that protects the passengers in case of a collision to the Vehicle Dynamic Control that prevents any under-steer and overt-steer, it truly is one of the safest SUVs you can buy.

Safety Features

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Zone Body construction
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• 7 Standard Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• LATCH System(Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• Nissan Intelligent Mobility System
• Forward Collision Warning
• Energy Absorbing Steering Column
• Moving Object Detection
• Nissan Immobilizer System (anti-theft system)
• High-strength steel side-door guard beams
• Blind Spot Warning System

IIHS Safety rating

Check the tables below to see how the Murano performed in the IIHS Safety test.

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Acceptable
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

Crash avoidance and mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Headlight	Acceptable
LATCH	Good

Nissan Murano vs Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was conceived in 1992 when the engineers at Jeep thought that their off-road capabilities were not yet on display in a sensible Chrysler product. Now you can be grateful for that decision because the Grand Cherokee is the most performance oriented SUV out there that isn't a pain in the back to live with.

The Laredo starts off at a price of $30,395 and houses a Penstar 3.6 liter V6 from the Challenger that makes 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Since it has the off road reputation of Jeep to protect, it can take on any terrain you throw at it and when things go back to normal on a regular stretch of tarmac, it will transport you in very satisfying levels of comfort and luxury. Too bad the Murano isn't very useful on rough terrain.

Nissan Murano vs Chevrolet Traverse LS

The Traverse is probably the only SUV here that works with the same principles as the Nissan Murano. Sensibility, comfort and efficiency are the keywords that define this Chevy and this new model sticks to them unlike any of its American cousins. It's been a bestseller SUV since the day it was released and to make the Jap even more nervous, it has more oomph on and off-road much like a baby Tahoe.

It's slightly more expensive than the Murano at $34,100 and underneath, it has a 281 hp, 3.5 liter V6 that makes the most amount of torque in its segment at 266 lb-ft. In terms of comfort, it ticks all the right boxes with a laundry list of high-tech features and decent build quality. The looks may be a little "Plain Jane" but some prefer its slightly more boxy shape over the fluidic lines of the Murano. It's all a matter of perspective.

Nissan Murano vs Dodge Durango SXT

The bad boy of the sensible SUV scene is obviously the 2017 Dodge Durango SXT that borrows the engine and performance of the Challenger only to mash it up with off-road talent and awe-inspiring levels of comfort. This big brute may be a handful for some but it's a fan favorite of muscle car enthusiasts who unfortunately had to settle for an SUV.

It starts off at $29,995 and houses the familiar 3.6 liter Penstar motor that makes 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque just like the Grand Cherokee. If you're a man's man who can't take the humiliation of driving a regular SUV, take the Durango out for a test drive and you won't be disappointed. (Just don't make it go around corners too quickly).

The 2017 Murano is the SUV of SUVs that keeps all the members of the family happy and still doesn't sacrifice on performance. It's good-looking, practical and extremely reliable making it an essential car to check out before buying a new SUV. Plus, it has the added benefit of being cost-effective in the long run and has a higher resale value than most of its rivals.

To answer the questions put forth in the beginning of this review, the Murano is still a joy to drive every day and people won't judge you for being a spoilt brat either unlike those one-percenters who will be hated for buying Cullinans and Bentaygas that cost more than most public houses. Don't worry, one day you'll get there too but for now, stick with the brilliant Nissan Murano.