2021 Nissan Murano Review

　　

2021 Nissan Murano Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Nissan's redesigned 2021 Rogue is an impressive small SUV that offers cutting-edge technology and a sublime ride quality. But maybe you want more space and power than the Rogue can provide without upgrading to Nissan's three-row Pathfinder. If so, there's the 2021 Nissan Murano.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $32,810 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $34,360 MSRPSV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $35,940 MSRPSV 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $37,490 MSRPSL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $40,310 MSRPSL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $41,860 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $44,360 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $45,910 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　As the middle child of Nissan's SUV lineup, it sort of gets lost in the mix. But this five-passenger midsize crossover SUV comes with a standard V6 engine that provides snappy acceleration that the Rogue can only dream of. Its smaller size also makes it more agile and easier to maneuver in a crowded parking lot than the Pathfinder. It is an older design, however, and newer midsize SUVs such as the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport outclass the Murano in a few areas. Learn why by checking out the categories of our Expert Rating below.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We tested 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

　　7.1

　　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. It's helped by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) 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. You really have to jam on the brakes to deliver maximum stopping power, but otherwise the pedal feel is consistent and actual braking performance is adequate.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Murano? The Murano's front and rear seats 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 even 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? The Murano's buttons and dials are intuitive to use. It's easy to find a comfortable driver's position, and there's ample headroom and shoulder room. Legroom for rear passengers is a bit cramped for a midsize SUV, however.

　　The large doors and wide openings make getting in and out 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 you to rely 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 smartphone integration is standard, and pairing Bluetooth is a straightforward process. Other tech features include navigation with effective voice control and NissanConnect services.

　　Inside, there aren't many storage spaces for small items. 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. Got kids? The Murano's accessible lower LATCH anchors and tether anchoring points make it easy to install child safety seats.

　　

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 storage spaces for small items. 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 Murano beat its EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined on our 115-mile evaluation route, 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 EPA's city rating.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　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. Extended protection is 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?

Nissan's new Rogue effectively has just as much passenger and cargo space as the Murano. As such, we think maximizing the luxury aspect of the Murano is the way to go. The SL is our pick, with upscale features such as supple leather seating surfaces and a hands-free liftgate.

　　

2021 Nissan Murano models

The 2021 Nissan Murano is a midsize SUV offered in four trims: S, SV, SL and Platinum. A 3.5-liter V6 engine (260 horsepower, 240 lb-ft) comes standard on all trim levels and is matched to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available across the range.

　　S

　　The entry-level Murano S starts you off with:

　　18-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Keyless entry and ignition Dual-zone automatic climate control 8-inch touchscreen Six-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Satellite radio Four USB portsEvery Murano also comes with a suite of advanced driving aids. Features include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)SV

　　Stepping up to the SV level adds:

　　Remote engine start LED foglights Heated mirrors Black roof rails Auto-dimming rearview mirror Leather-wrapped steering wheel Power-adjustable front seats Front parking sensors Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Nissan and the car in front)The SV's unique Special Edition package includes:

　　20-inch wheels Panoramic sunroof Heated front seats Faux leather upholstery Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Murano and its surroundings for tight parking situations)SL

　　Compared to the SV, the Murano SL gains:

　　20-inch wheels Silver roof rails Hands-free liftgate Driver-seat memory settings Ambient interior lighting Heated steering wheel Heated front and rear seats Leather upholstery Navigation system Voice controls 11-speaker Bose audio system Surround-view camera system The panoramic sunroof is available as a stand-alone option for the SL.

　　Platinum

　　The top-tier Platinum loads you up with:

　　Panoramic sunroof Power-adjustable steering wheel Ventilated front seats Upgraded leather NissanConnect emergency notification services

　　

2021 Murano Highlights

Trim: SSVSLPlatinumS

　　

Base MSRP	$32,810
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