- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 12 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
4.0 stars
"Great cross-over vehicle."
Pros: Smooth and powerful engine, excellent CVT transmission, very roomy backseat, great set of ammenties. Rearview backup camera is a great feature. Fuel economy and performance are well above average.
Cons: A bit to much plastic on the interior doors, a touch of leather would have been nice. No light in the cargo area when the hatch opens. No iPod hook up. LCD screen can wash out in the sun.
Summary: I'm very happy with my new Murano. It has a very nice interior overall, and when ordered with the touring package, you get the heated seats with memory presets for the seats, pedals and mirrors, nice Bose stereo, and the very handy intelligent key system. This is a bit wierd at first, not having to get out your keys...you just walk up, put your thumb on the button, get in and drive. Very nice. You can also tie the memory presets into the key fobs, so when your spouse walks up, the seats, mirrors and pedals move to the correct setting. A very cool feature.
The vehicle also has excellent traction in slippery conditions. We've had some recent heavy snow here in Minneapolis, and I can tell you, the Murano did very well. The handling was solid and predictable, the traction with the 18" tires was excellent, and the AWD worked seamlessly.
The driving position is high enough to see over most traffic, yet the handling is much more "sport sedan like" than any of the more "truck like" SUV's. It was important that my wife felt comfortable with my new vehicle, as she will have to drive it occasionally, and she loves the manuverability of the Murano. The review backup camera helps in this reguard, and is an excellent feature. It makes parking and manuvering in tight areas much more confidence inspiring.
As for the interior, you give up a third row, and maybe a small bit of cargo room. Although with the seat down the cargo room is impressive, and very flat. What you gain is a rear seat with a very luxurious amount of legroom, an multi-adjustable recline, and overall exceedingly comfortable. Entry and exit, unlike some SUV's is very easy. If you don't have a large family, the roomier backseat is a great trade off for a third row that would never see any use.
The refinement of the powertrain is impressive, as is the ride, firm but smooth, quiet and comfortable (at least on my SL...the SE may be a bit firmer as it's a bit more sporty). The styling? Well, that is certainly subjective, but I love it. I like the fact that it is bold and different. I don't like to see myself coming and going at every intersection in town, and the Murano seems to have some exclusivity, say compared to the million Pilots, Explorers, and Durangos you see everywhere.
Overall, it's a great vehicle, and one I'd highly recommend to CNet readers.
