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2012 Nissan Murano

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Rating7.6

Ranked #7 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$29,960 - $40,560
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Powerful engine

Low cargo space

The new model is longer and lower than its predecessor

Capable transmission

Less rear visibility

Lesser curb weight

Smooth ride

More powerful engine

Specs & Features

$31,560

price

260 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

240 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

3.5L 6cyl AWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2012 Nissan Murano comes with very few changes as compared to the previous model year. The 2012 Nissan Murano price starts at an MSRP of $29,960 and comes in four different trim configurations. With trims like S, SV, SL, and LE, the 2012 Nissan Murano specs are decent across the lineup. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, Nissan's SUV boasts 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is good too, at 18 or 24 mpg (city or highway).

The Nissan Murano's 0-60 sprint takes close to 8.0 seconds, while the top speed is about 140 mph. Just like other cars, the 2012 Nissan Murano's problems must be taken into consideration before buying one. The Murano faces tough competition from other segment stalwarts like the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Highlander. Check out this video below by "Autobytel", who considers the Nissan Murano 2012 interior very similar to that of an Infiniti.

Key observations in the video: 

  • Aesthetically appealing to the eye 
  • Premium interior with acceptable cargo space
  • Easy to read and bright gauges
  • Responsive steering 

Buying Advice

We would go for the fully loaded, AWD drivetrain equipped LE trim for the price of $40,560 mostly to get a taste for everything that the maker can offer for its customers in the car and the complete essence of luxury from Nissan's understanding.

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

It is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out 260 horsepower and is mated to a CVT gearbox. The 2012 Nissan Murano is offered in four trims and the base price is $29,960 and goes up to $40,560 for the top-end trim with an AWD drivetrain. At a price point of this level, the Murano goes up and competes against the likes of the Buick Enclave and the Hyundai Santa Fe. 

Features
8.0/10

The Nissan Murano is offered in four trims starting from a base price of $29,960 and goes all the way up to $40,560 for the fully loaded LE trim with an AWD drivetrain. The base trim itself comes equipped with features like 18" aluminum-alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic temperature control, 6-way manual driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, In-dash 6-CD changer with MP3 CD capability, auxiliary audio input jack, six standard airbags. Each trim gets a few more features than the models under it.

Trim

S

SV

SL

LE

MSRP (FWD)

$29,960

$33,530

$37,230

$38,960

MSRP (AWD)

$31,560

$35,130

$38,830

$40,560

Features

Intuitive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System

Dual Panel Moonroof with power retractable sunshades

20" Aluminum-alloy wheels 

 

18" Aluminum-alloy wheels

Vehicle Information Center with 7" QVGA monitor

Heated outside mirrors with memory position

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights

 

LED taillights

RearView Monitor

Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers

Silver-accented roof rails 

 

Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)

HomeLink Universal Transceiver

Leather-appointed seats with driver’s seat memory position

Heated rear seats

 

Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition

Auto-dimming rearview mirror with digital compass

Heated front seats

 

 

6-way manual driver’s seat with manual lumbar support

8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power front-passenger seat

Bose audio system with nine speakers plus dual subwoofers

 

 

60/40 Split fold-down rear seatbacks with cargo area-accessible releases

Leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated audio controls

Power-return rear seatbacks and a power liftgate

 

We Recommend

We would go for the fully loaded, AWD drivetrain equipped LE trim for the price of $40,560 mostly to get a taste for everything that the maker can offer for its customers in the car and the complete essence of luxury from Nissan's understanding.

Engine and Performance
7.0/10

The 2012 Nissan Murano comes with a V6 engine producing 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The engine's power is put down to the road through either an FWD or an AWD drivetrain with a CVT transmission. The Nissan accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and completes the quarter-mile mark in 13.9 seconds. The Murano is limited to a top speed of 140mph.

Model

Nissan Murano S

Buick Enclave Convenience

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

MSRP

$31,560

$38,500

$30,925

Engine

3.5 L V6

3.6 L V6

3.5 L V6

Drivetrain

AWD

AWD

AWD

Transmission

CVT

6-speed shiftable automatic

6-speed shiftable automatic

Power

260 hp @ 6000 rpm

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

276 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque

240 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm

270 ft-lbs. @ 3400 rpm

248 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm

0-60 mph (seconds)

7.8

8

7.4

Quarter-mile (mph)

13.9

N/A

15.7

Top Speed (mph)

140

117

135

The Hyundai Santa Fe is the fastest to reach 60mph. It is powered by a 3.5L V6 under the hood churning out 276 hp and 248 lb-ft, and is able to reach from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile mark in 15.7 seconds. The Murano comes in second place, while the Buick takes almost 8 seconds to accelerate to 60mph.

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

The Murano manages to return a mileage of 18mpg in the city,24mpg on the highway, and 20mpg of combined mileage. The Murano can hold up to 21.7 Gallons of fuel giving us a range of 390miles and 434miles in the City and Highway respectively. The efficiency figures are on par with other vehicles in the segment.

Model

Nissan Murano S

Buick Enclave Convenience

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

MPG (City) (mpg)

18

16

20

MPG (Highway) (mpg)

24

22

26

MPG (Combined) (mpg)

20

18

22

Fuel Capacity (gallon)

21.7

22

18

Range (City/Hwy/Combined)

390/521/434

352/484/396

360/468/396

The Hyundai once again comes on top in terms of the efficiency figures returning 22mpg. The Buick is on the other end of the spectrum with 16mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway. However, it covers the deficit with its range, thanks to its 22-gallon fuel tank, which is the largest in the segment. The Murano delivers the best-combined range of 434 miles, followed by the Buick and the Hyundai providing 396 miles of range, respectively.

Interior
8.0/10

The Nissan Murano provides a good amount of space and is very comfortable for five passengers. The cabin comes with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats with independent slide and reclining adjustments, There is a combination of leather and fabric in the upholstery There is the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The space both up front and the rear feels ample and even the cargo capacity of 31.6 cubic feet can cater to all of your needs.

Model

Nissan Murano S

Buick Enclave Convenience

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

Seating Capacity

5

7

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40.1/59.6/43.6

40.4/62.0/41.3

40.2/59.5/42.6

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.4/58.7/36.3

39.0/61.4/36.9

39.6/58.6/36.8

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

31.6

23.3

34.2

The Nissan turns out as the most spacious option in the front row, which is then followed by the Buick and then the Santa Fe. When we come to the second-row seating, the competition is all at par with each other. In terms of cargo capacity, Santa Fe has the most of it at 34.2 cu-ft, and then comes the Murano followed by the Buick Enclave with 23.3 cu-ft of cargo area, respectively.

Some salient interior features of the 2012 Nissan Murano include:

  • 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 2012 Nissan GT-R’s infotainment unit?

The 2012 Nissan Murano comes equipped with a 7-inch infotainment unit as standard. The infotainment is built-in with Bluetooth, Aux, and USB Connectivity along with the additional feature of SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation. The infotainment setup is connected to a Bose audio system with nine speakers and dual subwoofers on the SL and LE trims.

The important 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
  • Bluetooth Connectivity

Exterior
9.0/10

The Nissan Murano looks futuristic in styling. The front end of the Murano is equipped with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights, automatic on/off headlights, fog lights led taillights, black roof rails, dual-panel moonroof with power retractable sunshades, dual power outside mirrors, dual power heated outside mirrors, and rear privacy glass. The Nissan Murano has a weight of 3,980 lbs, which is comparatively light among the contenders in the segment. The Murano has a ground clearance of 7.4 inches

Model

Nissan Murano S

Buick Enclave Convenience

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

Curb Weight (lbs)

3980

4980

4120

Length (in.)

189.9

201.8

184.1

Width (in.)

74.1

79.0

74.4

Height (in.)

67.0

72.5

67.9

Ground Clearance (in.)

7.4

8.4

7.3

Wheelbase (in.)

111.2

118.9

106.3

The Buick is the heaviest at 4,980 lbs and then comes the Santa Fe with a weight of 4120 lbs. The Buick has a ground clearance of 8.4 inches which is currently best in the list here, as is its wheelbase of 118.9 inches. It is also the longest, widest, and tallest, while the Hyundai is a relatively smaller SUV. 

Other key exterior features include-

  • 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

Safety
7.0/10

The new Nissan Murano comes equipped with a lot of standard safety features,like a set of six standard airbags, rollover head protection for front and rear-seat outboard occupants, Door-mounted curtain supplemental airbags for side-impact and rollover head protection for front occupants are the airbags present in this Nissan. It receives four out of a possible five stars in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and also fares well in the IIHS’ tests. 

Other key safety features include:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control 
  • 4-wheel ABS with EBD 
  • Six standard airbags
  • 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) 

Final Verdict

The Nissan Murano might not be the most futuristic or modern looking SUV out in the market or might not be the most hardcore offroading machine you wish it were but it is a great way to travel and transport yourself or your people from one place to another in comfort and peace.It is a car that feels safe and comfortable over long distance drives too.This car might be a great value for money even if it is not the top of the line performer. 

Trims

    S
    $29,960 onwards
    • 18-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    SV
    $33,530 onwards
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Parking assist
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    • Sliding & tilting glass Sunroof
    SL
    $37,230 onwards
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Heated mirrors
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Rain sensing windsheild wiper
    LE
    $38,960 onwards
    • 20-inch painted aluminum Wheels

Compare to similar cars

7.6
2012 Nissan Murano

Price

$29,960- $40,560

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.6

Horsepower

260 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

240 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

7.9
2012 Acura RDX

$32,895- $37,995

Gasoline

7.87

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

7.7
2012 Acura MDX

$43,030- $54,555

Gasoline

7.68

300 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

7

Read Review

7.9
2012 Buick Enclave

$36,500- $45,765

Gasoline

7.88

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

7

Read Review

8.1
2012 Chevrolet Traverse

$29,660- $41,035

Gasoline

8.08

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

7.7
2012 Dodge Journey

$18,995- $31,795

Gasoline

7.71

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

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8.0
2012 Dodge Durango

$28,995- $43,195

Gasoline

7.95

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

7

Read Review

8.0
2012 Ford Explorer

$28,280- $39,855

Gasoline

7.96

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

7.8
2012 Ford Edge

$27,770- $38,960

Gasoline

7.81

285 hp @ 6500 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

7.9
2012 GMC Acadia

$32,835- $46,810

Gasoline

7.87

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

2012 Nissan Murano vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		7.8 sec16.1 sec-
    		6.6 sec14.2 sec112 mph
    		6.8 sec15.4 sec122 mph
    		7 sec15.4 sec113 mph
    		7.2 sec15.8 sec115 mph
    		7.3 sec15.6 sec-
    Read More

    2012 Nissan Murano vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		18 mpg24 mpg20 mpg21.7 gal.390.6/520.8 mi.
      		22 mpg28 mpg24 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/445.2 mi.
      		18 mpg29 mpg24 mpg18.5 gal.333/499.5 mi.
      		20 mpg28 mpg23 mpg18 gal.360/504 mi.
      		19 mpg27 mpg22 mpg18.5 gal.351.5/499.5 mi.
      		20 mpg25 mpg22 mpg19.2 gal.384/480 mi.

      2012 Nissan Murano vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		189.9 in.74.1 in.67 in.7.4 in.111.2 in.
        		205 in.78.4 in.70.4 in.7.2 in.118.9 in.
        		201.8 in.79 in.72.5 in.8.4 in.118.9 in.
        		200.7 in.78.2 in.69.9 in.7.4 in.118.9 in.
        		200.2 in.76.2 in.68 in.8 in.113.2 in.
        		199.8 in.75.8 in.70.9 in.8.1 in.119.8 in.

        2012 Nissan Murano vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		31.6 cu.ft.108.6 cu.ft.64 cu.ft.
          		17.2 cu.ft.139.4 cu.ft.100.7 cu.ft.
          		10.3 cu.ft.145.7 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.
          		47.2 cu.ft.97.3 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.
          		13.4 cu.ft.150.6 cu.ft.86.8 cu.ft.
          		32.2 cu.ft.108.4 cu.ft.68.9 cu.ft.

          2012 Nissan Murano vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		62 cu.ft.31.6 cu.ft.64 cu.ft.-
            		89.7 cu.ft.47.2 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.-
            		83.1 cu.ft.21 cu.ft.80.7 cu.ft.-
            		95.4 cu.ft.10.3 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.-
            		54.5 cu.ft.24.1 cu.ft.116.9 cu.ft.-
            		71.5 cu.ft.16.5 cu.ft.79.2 cu.ft.-

            2012 Nissan Murano vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		3500 lbs.1165 lbs.3889 lbs.
              		7700 lbs.1287 lbs.4711 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.1330 lbs.4756 lbs.
              		6000 lbs.1047 lbs.4427 lbs.
              		5200 lbs.1753 lbs.4658 lbs.
              		5200 lbs.1755 lbs.4656 lbs.

              2012 Nissan Murano SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              1

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              131

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2012 Nissan Murano User Reviews

              4.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              JA

              Jeffrey Andrews

              2013 Nissan Murano

              LE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: May 10, 2024

              I love my car

              Pros - Rides good, Take me where I need to go

              Cons - Check engine light on, Nothing I like it

              It's performs good it's very safe it takes me where I need to go I love it very nice nice color big and comfy alot of room it fits all my stuff good car it's used but it works good very nice car I love it

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

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