Nissan resisted common third-row temptation and maintained the Murano's exceptional 4-5 passenger comfort. Evolved driveline is more responsive, more powerful and as thirsty as before. New interior represents a huge step for Nissan in terms of quality and convenience.
7.9 / 10
Dynamics
8.0 / 10
Engine Performance
More power, same fuel economy. The engine is a bit of a droner at wide-open throttle, but that's more to do with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) holding revs near redline for a sustained period.
8.5 / 10
Transmission Performance
The latest Xtronic CVT software is brilliant and far more responsive. It's a good enough setup to obsolete traditional stepped automatics.
8.0 / 10
Brake Performance
Good feel, excellent effectiveness and zero fade from the vented four-wheel discs.
8.5 / 10
Steering Perfomance
Organic, intuitive feel from hydraulic system offers good weight and appropriate build-up in effort. Good straight-line stability and cornering precision.
8.0 / 10
Handling
Though ultimate limits are set by a non-defeat stability system, the new, predictive all-wheel-drive system enhances overall handling feel and abilities within its electronic envelope.
6.5 / 10
Off-road Performance
With just 7 inches of ground clearance and non-traditional CVT transmission, the Murano is really not designed or intended to be a trail boss.
7.5 / 10
Towing Performance
Maximum interior payload of 1,091 pounds and/or a tow rating of 3,500 pounds allows the Murano to pull a couple personal water craft or a small box trailer.
8.0 / 10
Fun-to-Drive
More fun to drive than most crossovers and even as good as some billed as Sports CUVs.
8.5 / 10
Comfort
8.0 / 10
Ride Comfort
Good isolation, flat and controlled ride.
8.0 / 10
Wind Noise
Well-sealed cabin, but large side mirrors sometimes produce wind noise.
8.0 / 10
Road Noise
Even with the LE's 20-inch wheels, road noise is hardly an issue.
9.0 / 10
Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access
Exceptionally comfortable front seats offer a wide range of adjustment. Large doors and generous space allow easy ingress/egress.
9.0 / 10
Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access
Compared to other crossovers, the Murano LE's second-row accommodations are outstanding: Heated leather seats recline to a large degree, head- and legroom are enormous, HVAC vents are properly located, and there's an optional 9-inch power-down screen with DVD or RCA-jack inputs.
9.0 / 10
Driving Position
Very comfortable, highly adjustable seats and power tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel set the Murano LE apart.
8.2 / 10
Function
9.0 / 10
Headlight Illumination
Xenon headlamps are standard on the LE.
6.5 / 10
Visibility
The only low score here is the result of the Murano's sloping roof and up-sweeping side glass that conspire to obscure sight lines to the rear. Large side mirrors and a back-up camera go only so far.
9.0 / 10
Instrument Panel Layout
White numbers on a matte-gray background is a big improvement over previous orange gauges -- far easier to read and more appealing.
8.0 / 10
Climate Control System Layout
While the controls couldn't be simpler (three knobs and few buttons), the display for settings resides in a large, legible screen atop the center stack -- a little far from the controls but clearly better than before.
8.0 / 10
Audio System Layout
Again, Nissan simplified the use of the audio system with buttons and knobs at the base of the center stack controlling most of the often-used functions -- deeper functionality is found atop the stack with more buttons and a large controller. Overall, it's very similar to an Infiniti.
9.0 / 10
Secondary Control Layout
All secondary controls are intuitively placed and their function is clear.
8.0 / 10
Interior Storage
Monster glovebox and two-tier center console make up for diminutive door pockets.
7.5 / 10
Standard Cargo/Trunk Space
Standard cargo volume has decreased slightly, but utility is increased with our LE's power hatch and pop-up cargo organizer. Yet, as before, the sloping roof and rear glass produce an oddly shaped volume.
9.0 / 10
Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)
The LE has single-lever-folding 60/40 second-row seats that power back up with the touch of a button. Ultimate capacity sheer floor space with seats folded flat is quite good.
8.0 / 10
Cupholders
Beneath a cover, there are two large cupholders in the center console. Two cupholders in the rear armrest.
8.8 / 10
Design/Build Quality
9.0 / 10
Exterior Design
A perfect example of how to successfully evolve the design of a very popular vehicle without alienating those who already like it.
9.0 / 10
Interior Design
The interior design is far more mature and Infiniti-derived than before. Handsome, earth-toned and logical. They've even added a few "Easter eggs" which weren't expected.
9.0 / 10
Interior Materials
Best interior materials ever in a Nissan -- but we can't yet speak to trims beyond the LE.
9.0 / 10
Interior Control Tactile Feel
As with most of the Murano's interior, this is near-Infiniti quality at a Nissan price.
9.0 / 10
Squeaks & Rattles
Quiet, tight, and rattle-free
8.0 / 10
Panel Fitment & Gaps
Exterior reveals modestly tight but highly consistent panel gaps. Interior was near perfect: very few rough edges or lose trim/covers.
8.3
/ 10
7.9 / 10
6.5 / 10
7.5 / 10
9.0 / 10