2017 Nissan Murano Review

We like the fact that even the base Murano S trim level is very well equipped with essential features such as keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. The optional navigation package is a reasonably priced upgrade that adds traf...

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To learn more about the Nissan Murano of this generation, read our updates from a full year of living with a 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum. We cover everything from seat comfort to scheduled maintenance.