The Murano competes in price and size with the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. It seats five and is offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE. All four come with front- or all-wheel drive.
New for 2012 A Platinum Package includes 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a navigation system. The base S trim gains a 7-inch monochrome screen.
Exterior The front end has bold headlight clusters and optional bi-xenon headlights. The rear end has some distinctive shapes, including a rear window designed for good rear visibility. LED taillights and dual chrome tailpipes are standard, while a roof rack and a power liftgate are optional. Exterior features include:
Standard 18-inch wheels
Optional 20-inch wheels
Optional fog lights
Optional moonroof
Interior The Murano’s interior can incorporate double-stitched leather and simulated wood trim. The interior was refreshed last year with revised materials. Interior features include:
Standard six-CD changer and auxiliary jack
Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Available Bose premium stereo with satellite radio
Available backseat 7-inch screen for DVD playback
Available Bluetooth connectivity
Available heated front and rear seats
Available rain-sensing wipers
Available navigation system and backup camera
Under the Hood Nissan’s familiar 3.5-liter V-6 powers the Murano, producing 260 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable one, called Xtronic, which is one of the most time-tested CVTs on the market. Mechanical features include:
Front- or all-wheel drive
Standard continuously variable automatic transmission
Standard push-button start
Safety The Murano has side-impact airbags for front occupants and side curtains to protect both rows of seats. The curtains are designed to deploy in the event of a rollover, too. Safety features include:
Standard active head restraints
Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
Standard electronic stability system with traction control
