The New Nissan Murano Impresses J.D. Power

Named after a Venetian lagoon in northern Italy renowned for its intricate glassmaking, the Nissan Murano mid-size crossover has consistently offered an upscale driving experience compared to its contemporaries, featuring bold styling that has been loved by some and disliked by others. The completely redesigned model elevates this experience and, in the process, has caught the attention of automotive industry analyst J.D. Power, who took the time to review the new Murano. Dick Smith Nissan of St. Andrews gives you the highlights.  

J.D. Power notes that while the Murano is positioned between the Rogue and Pathfinder in size, its premium cabin and features place it slightly above the Pathfinder in price. The Murano starts at $38,740, but J.D. Power’s tester was a well-equipped Platinum model with a starting MSRP of $46,750. The review states that the Murano “easily stands out from the typical crossover” while noting its similarity to the Ariya EV.  

The new horizontally themed dashboard features dual 12.3-inch digital displays seamlessly integrated into the dash and has been described as “a significant upgrade compared to the outgoing version.” They noted that the unique HVAC controls “appear as if projected onto the trim on the lower dashboard,” adding that the flush controls provide a distinct haptic feel when engaged and that the volume control stands out as the only major physical control. 

You do have physical buttons for transmission selection, which are easily accessible on the front of the center console. J.D. Power points out that this opens up the center console area for the dual cupholders and wireless phone charging pad. Nissan’s “zero gravity” seats come standard on all models, and according to J.D. Power, “Nissan claims NASA inspired the design, which may seem like a gimmick, but they are among the most comfortable seats I’ve experienced, especially after a long drive.” Their Platinum tester featured semi-aniline leather seats with heating, cooling, and even a massage function. The diamond pattern of the perforated seats not only enhances the seats’ appearance but is also reflected in the bottom surfaces of the cupholders and console storage areas, showing thoughtful attention to detail. Regarding storage, they highlight that the Murano maintains crossover versatility with 32.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet when the seats are folded. 

The 2003 Murano was the first model in the industry to pair a continuously variable transmission with a V6, but the new model has neither. Instead, a 9-speed automatic is paired to a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with Nissan’s exclusive variable compression system, which J.D. Power describes as “a nice improvement… There’s a satisfying push into the seat when taking off from a stoplight, and there’s more than enough power to safely pass slower vehicles on a two-lane road quickly.” Estimated to have 23 mpg combined, they found this to be reasonably accurate with 22 mpg showing from their test period, during which they found that while not sporty, “Handling is reasonable, with good steering feedback, and the ride is smooth and comfortable.” 

They conclude that the “new fourth generation Murano has much to offer in the five-passenger crossover market.” Come to Dick Smith Nissan of St. Andrews and test drive the new Murano to see if you agree.