2009 Nissan Murano Performance Review [ 2007 ]

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

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The redesigned Murano's new platform and extra horsepower make for a comfortable and powerful ride. The icing on the cake is efficient brakes and a capable all-wheel drive system.

• "Murano's based on the redesigned Altima sedan, new for '07, and that's a nifty foundation. Delivers good handling and a confident ride, among other advantages." -- USA TODAY
• "For a consumer not wedded to Nissan, the choice of a crossover SUV is not an easy one. For example, while the Murano offers 21 more horsepower than a Pilot, Toyota's Highlander beats the Murano by 2 hp., and the Acadia beats it by 7. And, while the Murano gets the best fuel economy in that group, it's also the only one that needs premium gas." -- Newsday
• "With a totally revamped, more rigid platform, advanced version of the 'Xtronic' Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and intuitive all-wheel drive, the 2009 Murano has the road savvy of the first generation model taken to the next level." -- Roadfly
• "Step on the gas, and the Murano sticks to the road with responsive handling and a comfortable ride." -- The Family Car
• "The big difference with the new Murano is its tighter and stronger all-around feel. A number of factors contribute to the experience: a stiffer body structure, better sound insulation, an improved feel from the speed-sensitive steering, and modifications to the suspension system. The result is confident handling, with a decent ride in a package that exhibits the interior isolation of a luxury car." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Acceleration and Power

Almost every review praises the 2009 Nissan Murano's V6 engine. Most also like its controversial Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which maintains any speed changes continuously, resulting in what should be a smooth ride for the driver, who feels no gear shifts. The EPA has not yet rated the 2009 Murano, but fuel economy should be similar to the previous model's figures -- 18/23 mpg for the base model and 17/23 mpg for the all-wheel drive model.

• "Powering the Murano is the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine used in the Altima sedan and coupe. This engine, the heart of the car's sporty driving experience, cranks out 265 horsepower and 248 foot-pounds of torque." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "The car steps off the line smartly enough, recording a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.2 seconds, which is above average for its class and 0.3 second quicker than the previous model." -- Car and Driver
• "Nissan's 3.5-liter V-6 is a champ. Though tuned for smoothness in the Murano, rather than the squealing delight it provokes in some other models, it slings and zings the two-ton SUV as your right foot requests." -- USA TODAY
• "Acceleration is wholly satisfactory at some speeds and quite energetic at others. Tromp the gas pedal at highway speed and the Murano reacts smoothly as well as effectively, thanks to the masterful CVT. Just a touch of engine roar is noticeable when accelerating hard from a standstill, and a hint of whine might be evident while passing or merging." -- AutoMedia.com
• "The Murano's acceleration is more than adequate." -- The Family Car
• "Plant your right foot, and this crossover scoots off the line. Though the motor's torque peak has only risen by a few lb-ft. to 248, the Murano seems to have much more punch down low." -- Popular Mechanics
• "The 2009 Murano gets the Altima's latest-generation Xtronic CVT with its sophisticated adaptive shift control (ASC) software. The ASC dictates when and where an infinite number of 'shifts' occur, and the shift-control software also has quickened shift speed by 30 percent. As a result, the reactions of the CVT are so good that Nissan decided that it is unnecessary to offer a manual-shift mode with this CVT -- and we totally agree." -- Edmunds

Handling and Braking

The 2009 Murano rides on Nissan's new "D" platform, which it shares with the Altima sedan. Though it's not the sportiest ride to be found, it's plenty comfortable and more than adequate for most reviewers.

• "The Murano's ride is comfortable and its handling competent, with well-weighted steering. There's some sportiness in the styling, but this isn't a sport wagon like the Mazda CX-7. I found the ride quality softer than the first generation's, and there's some body roll, but it's by no means a problem." -- Cars.com
• "Throttle response is noticeably quicker than in the previous crossover, and even though Nissan has successfully made the ride more comfortable, little of its handling prowess was sacrificed in the process. For those who like their crossovers sporty, this one's still a blast on a canyon road." -- Motor Trend
• "The ride is supple, handling is reasonably crisp, but the steering lacks feel. Brakes are excellent: The Murano has anti-lock disc brakes, as well as stability control, side and side-curtain air bags standard." -- Orlando Sentinel
• "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." -- AutoMedia.com
• "Murano is available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle -- expect to pay a premium of about $1,200 for AWD. Murano's AWD is biased toward the front, but can send as much as 50% of the power to the rear when it is needed. Keep your Murano on the pavement, and the AWD will pay dividends in the twisties." -- About.com