If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV, you’re likely asking a key question: is nissan murano a good car? The Nissan Murano occupies a unique niche, offering a distinctive style and car-like ride in the midsize crossover market. It stands out from more traditional family haulers with its bold design and focus on comfort.
This article will give you a clear, detailed look at the Murano’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ll cover its performance, interior, reliability, and how it stacks up against rivals. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to decide if it’s the right SUV for you.
Is Nissan Murano A Good Car
To answer the core question directly, the Nissan Murano is a very good car for a specific type of buyer. It excels as a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped daily driver for individuals or small families who prioritize a smooth ride and a premium feel over rugged capability or sporty handling. It’s not the most practical or engaging SUV in its class, but for its intended purpose, it performs admirably.
Think of it as a comfortable cruiser rather than an off-road adventurer or a performance machine. If your priorities are a quiet cabin, supportive seats, and eye-catching design, the Murano deserves a top spot on your list. Let’s break down exactly where it shines and where it might fall short for your needs.
Pros And Cons Of The Nissan Murano
Every vehicle has its trade-offs. Here’s a quick, honest summary of the Murano’s main advantages and disadvantages.
Key Advantages
- Exceptionally comfortable and quiet ride quality
- Spacious, high-quality front-row seating
- Distinctive and upscale exterior styling
- Standard V6 engine provides adequate power
- Strong reputation for reliability in recent years
- Available premium features like a panoramic moonroof
Potential Drawbacks
- Cargo space is less than some key competitors
- Handling is soft and not sport-oriented
- Fuel economy is average for the class
- Infotainment system can feel dated
- Rear seat doesn’t offer as much legroom as some rivals
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Your top priority is a comfortable, quiet, and relaxed driving experience.
- You value distinctive styling that stands out from common SUV designs.
- You don’t regularly need to maximize cargo space or haul large items.
- You want a well-equipped cabin with comfortable seats for daily commuting.
- You appreciate a strong standard set of safety features.
Performance And Driving Experience
The Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination provides smooth, sufficient power for merging and passing. The acceleration is linear and confident, though it won’t set any speed records.
The driving experience is defined by comfort. The suspension is tuned to soak up bumps and road imperfections, making long highway journeys very relaxing. The steering is light and easy, which is great for parking but doesn’t offer much feedback for enthusiastic driving. The cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise.
If you’re looking for a sporty, agile SUV, the Murano is not it. Competitors like the Ford Edge or Mazda CX-5 offer sharper handling. The Murano’s focus is squarely on delivering a serene, effortless drive.
Interior Comfort, Quality, And Space
Step inside the Murano, and you’ll immediately notice the emphasis on comfort. The seats, especially in the front, are widely praised for their support and plushness. Higher trims offer premium leather and even heated and cooled seats.
The dashboard layout is straightforward, with most controls within easy reach. Material quality is generally good, with soft-touch surfaces where it counts. However, some lower trim levels may have more hard plastics than you’d expect.
Passenger And Cargo Room
The Murano is a two-row midsize SUV. Front-seat space is excellent for most adults. The rear seat is comfortable for two adults, but legroom can be a bit tight compared to leaders like the Honda Passport. Three adults in the back will feel squeezed on longer trips.
Cargo space is one area where the Murano trails. It offers about 32 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65 cubic feet with them folded. Competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Edge offer more versatile and spacious cargo areas.
Fuel Economy And Running Costs
The Murano’s fuel economy is acceptable but not class-leading. The front-wheel-drive models are rated by the EPA for around 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive versions see a slight decrease. In real-world mixed driving, you can expect an average of about 22-24 mpg.
This is par for the course for a V6-powered midsize SUV. If fuel efficiency is your top concern, you might consider a turbocharged four-cylinder competitor or a hybrid model from another brand. Routine maintenance costs for the Murano are typical for Nissan, and parts are generally readily available.
Technology And Infotainment Features
The Murano’s technology suite is functional but has started to show its age. The standard infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which is a crucial and welcome feature.
The interface, however, isn’t as quick or intuitive as newer systems from Hyundai, Kia, or Ford. The graphics feel dated. Available features include a premium Bose audio system, dual-panel panoramic moonroof, and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver aids, which comes standard on most newer models.
Standard Safety Technology
Modern Muranos come with a good set of standard driver assistance features, which is a significant plus. This suite typically includes:
These features provide valuable peace of mind for daily commuting and family driving.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
Nissan’s reliability reputation has had its ups and downs, but the Murano has been a relatively strong performer in recent model years. It has consistently scored above average in major reliability studies from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. This is a key point when considering long-term ownership.
Potential issues to be aware of often relate to the CVT transmission in older models. Nissan has made improvements over the years, but it’s wise to ensure any used model has a complete service history. Overall, the Murano is considered a dependable vehicle with average to below-average repair costs for its class.
Trim Levels And Value For Money
The Murano is typically offered in several trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim is well-equipped, but the SV often represents the best value, adding features like a power liftgate, heated seats, and the larger touchscreen. The SL and Platinum trims add luxury amenities like leather, a surround-view camera, and premium audio.
When shopping, the Murano often comes with attractive incentives and can be a good value compared to a similarly equipped Honda or Toyota. Its slightly lower resale value than those brands means you might get more features for your money when buying new or certified pre-owned.
Comparing The Nissan Murano To Key Rivals
To truly understand if the Murano is good, you need to see how it compares. Here’s a brief look at how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
Nissan Murano vs. Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is more rugged, offers more cargo space, and has a more powerful standard V6. Its interior is more utilitarian, and the ride is firmer. Choose the Passport for adventure and space; choose the Murano for comfort and style.
Nissan Murano vs. Ford Edge
The Ford Edge offers sharper handling, more powerful engine options (including a sporty ST model), and a more modern tech interface. The Murano fights back with a smoother ride and often a more upscale cabin feel. The Edge is for the driver; the Murano is for the cruiser.
Nissan Murano vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more modern design, a much more spacious and versatile interior (especially with its optional third row), and a longer warranty. The Murano’s V6 is smoother than the Santa Fe’s turbo-four, and its ride might be slightly more refined. The Santa Fe is the pragmatic family choice.
Who Should Buy A Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano is an excellent choice for a specific buyer profile. You will likely be very happy with a Murano if:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nissan Murano reliable?
Yes, recent model years of the Nissan Murano have shown good reliability. It scores well in industry studies, though it’s always wise to check the specific history of a used vehicle, particularly regarding transmission service.
What are common problems with the Nissan Murano?
Some common issues reported over various model years include CVT transmission concerns (primarily in older models), issues with the power liftgate motor, and occasional electrical gremlins. Proper maintenance is key to avoiding major problems.
Is the Nissan Murano good on gas?
The Murano gets average fuel economy for a V6 midsize SUV. Expect around 20 city/28 highway mpg for FWD models. It’s not a fuel-sipper, but it’s competitive within its specific engine category.
Is the Nissan Murano a good family car?
It can be a good family car for small families. It’s safe, comfortable, and reliable. However, if you have older children or need to carry lots of gear regularly, rivals with more rear-seat legroom and cargo space might be better suited.
How does the Nissan Murano drive?
The Murano drives like a comfortable sedan. It has a soft, smooth ride, light steering, and adequate power from its V6 engine. It is not designed for sporty handling or off-road capability; it’s built for comfort and ease of use.
So, is the Nissan Murano a good car? The answer is a resounding yes, if what it offers aligns with your lifestyle. It provides a compelling package of comfort, style, and standard features that makes everyday driving a pleasure. While it may not be the most practical or thrilling SUV on the road, it fulfills its role as a comfortable cruiser with distinction. For the right driver, it remains a very smart and satisfying choice in a crowded market.