2020 Nissan Murano Review

　　

2020 Nissan Murano Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The Nissan Murano is a midsize SUV that is not overly concerned with doing SUV things. Cargo space is below average, and the sloping roofline limits rear visibility. It isn't an off-roader, and the maximum tow rating is paltry.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Murano S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$161/mo  for Murano S

　　Murano S

　　S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $31,730 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $33,330 MSRPSV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $35,360 MSRPSV 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $36,960 MSRPSL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $39,880 MSRPSL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $41,480 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $43,930 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $45,530 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　But the Murano excels in a number of areas that SUVs traditionally struggle with. First, its exterior design immediately stands out with a coupe-like silhouette and dramatic swooping angles. The shape helps it achieve a good fuel economy rating for the class, and its V6 engine mated to an Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) works better than many similar powertrains. Its greatest strength may be the seats, which are comfortable in all the right places.

　　The Nissan Murano is best at providing a pleasant ride with features that are easy to use. We like the infotainment system because, even though it feels dated, the controls are easy to understand and operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard equipment, and an optional Bose audio system pumps high-quality sound into the cabin. Models equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package benefit from helpful blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

　　Buyers who like to sit up high and occasionally need some space will find the Murano offers a stylish and trouble-free drive. The Honda Passport is more versatile, and the Toyota 4Runner is more rugged. But if neither of those areas is a priority, the Nissan Murano packs a lot of value into its charismatic package.

　　

What's it like to live with the Murano?

We bought a 2015 Nissan Murano and drove it for an entire year, documenting all our ups and downs with this comfy midsize SUV. Not much has changed with the Murano since then, so our impressions are just as relevant today. If you're thinking of buying a Nissan Murano, make sure to check out our long-term test page, where we cover everything from some surprising maintenance costs to the joys of ventilated seats, and even answer the question, "check out our long-term test page"

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　7.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Murano drive? The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine packs enough power for typical daily driving, delivering good acceleration when called upon, and helped by a CVT automatic that's better than the industry average. Consistent, reliable power is delivered to the road without noticeable gear changes except under hard acceleration.

　　The Murano's driving dynamics are generally positive as well. The speed-sensitive steering aids stability, and the Murano handles increased speeds around corners better than many midsize SUVs. The brakes feel reluctant to deliver maximum stopping power, but pedal feel is reliable and its braking distance from 60 mph matched competitors.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Murano? Nissan offers front and rear seats that are plush and supportive in all the right spots, providing the exact comfort you want on long drives. Dual-zone climate control is standard and has hard-working yet quiet air conditioning. You might find yourself dialing the system back. The heated and cooled seat features are powerful, though seat ventilation is only available on the top Platinum trim.

　　Again, the CVT automatic doesn't compromise the Murano as much as similar transmissions do in other vehicles. There's no droning sound inside the cabin and it makes a pleasing noise at full throttle. The ride quality could be smoother, but we suspect the culprit was the 20-inch wheels on top trim levels.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? Labeled buttons and dials on the dashboard, instead of touch-sensitive controls, make for an intuitive user experience. There is also an available power tilt-and-telescoping wheel and a 10-way-adjustable driver's seat. The Murano has ample headroom and shoulder room, but space for the legs and knees can feel smaller than you'd think.

　　The large doors and wide openings make entry and exit easy, though the size of the doors means you need to be careful in tight spots. The unique styling compromises the Murano when it comes to visibility, too. The tall hood and sloping roofline translate to small front and rear windows. The SUV feels bigger than it is, forcing a reliance on the blind-spot monitoring system.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The 8-inch touchscreen immediately looks dated and simple, but that makes it easy to use. It's responsive and easy to operate, and the optional 11-speaker Bose audio system delivers crisp and clear music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and pairing Bluetooth is a straightforward process. Other tech features include navigation with effective voice control and NissanConnect services.

　　The advanced safety equipment is generally a highlight. Except on the Murano's base trim level, Nissan makes adaptive cruise control and driver assist features standard equipment. For the most part, these features work well. The adaptive cruise control system slows down smartly with traffic but is hesitant to resume speed again.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Some midsize SUVs can tow more than 5,000 pounds, but the Murano musters a maximum capacity of just 1,500 pounds. It also has less cargo space than its competitors, though the 32.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the 67 cubic feet with the second row folded flat is adequate.

　　Inside, there aren't many small storage options. The center console is modestly sized, and the door pockets can't hold a water bottle. The back seat offers little more than a center armrest with two cupholders. The lower anchors for attaching child seats are easy to reach, and the seatback car seat anchors fall within easy reach.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Our all-wheel-drive test car beat its EPA rating of 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway) on the test loop, which is better than most competitors. But its 18.9 mpg average over the course of roughly 800 miles of mixed driving in two weeks fell under the city rating.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Murano a good value? Fit and finish is generally positive in the Murano, and marble-like interior plastics give a luxurious impression. The exceptionally comfortable seats add to the value equation. A nicely equipped version with the features you want comes close to $40,000, which is in line with direct competitors.

　　Nissan offers an industry average basic and powertrain warranty with extended protection available for up to eight years and 120,000 miles. There is also an available three-year free trial subscription for remote door locking and maintenance alerts and a six-month free trial program for collision notification and stolen-vehicle location.

　　

Wildcard

6.5/10

　　Like it or not, the Murano stands out because of its distinctive styling. The driving experience, however, is hampered by poor visibility and average handling that make the Murano feel larger than it is. A powerful engine helps but doesn't kick the SUV into the upper echelon of fun vehicles to drive.

　　

Which Murano does zzdcar recommend?

Take a hard look at the Murano SV, which offers desirable standard equipment — leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails and automatic safety aids — with the opportunity to add much more if you have room in your checkbook. The 18-inch wheels offer a more comfortable ride than larger ones on upper trims, too. All-wheel drive isn't necessary since capability isn't a strong point. Of course if you're enticed by the Murano SL with its leather seats and Bose audio, we won't blame you.

　　

2020 Nissan Murano models

The 2020 Nissan Murano is offered in four trims: S, SV, SL and Platinum. The S is the base model and comes with a stout list of standard features. SV versions add the advanced safety package, and the SL offers luxurious touches. The top-end Platinum includes the range of Nissan connected services and a handsome dark wood interior.

　　A 3.5-liter V6 engine (260 hp, 240 lb-ft) is standard on all trim levels. It is mated to the Nissan Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available across the range.

　　Standard features on the base S model include 18-inch wheels, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There is an 8-inch touchscreen and one USB and one USB-C port in both the front and rear. Automatic emergency braking also provides additional safety.

　　Moving up to the SV trim adds several significant features for a reasonable price, namely adaptive cruise control and the full Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology package. The SV also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats. Black roof rails are added on top.

　　Opt for the SL and the Murano really starts to take shape. It gets 20-inch wheels, and the seats are upgraded to heated leather both front and rear. A heated steering wheel, silver roof rails and LED foglights join the fold. Navigation and the 11-speaker Bose audio system are also standard. It's topped off by ambient interior lighting and a power liftgate.

　　On top of that, the fully loaded Platinum gets a dual-panel moonroof, premium leather with diamond-quilted seat inserts, ventilated front seats, and more.

　　

2020 Murano Highlights

Trim: SSVSLPlatinumS

　　

Base MSRP	$31,730
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$161/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles