2017 Nissan Murano

Even the base trim offers innovative items, such as NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats- Autotrader

The Nissan Murano is available in four different trims namely S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim has a price tag of $29,770 while the top-end Platinum trim touches the $41,000 mark. A destination fee of $940 applies to the price tag. For an SUV that starts just below $30,000, the Murano comes with a lot of standard features. However, it lacks technological features, which are available from the SL trim onwards. 

An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on the higher trims and available only on the base S trim under the $860 Navigation package. Similarly, the SV trim is available with a Premium package that adds a power panoramic moonroof and a 9-speaker Bose audio system for $2,200. Available only on the SL and Platinum trims is the $2,260 Technology package that adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warning. 

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The SL trim is the recommended model. It adds heated front leather seats, an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power liftgate. it also adds a few safety techs, including a driver drowsiness monitor, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also, opt for the Technology package that adds various driver-assist features, making the car safe. 

For its size and weight, the Murano is about average- The Car Connection

The Nissan Murano is one of the fuel-efficient cars in its segment. In the city and on a highway, it returns 21 MPG and 28 MPG respectively. The combined mileage of 24 MPG is available in the Murano, which is better than many of its rivals. Whether you are out for FWD or AWD, the EPA ratings remain the same. 

The Murano is fitted with a 19-gallon fuel tank. You can expect a range of 465 miles in mixed driving conditions. Keep in mind that it's the same if you opt for the AWD system as well, which is really good. However, there are some rivals in its class that offer a better range as they come with a larger fuel tank. 

The Ford Edge has almost the same fuel estimates as the Murano with a smaller fuel tank which means it has better efficiency. The Subaru Outback's fuel economy is slightly less than the Murano but still, it's good for an AWD vehicle. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the worst fuel ratings as its powerful engine burns more fuel to keep it running. 

The interior feels posh and upscale, with well-tailored leather upholstery and soft-touch trim- MSN Autos

2017 Nissan Murano Seating and Comfort

The cabin of the Nissan Murano is very contemporary and modern. The materials, for the most part, are really well done. The Murano seats up to five people while cloth and leather upholstery are available. The front seats which Nissan calls Zero gravity are supremely comfortable and supportive. These seats are power-adjustable, heated, and cooled on higher trims but the Platinum trim also gets a power-adjustable steering wheel and heated rear seats.

The passenger space in the front row is abundant to seat taller occupants. The rear seats are comfortable and the seatback can recline at a good angle too. Two adults can sit comfortably at the back whereas adding a third person can make things congested. One of the highlights of the Murano's interior is the power panoramic moonroof, which is an add-on on all models except the base S trim. Unlike the Pathfinder, it's one piece of glass that really opens up the cabin.

The Ford Edge has the most spacious cabin in this competition. That means it can seat three people comfortably in the rear row. The Subaru Outback offers less headroom in both rows. Therefore, tall people would find it uncomfortable. The passenger space offered in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is almost the same as the Murano. 

2017 Nissan Murano Infotainment System

The base S trim gets a smaller 7-inch touchscreen display that features Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary audio input. The rest of the lineup gets the upgraded NissanConnect infotainment system which includes a larger 8-inch touchscreen display that comes with a navigation system. This large screen also supports only Apple CarPlay. Both the screens are responsive and display crisp graphics. 

The lower trims come with a 6-speaker stereo while the higher trims upgrade the sound system to an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system. The large screen is customizable and its interface is very similar to an Android smartphone. It allows you to add different widgets of your choice. On both sides of the screen are physical buttons quick change of audio and menu settings. Also, a single-disc CD player is included on every Murano. 

2017 Nissan Murano Interior Features

• Power tilt & telescopic multi-function steering wheel
• Power front seats with heated & cooled functions
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Remote engine start
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Power liftgate
• Heated & leather steering wheel
• 7 & 8-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay
• 11-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Panoramic moonroof

2017 Nissan Murano Cargo Volume

Once inside the trunk, you will find 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Maximum cargo space of 67.0 cubic feet can be achieved by folding the second-row seats. Compared to the competition, it is slightly less but most owners will notice that much of a difference. A power liftgate is standard on the SL and Platinum trims. 

It's worth noting that the models equipped with the power panoramic moonroof will have around 2 cubic feet less cargo space. To fold the second row, release seat handles are on each side. The seats are power return only on the top-end Platinum trim. Thanks to the boxy shape and flat loading lip of the SUV, loading items into the cargo area is easy. 

Both the Ford Edge and the Subaru Outback have almost equal maximum cargo capacities, which is around 5 cubic feet more than the Murano. With the seats up, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers slightly more cargo space than the Murano but when the rear seats are folded, its cargo space is almost similar to the Murano. 

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If you take a visual survey of the midsize crossover segment, it isn't difficult to peg the Nissan Murano as the standout- Cnet

2017 Nissan Murano Dimensions and Weight

The Nissan Murano is one of the most dramatically styled SUVs on the market today. The first thing that's going to get your attention is Nissan's signature V-motion grille. The headlights also feature an aggressive design inspired by the 370Z. You get LED headlights only on the Platinum trim though the LED DRLs are standard on all models. Similarly, the fog lamps are standard except for the base S trim. Only the Platinum trim gets 20-inch alloy wheels while the lower trims settle for 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Murano has a low ground clearance than its rivals. But, it is decent enough for an SUV. From the side view, you may notice chrome accents which are standard on all models. The side of the Murano is just as distinct as the front. It was one of the first vehicles to introduce the floating roof concept. The rear of the Murano wears a lot of styling cues as the front end. The taillights also have a 370Z-like boomerang shape and are fully LED on all models. The dual chrome-tipped exhausts round off the rear design. 

The wheelbase of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is wide but its interior is as spacious as the Murano. Instead, it manages to deliver a comfortable and smooth ride. The Subaru Outback sits 1.8 inches higher than the Murano which is perfect for off-roading. The Ford Ege weighs nearly 300 pounds more than the Murano but it affects its performance at all. 

2017 Nissan Murano Exterior Features

Some of the cool exterior features of the Nissan Murano are:

• LED headlights, DRLs & taillights
• Front fog lights
• Chrome grille
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Chrome window trim
• Chrome door handles
• 18 & 20-inch alloy wheels
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Dual exhaust chrome tips

The 2017 Nissan Murano has a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA- MotorTrend

The Nissan Murano was only crash-tested by IIHS. It received the 'Top Safety Pick' award, which is considered as the top-most rating from the agency. That's because it earned 'Good' ratings for its crashworthiness. The Murano also earned a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention and an 'Acceptable' rating for the headlights. 

IIHS Rating

Although only IIHS has rated the Murano, it is good to say that it is a safe vehicle. When it comes to safety technologies, the Murano comes with a wide array of features. However, the S and SV trims lack active safety features. The optional technology package adds some driver aids to the SL and Platinum trims. 

The list of driver assistance features available in the Murano are as follows:

• Forward Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rearview Camera
• 360-view Camera
• Driver Drowsiness Monitor

2017 Nissan Murano vs 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee houses the most powerful engine in this competition but its acceleration isn't that impressive due to its heavy curb weight. It has a class-leading maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs but has the worst fuel ratings. Both the SUVs are equally spacious while the cargo space in the Grand Cherokee is just one cu-ft. more. But, its safety ratings are not that good and also comes with very few driver aids. 

2017 Nissan Murano vs 2017 Subaru Outback

Having a starting price of $34,995, the Subaru Outback is the most expensive option here. It makes similar power as the Murano but owing to its low curb weight, its acceleration is much quicker. Its fuel efficiency is slightly on the lower side but the tow ratings are decent. On the inside, it lacks headroom in both rows but offers the best cargo space in this segment. The Outback's safety ratings are great and also packs more safety tech than the Murano. 

2017 Nissan Murano vs 2017 Ford Edge

The Ford Edge is the least powerful vehicle but its agility is among the best and also has sportier handling. It is also the most fuel-efficient vehicle here while its towing capacity is slightly more than the Murano. The rear-seat passenger space and cargo capacity are more in the Edge but the Murano has much better reliability. Both SUVs have good safety ratings but the Edge hosts more safety features. 

With the Murano, Nissan attempts to return the crossover SUV to its roots as a style and driving dynamics trendsetter. While it's true that the Murano is better than ever, it falls flat in several ways. The interior isn't particularly innovative and Nissan meets technological expectations rather than exceed them. There are many alternatives in today's midsize crossover marketplace but the Murano is one tough competitor.