2011 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano is available in four trims at varying price points. All models are powered by the same 3.5 L V6 engine outputting 260 hp and 240 lb-ft. All models are available in both FWD as well as AWD configurations with the same CVT transmission. The SL and LE trims are offered with a Navigation package which comes with a Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0" VGA color touch-screen monitor and voice recognition, XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather, and Zagat Survey restaurant reviews along with Streaming audio via Bluetooth wireless technology that comes with a 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback. The following table shows the detailed list of trims and their features and prices-

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The SL trim is the one to go for as it offers some premium features over the SV trim which already comes with added features over the base trim. The SL trim is the best choice as it is equipped with a better infotainment unit and leather-covered seats. It also could be equipped with the Navigation Package which adds improved infotainment features. Overall, the SL trim that stands just below the top-end trim is the ideal choice in the Murano lineup.

The 2011 Nissan Murano comes with a strong V6 engine under its hood outputting 260 hp and 240 lb-ft. This is 5 hp and 8 lb-ft less than what the last year’s model put out. The engine's power is transferred to either an FWD or an AWD drivetrain through a CVT transmission. The Murano is not just powerful, but also engaging to drive and comes with impressive ride quality.

The 2011 Nissan Murano reaches 60 mph in 7 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile mark in 16 seconds. These timings are impressive and hold up very well with the competition. The ride quality is good and the handling is confidence-inspiring. The suspension setup soaks up the undulations and potholes on the road efficiently. 

The Ford Edge is the most powerful and fastest of the lot while also being the least expensive one. The Nissan Murano comes in second place in terms of speed, even though it is the least powerful one here. The Mazda CX-9 and the Murano are the more exciting ones to drive followed by the Ford and the Santa Fe. Ride quality is pretty good in all of the models, however, they get rough when the higher sized wheels are equipped in the CX-9, Murano, and the Santa Fe.

The Murano performs quite well in terms of fuel efficiency and despite the power downgrade, the efficiency has not been improved. The 2011 Nissan Murano delivers fuel efficiency of 18 mpg in the city, 23 on the highway, and 20 mpg of combined fuel economy. The Nissan Murano gets a 21.7-gallon fuel capacity outputting a combined range of 434 miles. The efficiency figures are above average in this segment and the Murano performed pretty well.

The Santa Fe delivers combined fuel efficiency of 23 mpg, followed by The Edge providing a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg. The CX-9 has the least efficiency figures which are understandable as it comes with an extra row of seating and more heft. The Nissan puts out a respectable combined efficiency of 20 mpg whereas it comes with the largest capacity fuel tank measuring 21.7 gallons resulting in the Murano delivering the most combined range of around 434 miles. 

The 2011 Nissan Murano features an upscale cabin made up of high-quality materials and elements. The cabin is very spacious with all seats providing lots of space. The Murano actually has a cabin that exceeds expectations placed on a Nissan interior. The dashboard and the enter console are nicely designed and everything looks and feels nice. Dual-zone automatic climate control being a standard feature even in the base trim is a nice thing to have. 

The seats are heated and covered in leather in the higher trims and offer very good levels of comfort and support. There is an ample amount of space on the inside and the front row space is truly exceptional. The second-row seats are also extremely comfortable, offering reclining functionality for added comfort. The cargo capacity measuring 31.6 cu-ft is also plenty for long trips.

The Murano is the most spacious option in the front row, while the Ford Edge and the Mazda CX-9 are the overall more spacious ones. While comparing the cargo capacity, the Hyundai Santa Fe has the most of 34.2 cu-ft, followed by the Edge. The CX-9 offers a third row of seating and when that third row is put down it also offers plenty of cargo space. The following are some of the standout interior features of the 2011 Nissan Murano-

• 8-way power driver’s seat 
• 4-way power front-passenger seat
• Dual Panel Moonroof with power retractable sunshades
• Heated Front and Rear Seats 
• Leather-appointed seats with driver’s seat memory position
• Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated audio controls 

How intuitive is the 2011 Nissan Murano’s infotainment unit?

The 2011 Nissan Murano comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit as standard. It is equipped with Bluetooth, Aux, and USB Connectivity along with the added feature of SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation. As for audio, there is a Bose audio system with nine speakers and dual subwoofers. Other major infotainment features include-

• Vehicle Information Center with 7" QVGA monitor
• Optional Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7" VGA touch-screen monitor and voice recognition
• Bose audio system with nine speakers plus dual subwoofers
• Aux Input
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio 
• USB Connectivity

The Nissan Murano has a futuristic design language with a sporty attire. The front end looks beautiful and kind of alien, but in a good way. The front grille has a particular aesthetics and is integrated with the HID headlamps, it makes the front-end look amazing. Overall the Murano is a beautiful-looking crossover that with a bright color will surely stand out in the crowd. 

The wheels are of 18-inches in size in the lower trims while the top-end LE trim comes equipped with larger 20-inch alloys. The advanced design language combined with sporty aesthetics makes the Murano look smaller than it actually is. The Murano based on exterior looks is a super option in this segment. However, it comes with a lower ground clearance compared to the average in the segment. 

The new Mazda CX-9 is obviously the heaviest while the Murano and Santa Fe are the lighter ones. The Santa Fe has the most ground clearance while the Mazda and the Nissan are the longer machines here. Based on exterior beauty, all of the models featured here are good-looking and the choice based on exterior design is left to individual preference. Major exterior highlights of the Murano are-

• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights
• Silver-accented roof rails
• Automatic on/off headlights with fog lights
• Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Heated outside mirrors with memory position
• 20" Aluminum-alloy wheels

The new Nissan Murano comes equipped with many standard safety features. It stops from 60 mph at a distance of 126 ft, which is a good distance in this segment. Both NHTSA, as well as Nissan and NHTSA, have given it an impressive overall safety rating of 5-stars. IIHS gave the Murano a ‘Good’ rating for frontal protection further ensuring that the Murano is a super safe mini SUV. Some important safety features in the 2011 Nissan Murano are-

• Adaptive Cruise Control 
• 4-wheel ABS with EBD 
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
• Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)
• Blind Spot Warning System (BSW) 
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 
• Moving Object Detection (MOD)

The 2011 Nissan Murano is an excellent choice in its segment and price range. It comes with a capable powertrain and confidence-inspiring handling. The interior is luxurious and of super high quality. There is also plenty of space on the inside including enough cargo space. The exterior design is also impressive and it looks beautiful. Overall it is a great choice to opt for in this segment.