2009 Nissan Murano Review

Nissan carefully redesigned its 2009 Murano SUV/crossover because it has been one of the automaker's major successes since introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model.

The second-generation Murano is more of a carlike crossover vehicle than an SUV because it's based on Nissan's highly rated reworked Altima sedan platform. Body torsional stiffness is higher for better handling and ride comfort.

There's no third-row seat in the five-passenger Murano because Nissan offers its Pathfinder SUV and Quest minivan with such a seat.

Murano list prices range from $26,330 to $35,910. Models are entry S, mid-range SL and top-line LE. The S and SL offer front- or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the LE comes only with the AWD system, which lacks low-range gearing because the Murano isn't designed for off-road use.

Rivals include the Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7 and Subaru Tribeca.

The stylish 2009 Murano looks much like its predecessor, despite a revised front end, hood and rear fascia, which has a new glass shape, air deflector and large LED taillights. Aggressive looking wheel arches make room for new, unusually large, available 20-inch wheels. Big dual exhaust outlets contribute to the Murano's sporty look.

Some might feel the mid-sized Murano's styling is a little overdone, while others might feel the 2009 Murano looks sportier. (Nissan skipped a 2008 model.)

One thing for sure is that the Murano's revamped quiet, roomy interior is more upscale, with new plastics, fabrics and major gauges, which are illuminated at all times for a quick read in a redesigned instrument panel.

New front seats have decent side support for zipping through curves. Heated front/rear seats are standard for the LE and front heated seats are available for the SL. A new, easily grasped steering wheel has a tilt/telescoping feature. Also offered are wood and aluminum accents and a 40/60 fold-flat rear seat with an available power return feature operated from the driver's seat.

Most controls are large and easily reached, but a few switches are tucked under the dashboard or placed low in front of the console. Audio readouts are on a dashboard screen that's removed from major audio controls. You can start and stop the engine with a push button when the Murano's key fob is in a dashboard slot (an optional system requires only that the fob is in the vehicle). But a professional athlete's reflexes are needed to stop the driver's power window from zooming all the way down with a window control.

Standard items include climate control, AM/FM/CD sound system, cruise control and power mirrors, windows and locks.

A new power hatch is optional for the SL, standard on the LE. Also new is an available dual panel power sliding glass sunroof and second-row skylight. Rain-sensing front wipers are optional on the SL, standard on the LE. The available DVD system has a new power-operated 9-inch roof-mounted screen -- up from the previous 6.4-inch screen -- and voice-recognition for audio, Bluetooth and navigation systems. A handy rearview monitor is optional for the SL, standard in the LE.

A smooth 3.5-liter V-6 with 265 horsepower is carried over from the previous Murano and allows quick merges into fast traffic and strong 65-80 mph passing. The dual-overhead-camshaft, 24-valve engine works with a responsive second-generation continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which allows smooth, strong power delivery. The CVT doesn't give the "slipping clutch" feel of some CVTs or have downshift delays found with some conventional automatics.

The Murano is no economy champ because it's fairly heavy at 3,855 to 4,141 pounds. Estimated mpg is 18 in the city and 23 on highways with either front- or AWD. That's good, because AWD usually lowers fuel economy in many vehicles. Premium fuel is recommended for the best performance.

The Murano has scored high in front, rear and side crash tests. It now has a standard stability/traction control system. Also standard are front side-impact air bags and curtain-side air bags with rollover deployment. Anti-lock brakes have electronic brake force distribution and a brake assist feature.

The Murano's floor is low enough to let you get in and out with only a moderate amount of extra effort, and occupants sit fairly high. Outside door handles are large, and inside handles are easily grasped. All doors have small storage pockets, but there's no nagging, nonstop fasten-seatbelt warning buzzer or bells.

The Murano has an especially spacious rear-seat area, but the center of the back seat is too stiff for comfort for anything but short trips; it's best occupied by the large fold-down center armrest, which contains two cupholders.

The new speed-sensitive power steering is quick, although somewhat heavy. The ride is designed more for comfort than tackling twisting roads. But the Murano can be driven in a fairly sporty manner, especially with all-wheel drive and the 20-inch tires. A new lightweight all-independent suspension with many aluminum components and front/rear anti-sway bars also enhances roadability. Braking action is reassuring, with linear pedal feel for smooth stops.

The hatch opening is wide but high, and the cargo area is long but rather shallow. Rear seatbacks can be flipped forward for more cargo space without the need to remove their headrests. The handy power-return rear seatback feature is standard for the SL and LE.

The hood raises smoothly on struts. Its lining and a large plastic engine cover suppress noise. Fluid filler areas are easily reached.

In all, the new Murano is comfortable, fairly sporty, powerful and generally fun to drive.

2009 NISSAN MURANO

Prices: $26,330-$35,910

Likes: Deftly redesigned. Roomy. Comfortable. Fast. Smooth CVT transmission.

Dislikes: High cargo opening. Overdone styling? Some awkwardly placed controls. No fuel miser.