2015 Nissan Murano Road Test and Review

2015 Nissan Murano front three-quarter ・ Photo by Benjamin Hunting

The 2015 Nissan Murano proves just how impossible it is for a mid-size SUV to coast in the design department. The all-new Murano has been given a thorough redesign that not only imparts it with a beefy road presence that was completely absent from the model it replaces, but also significantly upgrades the vehicle's interior to near-luxury levels when sampling its top trim levels. Simply put, the Nissan Murano is a shot across the bow at 'boring,' which has for many years been a guiding principle in the production of people movers intended to satisfy everyone and offend absolutely no one (a mission statement that dooms those who adopt it to failure on both levels).

I'm happy to state that the 2015 Nissan Murano is not alone in shrugging off the styling status quo, as models such as the Kia Sorento and the smaller Lexus NX have also turned their backs on anonymity in the last 12 months. That the Murano manages to do so without making any sacrifices in comfort, efficiency, or practicality is impressive, and it remains an affordable choice as long as you can resist paying the higher price point attached to its feature-loaded, range-topping trim level.

Models and Prices

The 2015 Nissan Murano starts out in S trim (MSRP $29,560), which includes niceties such as dual automatic climate control, 18-inch rims, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows and door locks, a touchscreen audio system, a CD player, satellite radio, and cruise control. Moving up to the Murano SV (MSRP $32,620) introduces a navigation system (with a larger touchscreen to go with it), a USB port, HD radio, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power adjustments for the front two positions, and roof rails, while the Murano SL (MSRP $36,950) adds an upgraded stereo system, leather seats (with heaters and a memory function up front), a top-down camera system, additional active safety equipment, heated exterior mirrors and a power liftgate. The loaded Nissan Murano Platinum (MSRP $39,000) tops them all with LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, a ventilation feature for the front seats (and heaters for the back bench), a power folding feature for the rear row, and a heated steering wheel.

The vehicle I drove for a week was a 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum equipped with the Platinum Technology package (panoramic roof, automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning) and AWD. The total price of my tester came to $42,860.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Design

What’s New:

The 2015 Nissan Murano is an all-new design.

The 2015 Nissan Murano - especially in Platinum trim - looks sensational. Big and butch up front, in profile the Murano transforms its strong lines into a graceful elegance, especially at the rear of the SUV where a careful blackout of the C-pillar has created the illusion of a floating roof. In some ways Nissan has adapted the more aggressive styling cues (such as the prominent front grille) first found on the Pathfinder and applied them to the Murano, but the more reasonable proportions of the mid-sizer allow it to wear the curvy sheet metal with greater aplomb. So accurately has the Nissan been scaled that somehow its eye-catching 20-inch rims seem smaller than their mammoth rubber would suggest. Even the driver is treated to a unique plunging hoodline where the windshield meets the front of the vehicle. I'm of the opinion that the Nissan Murano is one of the most attractive-looking crossovers in its class, a fact that is underscored by the creative use of exterior lighting to draw attention to the SUV's finer points at night.

Passengers will be equally impressed by the Nissan Murano Platinum's interior trappings. All versions of the Murano have an extra scoop of style baked into their cabins compared to most rivals, but the Platinum's use of high-leather and metallic bright work really class up the riding experience. The layout of the SUV also gives it a cavernous quality that extends beyond its actual physical dimensions - a trick aided and abetted by the available panoramic sunroof.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Comfort and Cargo

What’s New:

The 2015 Nissan Murano is all-new for the current model year.

First and foremost an SUV like the 2015 Nissan Murano should be useful, which means providing enough interior room to comfortably schlep a full complement of human beings along with their assorted lifestyle accessories. In these two departments the Murano acquits itself quite well, especially when it comes to providing ample space for riders both front and rear to stretch out - a natural aptitude given that the crossover is now three inches longer and roughly one inch wider than it was in 2014.

You won't find a third row of seating in this five-passenger crossover, which means that access to the storage space located between the second set of seats and the hatchback is completely unfettered. Just under 40 cubic feet are waiting back there, an increase of almost eight cubes compared to last year, and I appreciated the Platinum trim's power liftgate when loading and unloading the Murano. Fold the seats forward and you'll benefit from 69.9 cubic feet of total hauling capacity, a useful figure which matches that of several other mid-size SUVs like the Ford Edge and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but which isn't all that much more than what is offered in compact fare like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Features and Controls

What’s New:

The 2015 Nissan Murano is all-new for the current model year.

The 2015 Nissan Murano's control set has been updated to leave behind the last-generation feel that can still be found in certain other models from the brand. This means no more fiddly flat buttons contoured into the cowl that surrounds the gauge cluster, with their functionality instead replaced by steering wheel-mounted pads that interact with an attractive color LCD screen mounted directly in front of the driver. Responsible for displaying trip and vehicle information, as well as accessing vehicle settings, it's a well-engineered setup once you get used to the placement of the controls.

The upgraded eight-inch LCD touchscreen that comes with the Murano's navigation system (optional on the S trim, standard everyone else) is also properly designed. Nissan used to be the best in the infotainment business before Chrysler's Uconnect 8.4 came along, and the Murano's interface reminded me that the brand is still a player when it comes to systems execution.

For those who have to deal with a cold winter climate, you'll be happy to learn that the 2015 Nissan Murano's heated seats are activated by small dials that remember what state they were in when you shut off the vehicle. All other climate buttons are usable while wearing gloves, with no special functionality restricted exclusively to the touchscreen. One thing you won't find in the Murano, despite the Platinum's upscale leanings, is an available rear-seat entertainment system. You'll have to break out the Yahtzee on road trips if you're bringing young ones along.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Safety and Ratings

What’s New:

The 2015 Nissan Murano adds a forward collision mitigation system. A driver's knee airbag is also new. Lane departure warning is no longer on the menu.

The 2015 Nissan Murano comes standard with side impact airbags up front, dual forward airbags, a driver's knee airbag, side curtain airbags, and electronic traction control and stability control. Additional active safety equipment is available as you progress up through the order sheet, with the Murano SL and above gaining a blind spot monitoring system and a top-down camera system that offers a 360-degree view around the vehicle while parking. It's also possible to add an optional adaptive cruise control system to SL and Platinum models that comes with an automatic braking system that kicks in should a forward collision be deemed imminent.

2015 Nissan Murano Crash Test Ratings: Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have crash tested the redesigned Murano.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Engines and Fuel Economy

What’s New:

The 2015 Nissan Murano carries over last year's engine. The SUV's continuously-variable automatic transmission has been refined to provide better fuel mileage.

There's a single engine available with the 2015 Nissan Murano, a 3.5-liter V-6 that will be instantly familiar to anyone who has driven past editions of the SUV (or indeed, a number of other Nissan automobiles from the past few years). Unchanged compared to 2014's motor, the unit is good for 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, output that is managed by a continuously-variable automatic transmission. The latter isn't quite the spitting image of last year's gearbox, having been tweaked so as to deliver more respectable fuel mileage: the 2015 edition of the Murano posts 21-mpg city and 28-mpg highway, which translates into a boost of three and four miles per gallon for each respective measure. That's applicable regardless of whether the option of all-wheel drive is selected or not.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Driving Impressions

Although the 2015 Nissan Murano might be a tad longer and wider than in years past, it also happens to be lighter by a nearly 150 lbs. This contributes to both the SUV's improved fuel mileage as well as its fleetness of foot: the Murano weighs less than 4,000 lbs, which is to say its lighter than several luxury sedans currently plying American roads. You certainly notice the Nissan's moderate curb weight when applying the throttle, as acceleration is strong at all speeds, and it steadfastly refuses to wallow in the corners in the same manner as some of its portlier rivals. 

Unfortunately the vehicle's CVT makes for some weird dynamics with the pedal mashed, as the engine's revs hang on for about half a second after you lift your right foot when passing, an alarming sensation that briefly brings to mind the feeling of being on the business end of a slingshot. It's an unusual state of affairs for Nissan, as the company typically has its continuously-variable transmissions dialed-in. I was also put off by the lightness of the Murano's steering, as the wheel in my hands regularly felt completely disconnected from the wheels at the front of the vehicle. This occurred most prominently at the mid-point of longer corners such as entrance or exit ramps. 

Overall, however, the Murano offered the kind of competent and comfortable ride that one would expect from such a practical conveyance. All-wheel drive kicked in to keep the Murano stable when the roads turned slick, and I had no trouble fording snowbanks in the SUV. It's far from a sporty driving experience, but anyone shopping for a mid-size hauler like this Nissan isn't looking for impressive numbers on the slalom or skid pad.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Final Thoughts

The 2015 Nissan Murano is a great looking, comfortable mid-size SUV that is well suited to transporting a five passenger load through all types of weather and driving conditions. In Platinum trim it's also quite a luxurious cruiser, although some might balk at its $40k+ window sticker. Nissan's decision to lighten the Murano's load and stick with a six-cylinder engine in the mid-size segment means there's plenty of grunt available when needed, and if you can ignore the occasional CVT weirdness and disappearing steering feel that are part and parcel of the Murano experience, you'll likely be quite happy with this attractive hauler. It's certainly an upgrade over the past model in terms of its expressive styling, interior fit and finish, and modern equipment list.

Pros and Cons

2015 Nissan Murano review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

One of the best-looking mid-size SUVs Affordable Available all-wheel drive Comfortable, spacious interior Platinum trim feels quite luxurious Improved fuel efficiency versus the previous model year  

Cons:

Platinum trim is fairly pricy Weird CVT behavior at full throttle Steering is light to the point of absence in longer corners Only one engine choice  

Nissan Canada supplied the vehicle for this review

Photo by Benjamin Hunting