Nissan's Intuitive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup prevents unnecessary wheel spin by splitting power between the front and rear wheels when accelerating and cornering. The effect is totally seamless to the driver. Even on wet surfaces, I was unable to initiate wheelspin or compromise control.
New suspension improved ride quality
Fearing that the previous generation Murano excessively sacrificed ride quality in favor of handling competence, Nissan engineers fitted the new Murano with lighter, re-calibrated underpinnings. I'd say they got it right this time - at least in so far as my preferences go.
The new Murano presents occupants with a pleasant ride that's more car-like than truck-like. Despite the softening of the arrangement, the Murano is no slouch in the corners. It continues to supply drivers with spirited handling dynamics, although to me, steering feedback felt rather artificial and needlessly springy
Practical size encompasses plenty of room for five
When it comes to crossovers and SUVs, the Murano is the ideal size, at least for my needs. It's large enough to handle weekend jaunts, or in my case a run up the local ski hill with kids onboard yet it remains suitably sized for city driving and reasonably economical given its powerful V6 powerplant.
There's plenty of room fore and aft to stretch limbs, and I doubt that a complaint would be heard from taller folk regarding headroom; all five seating positions also offer commendable comfort and support. There is no third-row seating option in the Murano, which may send some potential buyers packing.
Many pleasing features and options
My tester featured such niceties as Nissan's Skyview Moon Roof, intelligent key and pushbutton start, navigation and a power liftgate along with premium audio and heated front seats. Of course these installations increase the Murano's reasonable base price of $37,648 quite considerably. My tester tallied into the low $40K range.
The 2009 Murano is a vehicle that surrounds its occupants with comfort and sure-footed performance. I enjoyed my time behind the wheel of this highly practical unit but found it a little difficult to parallel park due to the vision blockage imposed by the dramatic cut of the rear side glass. Nevertheless, a back-up camera merged with the navigation screen helped ensure nothing untoward occurred while reversing.
photo:Rob Rothwell
New suspension improved ride quality
Fearing that the previous generation Murano excessively sacrificed ride quality in favor of handling competence, Nissan engineers fitted the new Murano with lighter, re-calibrated underpinnings. I'd say they got it right this time - at least in so far as my preferences go.
The new Murano presents occupants with a pleasant ride that's more car-like than truck-like. Despite the softening of the arrangement, the Murano is no slouch in the corners. It continues to supply drivers with spirited handling dynamics, although to me, steering feedback felt rather artificial and needlessly springy
Practical size encompasses plenty of room for five
When it comes to crossovers and SUVs, the Murano is the ideal size, at least for my needs. It's large enough to handle weekend jaunts, or in my case a run up the local ski hill with kids onboard yet it remains suitably sized for city driving and reasonably economical given its powerful V6 powerplant.
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| When it comes to crossovers and SUVs, the Murano is the ideal size, at least for my needs. |
There's plenty of room fore and aft to stretch limbs, and I doubt that a complaint would be heard from taller folk regarding headroom; all five seating positions also offer commendable comfort and support. There is no third-row seating option in the Murano, which may send some potential buyers packing.
Many pleasing features and options
My tester featured such niceties as Nissan's Skyview Moon Roof, intelligent key and pushbutton start, navigation and a power liftgate along with premium audio and heated front seats. Of course these installations increase the Murano's reasonable base price of $37,648 quite considerably. My tester tallied into the low $40K range.
The 2009 Murano is a vehicle that surrounds its occupants with comfort and sure-footed performance. I enjoyed my time behind the wheel of this highly practical unit but found it a little difficult to parallel park due to the vision blockage imposed by the dramatic cut of the rear side glass. Nevertheless, a back-up camera merged with the navigation screen helped ensure nothing untoward occurred while reversing.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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