2009 Nissan Murano [ 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Nissan Murano - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan Murano is not yet ranked, but delivers an even more refined ride and interior than its predecessor, making it an attractive and affordable choice within its class.

Nissan skipped the 2008 model year and went straight to the 2009 model, which gets several interior, exterior and performance refinements. The Car Connection mentions a few imperfections, but is still pleased with the overall package: "The Murano can rightly be criticized for a slightly snug interior and the new tiered nose, but not much else. There's none of the wet-diaper dynamics of the Toyota Highlander or the egregious heft of the Ford Edge -- just quick, natural responses, coupled to a right-sized crossover body with jazzy, urbane styling." With its base sticker of $26,330 -- $1,500 less than its predecessor -- the 2009 Nissan Murano is also competitively priced.

The 2009 Nissan Murano has three available trims: the base S, the SL, and the top-of-the-line LE. The S and SL come with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, while the LE comes standard with all-wheel drive.

• "Nissan calls this generation an evolution, and that's accurate -- the company made a lot of positive changes without straying too far from what buyers know to be a Murano." -- Motor Trend
• "Murano's combination of 'distinctive' appearance, comfortable yet sporty road manners and high-class interior probably will be enough to outweigh the gripes for those considering such a vehicle." -- USA TODAY
• "For '09, Nissan has redesigned the Murano and has made a good thing a little better with, among other things, 25 more horsepower. As the Altima is to the Camry, the Murano is to the competing Toyota Highlander -- an SUV with a younger personality and more flair but just as much practicality." -- Newsday
• "Those who liked the old Murano will love this one. Nissan stayed true to what the crossover is known for. But other than the new front end, it takes a sharp eye to see the difference between new and old." -- Truck Trend
• "Today, there are several crossovers on the market that have emulated the Murano's design, and the vehicle no longer stands alone." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Murano Performance - NA

The 2009 Nissan Murano has a more refined driving feel than its predecessor. "The highway ride is nicely controlled and supple (engineers worked to address criticism that the original was too stiff), the steering is light yet accurate, and the Murano can be guided along a country road at respectable speeds," says Car and Driver. In fact, the Murano performs so well that is receives almost no criticism. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about its well-balanced steering and useful all-wheel drive system. continue

Murano Exterior - NA

The 2009 Nissan Murano looks a lot like the outgoing model -- a fact that is appreciated by all. "The new Murano's styling is bright, clean and edgy, yet the crossover is still recognizable as a Murano," says the Kansas City Star. However, while the original model's styling generated heaps of praise, this year's Murano gets a less enthusiastic reception, with some reviews complaining about the modified front grille. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why. continue

Murano Interior - NA

Thanks to its redesign, the 2009 Nissan Murano's interior is more upscale and better equipped than its predecessor, while continuing to emphasize comfort and functionality. "On the inside, the 2009 Murano could be mistaken for an Infiniti," says Edmunds of interior quality. Though the SUV features only two rows of seats (unlike some competitors, which feature three), this allows even more room for comfort. Continue with our full Interior Review to learn about the Murano's extremely versatile cargo area. continue

Murano Safety - NA

The 2009 Nissan Murano has not yet been crash tested by the federal government, but the previous 2007 model receives good scores. In addition, the 2009 Murano is designated as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In fact, it's the only midsize SUV to receive top scores in frontal offset, side and rear crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the Murano's sometimes poor visibility -- one of its only sore spots. continue

Murano Reliability - NA

We are still compiling reliability data on the 2009 Nissan Murano. Nissan provides a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review.

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