2019 Nissan Murano

Based solely on a glance, the 2019 Nissan Murano looks like it received nothing more than a minor face-lift. Indeed, Nissan's second best-selling SUV (out of six) receives a new front-end look but is mechanically unchanged. However, there is more than meets the eye here. Nissan has updated the Murano's technology, increased the amount of standard equipment and given the interior a more upscale look. These changes help make this five-passenger SUV a more compelling choice for the 2019 model year.

Improved Safety and Connectivity

Every Murano now comes with Nissan's Rear Door Alert feature, which can alert the driver about rear occupants left in the vehicle. There's also a driver drowsiness detector that is standard equipment this year. Advanced driver safety aids were already available on the Murano, but this year Nissan has added Safety Shield 360. Available on the SL trim level and standard on the Platinum, Safety Shield 360 includes lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, traffic sign information, and pedestrian detection functionality for the forward collision warning system.

The 2019 Nissan Murano also has an updated infotainment system with more smartphone connectivity options and the ability to update itself and the onboard map data through over-the-air updates. All Muranos come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as well as Nissan's NissanConnect system. Through a smartphone app, you can remotely start the engine and even navigate door to door. This latter feature lets you hand off navigation functionality in the Murano to your smartphone. This way, you can park and continue walking to your destination using navigation on your phone. Additionally, NissanConnect can be accessed through both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Phones connect to the Murano via Bluetooth and a set of USB ports. There are two Type A (the standard one) and two Type C (the new one) USB ports to keep your high-energy portable devices charged up. Finally, the 2019 Murano's interior features new materials, such as available quilted leather, contrast piping and dark woods. The goal of the revised colors and materials is to make the Murano's interior more upscale yet still casual.

How It All Works

We found all assist and safety systems worked well, but we did notice excessive lane departure alerts on narrow mountain roads. While we found these alerts distracting, this feature is easily defeatable with a push of a button.

Even with the added complexity, the updated infotainment system is still fairly easy to use. One of the highlights of the NissanConnect smartphone app is its ability to operate in a guest mode. This means you don't need to go through a complex sign-on process, which could be a boon for users who only need occasional access to the higher level functions.

Overall, we're glad to see that Nissan is keeping the Murano competitive. Its 3.5-liter 260-horsepower V6 engine is nothing fancy, but it is responsive and stands out in a crowd of its competitors equipped with smaller turbocharged engines. Plus, the Murano's unobtrusive continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the textbook definition of how a CVT automatic should be done.

But it has some minor deficiencies that degrade the higher-end image that Nissan is trying to portray. For one, the surround-view camera is low-resolution, so fine detail around the car is difficult to see in the display. In fact, the graphics and layout of the infotainment system have the look and feel of something from a generation ago. Secondly, while the Murano's seats are plush, we wish they had adjustable lower-thigh support like those in the Maxima for additional support on road trips.

2019 Nissan Murano Pricing

Nissan says the Murano's primary demographic is empty nesters looking for a near-premium experience without the price tag. We agree that the Murano accomplishes many of the same objectives as the luxury brands. But as mentioned earlier, it falls short in some areas. Viewed against its more utilitarian competitors, though, the picture changes: When equipped appropriately, the Murano is full-featured, has an excellent powertrain, and deserves a mention if you're looking for a midsize crossover that's comfortable and rich with tech.

The 2019 Nissan Muranos are at dealerships now. Pricing starts at $32,315 (including destination charges) for a front-wheel-drive S model and goes all the way up to $45,130 for a top-trim Platinum model with all-wheel drive.

The pace of change to the Nissan Murano, now in production for nearly 20 years, could charitably be described as glacial, especially against the backdrop of a fast-evolving crossover segment. Introduced in 2002, the Murano is only in its third generation, so any update to Nissan's midsize family mover is a significant event.

Unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2019 Nissan Murano receives refreshed styling, premium interior upgrades and enhanced safety technology. Its resculpted front and rear ends and hood surface now closely follow the automaker's latest V-motion design language, which includes narrower jewel-eye LED headlights and a deeper, wider grille. New 18- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs paired with LED foglights further enhance the new Murano's stance.

Same Power, More Style and Safety

The 2019 Murano interior gets equally stylish upgrades reflecting its Italian namesake, including premium leather seat upholstery with diamond-quilt inserts and contrast piping, and new wood and metallic accents. The standard infotainment system — highlighted by an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and navigation system — carries over unchanged. But a new door-to-door navigation feature is added, while NissanConnect telematics services are now included on the SL trim and up. (Previously NissanConnect was only standard on Platinum trims.)

Nothing changes under the hood as the Murano continues to use its proven 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive remains optional.

The 2019 Murano is also among the models receiving Nissan's newest driver safety technologies. Called Safety Shield 360, the system consists of six features that make the driver's job easier and safer. Standard on the top Platinum trim and optional further down the portfolio, Safety Shield 360 provides automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking and high-beam assist, which automatically dims high beams to oncoming traffic. Second-row supplemental side airbags, a front passenger knee airbag and a drowsy driver warning system come standard at all levels.

The 2019 Nissan Murano goes on sale in mid-December in S, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels. In Nissan fashion, the options list is short. A Premium package for SV trims includes a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view camera and an 11-speaker Bose sound system, while the SL Technology package includes Safety Shield 360 features, traffic sign recognition and the sunroof.

Check back soon for pricing specifics as the 2019 Nissan Murano hits dealers next month.