2017 Nissan Murano Review

Name: 2017 Nissan Murano Review
Brand: Nissan

Price Range: $12,995 - $21,998

Nissan Murano Platinum 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

High-quality interior materials and unique design features
Exceptionally comfortable front seats
Right balance of power and fuel efficiency
Spacious rear seats that accommodate passengers and car seats with equal ease

Cons

Modest cargo capacity limits practicality
Can't tow heavy weekend toys like some competitors
Funky exterior design creates compromised outward visibility
Advanced safety features are only available on upper trim levels

What’s new

For 2017, the Nissan Murano adds Apple CarPlay functionality and a drowsy driver warning system. New driver assistance features are now available for the SV trim, while the Platinum trim gets a new Midnight Edition styling package.

Vehicle overview

The 2017 Nissan Murano is a versatile five-passenger midsize crossover with ample room for all passengers. It's a smart choice if you want an upscale, V6-powered vehicle without the luxury brand premium.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Nissan Murano S 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 12/16 (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$149/mo

$170/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

What's it like to live with?

We bought a 2015 Nissan Murano and drove it for an entire year, documenting all our ups and downs with this comfy midsize SUV. Not much has changed with the Murano since then, so our impressions are just as relevant today. If you're thinking of buying a Nissan Murano, make sure to check out our long-term test page, where we cover everything from some surprising maintenance costs to the joys of ventilated seats, and even answer the question, "Will it Girl Scout?"

Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum (3.5L V6; CVT automatic).

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	3.0
Comfort	3.0
Interior	4.5
Utility	3.0
Technology	3.5

Driving

3.0

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.

Acceleration

3.0

The 260-hp engine is more than adequate to propel this midsize SUV. The V6's pairing with a CVT is easy-driving, quiet and responsive. We measured a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, about average for the class. Noise suppression and refinement levels under hard acceleration are also about average.

Braking

3.0

Braking in this vehicle is intuitive and easy. Its pedal is just the way we like it, responsive and easy to modulate. Panic stops from 60 mph require 123 feet, which equals the Murano's most direct competitor, the Ford Edge.

Steering

3.0

The very lightweight feel at parking lot speeds makes the Murano easy to maneuver. As speeds increase, it adds some heft, but there's never much road feel. It's a pretty typical setup for this kind of vehicle.

Handling

3.0

The Murano's handling is adequate for the class. Not sporty, but not so soft that it ever feels out of control. It handles big dips in the road without jostling passengers, but sharp corners do bring about some noticeable body roll.

Drivability

3.5

Nissan's pairing of a powerful V6 with a continuously variable transmission gives the Murano all the quickness and responsiveness it needs. Press the gas pedal even a little bit and you get an immediate response from the under the hood.

Comfort

3.0

Though it leans toward comfort over performance, the Murano isn't the most supple SUV we've driven. Most of our impressions are of a Platinum model with 20-inch wheels and tires, so lesser trims are likely more comfortable over rough roads. The quiet cabin and excellent seats help offset any flaws.

Seat comfort

5.0

Outstanding seats front and rear. Among the most comfortable in the business. Soft enough to never create hot spots but not so soft that you sink in. Lateral support is minimal, but because this vehicle isn't likely to do much fast cornering, it's an insignificant shortcoming.

Ride comfort

3.0

A middle-of-the-road performer in this category. Not overly soft, but not uncomfortably stiff either. It feels hunkered to the road, so it gives the driver a feeling of confidence. Hit a bump and you'll feel it, but it's not so jarring that you'll find the ride objectionable.

Noise & vibration

3.0

Probably the biggest perk to pairing a torquey engine with a CVT is the elimination of extended high-rpm operation, which reduces noise. The Murano's engine is no louder than its competitors that have conventional automatic transmissions.

Climate control

3.5

Upper-end models come with dual-zone automatic climate control. It's a simple system with knobs for the temperature control and buttons for manual fan speed adjustments. There are extra vents for the rear seats and available ventilated and heated seats. It's a solid setup with no notable issues.

Interior

4.5

Big effort was spent to increase the interior quality in this Murano. Top trims offer interior materials similar to what you'll find in Infiniti models. Leather adorns most surfaces, and built-in lighting is striking. Some unconventional design choices, but none results in loss of functionality.

Ease of use

3.5

Most controls are logically arranged and easily accessible. One issue is the placement of the Murano's start button low on the center stack, but it's not a deal breaker. There's good placement of most secondary controls such as temperature and volume and a very good infotainment interface.

Getting in/getting out

3.5

The Murano's front doors open to almost 90 degrees, and the vehicle doesn't stand very high, so getting in and out is relatively easy up front. The rear doors don't open up quite as wide, and the opening is slightly narrower.

Driving position

3.5

Multi-adjustable seats and a tilt-and-telescope steering column (power-adjustable on upper trims) mean no problem finding a comfortable position for most drivers. Sun glare from interior surfaces and the contoured hood is an occasional problem, depending on your seating position.

Roominess

4.5

The Murano is big inside, but it doesn't always feel like it. It has ample front and rear headroom, even for 6-foot-plus occupants. The wide interior provides plenty of shoulder and hiproom. You'll find plenty of lateral space and toe room under front seats.

Visibility

2.5

The tall hood hurts forward visibility, as do long, sweeping front windshield pillars. Rear quarter visibility is just OK due to a small rear window between the rearmost pillars. Blind-spot monitoring plus rearview and surround-view cameras improve safety.

Quality

4.0

Between the leather surfaces, soft touch points where elbows, arms and fingers interact, classy contrast double stitching and phenomenal seats, the Murano's cabin quality punches above its weight. This is a luxury, Infiniti-like experience.

Utility

3.0

Not the largest cargo area in the class, but not the smallest either. The Murano is similar to its main rivals with a wide, flat opening at the rear that's able to swallow a solid chunk of luggage without infringing on the second row. A lack of small item storage space up front is a big drawback.

Small-item storage

2.0

The lack of storage compartments up front hurts the Murano in this category. Other than the center console, there are few places to put personal items. The small opening just ahead of the console is barely big enough for one phone or a set of keys, and there's no space in front of the shifter.

Cargo space

3.0

Overall space is similar to that of the Ford Edge and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Split-folding rear seats fold completely flat. Rear seatbacks offer remote release and power lift on the Platinum trim. Door pockets accommodate large bottles but little else.

Child safety seat accommodation

4.0

There's plenty of room to install a rear-facing child seat in either of the outboard rear seat positions and still have adequate space for the driver or front passenger. LATCH attachment points are easy to find.

Towing

2.0

At 1,500 pounds, the Murano's towing capacity isn't as high as that of competitors with similar power, most of which tow at least 2,000 pounds or more.

Hauling

3.5

Smaller maximum cargo capacity than competitors but still impressive. No problem loading bikes or a 10-foot surfboard front to back. The quick-release and power-folding upright rear seat proves more convenient in daily use than it might sound.

Technology

3.5

There isn't much the Murano doesn't offer if you're willing to pay for the pricier trim levels. Everything from advanced safety technologies to a full-featured navigation system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Audio & navigation

3.5

Turn-by-turn nav directions in the gauge cluster are a thoughtful touch, reducing constant reliance on the larger center stack display. Standard audio system (HD/sat radio, Bluetooth device streaming) should satisfy most, but the optional Bose upgrade (SV and above) is worth it for music lovers.

Smartphone integration

3.0

Bluetooth device integration standard on all models. Painless pairing process. Optional NissanConnect with Mobile Apps (unavailable on our test model) includes Pandora, iHeartRadio and Facebook functionality.

Driver aids

3.5

Standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert. Front collision warning included in pricey option package (SL, Platinum) but pays for itself with just one averted collision. Around View camera is invaluable for moving in tight spaces. Doesn't offer lane departure warning or lane keeping assist.

Voice control

3.0

Phonebook, audio and navigation offer voice control. Selecting music by voice works fine but requires jumping through more confirmation hoops than Ford's Sync, for example. Recognition capability is very competent.

Compare 2017 Nissan Murano trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Nissan Murano models

The 2017 Nissan Murano crossover is offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Front-wheel drive comes standard; all-wheel drive is optional.

The base S comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque), a continuously variable transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, rear privacy glass, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, smartphone app integration (including Siri Eyes Free voice command), a 7-inch color touchscreen interface, and a six-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, and USB and auxiliary audio jacks.

The S is offered with an optional navigation package that consists of an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, a navigation system, HD radio, an additional USB port and Apple CarPlay.

Moving up to the SV brings the navigation package features as well as remote engine start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails, foglights and power-adjustable front seats. Three optional packages are available for the SV. The Premium package adds a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system, while the Driver Assistance package offers an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 360-degree parking camera system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new drowsy driver warning system. The Premium Plus package bundles the above features and includes unique 18-inch wheels.

The 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 and a power liftgate.

The top-line Murano Platinum is loaded with the above features plus 20-inch alloy wheels, a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, LED headlights, additional memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and power-folding rear seats.

The SL and Platinum are offered with a Technology package that includes the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. For the Murano Platinum only, a new Midnight Edition optional styling package adds black roof rails, black mirror caps, splash guards and special 20-inch wheels.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#16 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Murano from 2008-2022.}

$485/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.01x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

12.6%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Nissan Murano Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

71 reviews

5(59%)

4(14%)

3(15%)

2(5%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Like riding on clouds!

Vicki B, 03/26/2017

2017 Nissan Murano Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

This is the most comfortable car I have ever driven or ridden in. I knew exactly what I wanted, not a lot of extras, the car comes with almost everything I wanted, drove 142 miles to buy it. I drove it home and wasn't miserable. I have been driving a Volvo XC90 and thought it was a comfortable car until I got the Murano... I am still learning how to operate all the newer gadgets, but it …

Superior choice!

Martha D, 08/30/2017

2017 Nissan Murano SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

8/31/18 Update: It has now been 15 months since purchasing my 2017 Nissan Murano and everything that I have been enamored with before about this vehicle has solidified and increased. The powerful V6 engine has propelled me out of harms way more than once; I have made numerous trips moving possessions from one home to another and have been really pleased with how much I can fit in; my …

60000 miles and still a great vehicle

Rob Roginski, 05/20/2017

2017 Nissan Murano SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

I still haven't gotten tired of my Murano for the past 3 years. The acceleration you get from the six cylinder engine is great. I use cameras everyday front, side, and back. It definitely drives like a car instead of a truck like most other crossover/suv's. The only negative is the GPS system which can get a little complicated, but is very nice in other ways. We made a good purchase.

Nissan does not back up their product!!

Bridgett, 11/21/2018

2017 Nissan Murano SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

My rear hatch won't open. It won't open electronically or manually. I took it in April 2018 before the warranty was up. They told me that they did a temporary fix and that I would need to bring it back in after Nissan got a computer update to fix the issue. It worked a couple of months then stopped again. I took back in July they told me at that time that it was a computer issue and …

See all 71 reviews of the Nissan Murano

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2017 Nissan Murano video

2017 Nissan Murano Expert Rundown Review

Looking for an upscale and versatile five-passenger midsize crossover with ample room for all passengers? The 2017 Nissan Murano might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 Murano Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,740
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$149/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Murano models:

Automatic Emergency Braking (optional): Front radar monitors proximity to the vehicle ahead. In an imminent collision, the Murano can apply the brakes to avoid/mitigate impact.
Blind-Spot Monitoring: The Murano's stylish exterior also makes for reduced side and rear visibility. This feature helps compensate. Standard on SL and Platinum.
Around-View Monitor: Four cameras display a 360-degree bird's-eye image of the car. Selectable curbside view works great for parking. Standard on SL, Platinum.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2017 Nissan Murano Review

Price & Payment

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2017 Nissan MuranoSL 4dr SUV

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2017 Nissan MuranoPlatinum 4dr SUV

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2017 Nissan MuranoPlatinum 4dr SUV

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Nissan Murano S 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 12/16 (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Hauling

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Murano does Edmunds recommend?

2017 Nissan Murano models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Nissan Murano Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Like riding on clouds!

Superior choice!

60000 miles and still a great vehicle

Nissan does not back up their product!!

2017 Nissan Murano video

2017 Nissan Murano Expert Rundown Review

2017 Murano Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Nissan Murano S 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 12/16 (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}