2009 Nissan Murano

Power, Performance & Safety

Under the Murano hood, Nissan's 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 265 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 248 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. That compares to 245 horsepower and 246 pound-feet in the prior Murano. Adaptive shift control in the modified Xtronic S-CVT is meant to impart "more linear g-feel," Latek said. Shift patterns adjust to correspond to driver demands in various situations. All-wheel drive has been modified, too, with new "intuitive" Yaw Rate Moment Control.


Fuel-economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are 20 mpg for city driving and 25 mpg on the highway with two-wheel drive. All-wheel drive drops each figure by one mpg.


Unlike some midsize crossover SUVs that have squeezed in a third-row seat, Nissan sticks with two rows for the Murano. Pushbutton ignition and cargo dividers are standard. A 60/40 power-up/flip-down rear seat is installed in upper models, and a power liftgate is available. All Muranos contain six airbags.


Expect a nearly blissful ride on really smooth pavement, but you definitely notice the Murano's suspension tautness on harsher surfaces. Even slight road imperfections can be felt some of the time—but few of them turn annoying. Typical of Nissan vehicles, the Murano behaves with a semi-sporty overall demeanor, compared to most SUVs. An AWD-equipped Murano whips handily through curves at considerable speed. Steering is a tad heavy, which helps impart secure and confident sensations.


Performance is clearly a plus, helped by the fact that operation of the continuously variable transmission is barely discernible. Unlike some earlier CVT powertrains, which emitted plenty of engine sound when accelerating, Nissan's gearless transmission is impressively quiet and refined.