Nissan says it is pressing the reset button with the reinvented 2015 Murano, though here's hoping one aspect of this mid-size crossover remains as before: quality.
In the latest long-term J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, the Murano was runner-up in its class to the Honda Crosstour. A three-year-old Murano, then, boasts a class-leading record on the quality front.
And the old, outgoing Murano wasn't bad looking, either. The pricing starting at just less than $35,000 for all-wheel drive (AWD) was right there in the competitive mix, too, and the 2015 AWD rig is about the same, as well. Crash test scores? Good, not great.
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Forgive the dull facts; they matter with the Murano and its ilk. These are family wagons, often loaded with kids and grandkids, so reliability, safety and price cannot be skimmed past. With a good track record for the basics, Nissan now wants to push your buttons with design. It might work.
From the so-called "V-motion grille," to the "boomerang" lamp signatures front and rear framing the sweep of the profile, this wagon has presence not usually seen in these sorts of two-box wagons. Big wheels, muscular rear haunches, dual chrome exhaust finishers, LED rear combination lights and the rest – you're going to have an emotional reaction to this look.
Inside, the material quality is terrific, though the actual cabin space up front is tighter than you'd expect. That's the price of a "cockpit" design. It's probably okay to feel squeezed in a fighter jet, but not so much in a car. For the driver, instruments are housed smartly in a binnacle and the controls for infotainment are as easy to operate as your Samsung Galaxy, iPhone. Nissan has wisely taken a page out of the best smartphone makers with this interface.
Seats? Nissan makes a big deal out of its "Zero Gravity" design, but this seems more hype than reality – at least where the front passenger is concerned. I found the driver's seat far, far more comfortable than the shotgun position. The cargo area is class-leading and wonderfully useful and accessible.
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This Murano is terrific to drive for this class – easy to enjoy on straights and in turns, quiet (acoustic laminated windshield, sound-absorbent roof trim, etc.), streamlined (low 0.31 drag coefficient), lighter by 66 kg and powered by a perfectly responsive, 260-horsepower V-6.
At a base price of $29,998, don't overlook it.
You'll like this car if ... You're bored with the shapes of so many other mainstream crossovers, but won't compromise on the basics: safety, quality, reliability, fuel economy.
TECH SPECS
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- Base price: $29,998
- Engine: 3.5-litre V-6
- Transmission: CVT or continuously variable transmission
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 11.0 city/8.2 highway for FWD and 11.3/8.3 highway for AWD, using regular fuel.
- Alternatives: Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain, Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
RATINGS
- Looks: How does a car company jazz up a two-box wagon? Focus on the details: standard LED daytime running lights, sexy LED tail-lamps, big wheels, sheetmetal details and even the available panoramic roof. You’ll notice this going down the road.
- Interior: The controls are smartphone-easy to operate and the material quality, fit and finish resonate. But, up front, the cockpit design makes for a tight fit if you’re a reasonably large human.
- Performance: The V-6 is quick to respond and the CVT is as good as this sort of gearbox gets in terms of putting some feel into the driving experience. Fuel economy is good. For a tall wagon, it does not feel tippy.
- Technology: Big praise for the infotainment system, not to mention the panoramic (available) sunroof and the advanced lighting.
- Cargo: The Murano is at the top of its class. Useful tie-downs and such are in place, as they should be.
The Verdict
8.0
Nissan has a crossover with lovely shapes and details, but the front seats could be more supportive, and the front cabin space could be roomier.
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The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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