Used 2017 Nissan Murano SL SUV Review

Name: 2017 Nissan Murano Review
Brand: Nissan

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Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Nissan Murano SL SUV

Pros & Cons

Pro:High-quality interior materials and unique design features
Pro:Exceptionally comfortable front seats
Pro:Right balance of power and fuel efficiency
Pro:Spacious rear seats that accommodate passengers and car seats with equal ease
Con:Modest cargo capacity limits practicality
Con:Can't tow heavy weekend toys like some competitors
Con:Funky exterior design creates compromised outward visibility
Con:Advanced safety features are only available on upper trim levels

Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Nissan Murano SUV

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
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.}

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.

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?"

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.

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).

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.

Edmunds Insurance Estimator

The Edmunds TCO^® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Nissan Murano in New Mexico is:

not available

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