Don’t mess (too much) with a good thing
By Thom Blackett
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December 17, 2007
Introduction
Introduction
Nissan Murano – 2009 First Drive: Hot damn that was some good chicken salad.
In its simplest form, there’s not much to the recipe: chunks of chicken and mayonnaise. Even our aging bachelor editor can whip this up…provided the microwave doesn’t overcook the bird, the plastic utensils don’t break, and the mayonnaise hasn’t sat on the countertop long enough to look like congealed pickles. Might want to opt for the low-carb, non-bread version, too, if you know what’s good for you.
But here we were, having lunch at a postcard-perfect horse ranch just after driving the 2009 Nissan Murano, feasting on some killer chicken salad. This concoction had some dried cranberries, nuts, a bit of crunchy celery, and as the coup de gras, it was overflowing from a buttery croissant. Dude, this stuff rocked.
Someone had obviously taken the time to develop a menu, but how this one choice reflected the car we were evaluating was surely chance. At its core, the Nissan Murano is a solid vehicle, one drawing in hundreds of thousands of customers and is a proven seller for its maker. It was a hit when first created, but like everything in life, tastes change and the injection of a little flavor becomes necessary. So, for 2009, the basic Murano recipe has been jazzed up with a fresh appearance, higher-quality materials, and a generous list of standard and optional features such as fully-integrated iPod compatibility and an expansive dual-panel moonroof. Consider these the Murano’s dried cranberries and celery slices. The result demonstrates a safe approach to broadening appeal, yet remaining close enough to the original to satisfy the faithful, and that’s enough to keep buyers and dealers alike happy for years to come.
Origins
When it first launched for the 2003 model year, the Murano hit what was then a shallow crossover pool with a “Cannonball!” It looked like nothing else available and provided Nissan with some much-needed sales and positive attention. Since then, the Murano’s field of competition has grown, yet so have its sales. For that reason, Nissan took a delicate approach with the 2009 update, aiming for an evolved Murano over something totally new and possibly polarizing.
When it goes on sale in January, the 2009 Murano will signal the end of the run for the 2007s – the 2008 model year was skipped.
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The Basics: Model Mix
As was the case previously, Nissan offers the Murano in three designations, though they’ve changed a bit for 2009. The base S model, available with front- or all-wheel drive, has been carried over, as have been front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the mid-level Murano SL. What changes is the top dog, which is now dubbed LE rather than SE and is always packed with all-wheel drive.
Despite being labeled the entry-level variant, the S features the same 265-horsepower engine as all other Muranos, backed by an updated continuously-variable transmission. These base models also boast LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a push-button ignition system, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, the usual array of electronic bonuses such as power windows and mirrors, a keyless entry system, and a six-speaker sound system with an MP3 auxiliary jack. Pricing has not been announced, but Nissan officials suggest figures should align closely with the outgoing Murano, so look for the S to start at about $28,000.
Shoppers interested in a few added creature comforts will want to consider the 2009 Nissan Murano SL. Again, if pricing remains consistent with the 2007 model as expected, look for the SL to start at about $30,000. For that extra chunk of change buyers will enjoy a few added styling cues such as front fog lights, rear privacy glass, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls. There’s also an eight-way power driver’s seat and a power-operated split rear bench seat.
Positioned at the top of the hill, and poised to take on competitors that Nissan believes include the luxurious Lexus RX 350, is the all-wheel-drive Murano LE. In exchange for a base price that should settle in the low $30,000s, the LE buyer will be rewarded with 20-inch alloy wheels, high-intensity headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, Bose audio (with optional XM satellite radio service), and rain-sensing windshield wipers. There’s also built-in iPod integration that allows for seamless access to your personal music library, a power passenger’s seat, apower tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a rear park-assist camera with a seven-inch dash screen, wood grain interior accents, and a power liftgate. Should that not be enough, Nissan has tossed in an innovative cargo organizer that folds out of the rear floor, heated front and rear leather-clad seats, and memory functions for the driver. Clearly, Nissan is serious about moving the Murano a few pegs up on the luxury ladder.
Then there are the options. The Convenience Package dresses up the S with rear privacy glass and roof rails while adding the protection of a car alarm. Murano SL models can be fitted with a Premium Package including many of the LE’s features such as Bose audio, the rearview camera with in-dash display screen, and the rear cargo organizer. SLs with the Leather Package feature soft cowhide upholstery and heated front buckets, a rear DVD system offers up a nine-inch fold-down screen, and the Technology Package tacks on the power liftgate, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Finally, the LE can be tricked out with a Moonroof Package boasting a large front sunroof and expansive rear glass panel, while a Navigation Package includes optional XM Nav Traffic and 9.3 gigabytes of storage space for music.
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