Review

Nissan Murano SUV

Price: £38,595
prices & specifications
3.9/5
  • Pros:
    • Lots of standard equipment
    • Very comfortable and refined
  • Cons:
    • Expensive
    • Poor fuel economy compared to rivals
    • Not much fun to drive
Nissan Murano SUV
pictured: Nissan Murano sports utility vehicle 2009 5 door 4wd
reviewed by Carbuyer

"With updated looks it is more distinctive than ever and the addition of the 2.5-litre dCi diesel engine means that it is more practical, too"

At a glance

The greenest
2.5 Diesel 5dr
£38,595
The cheapest
3.5 V6 5dr
£38,595
The fastest
3.5 V6 5dr
£38,595
Top of the range
3.5 V6 5dr
£38,595

Nissan's new Murano is the most accomplished version of the SUV that the Japanese manufacturer has produced so far. The new design looks even more distinctive than the previous version and the addition of a more frugal 2.5-litre dCi diesel engine should encourage a lot of new buyers. Interior space is as generous as ever and so is the standard amount of equipment. But the Murano is still very expensive, starting from £38,000 for both the petrol and diesel varients. Performance is acceptable, but the Murano lacks precison and the soft, refined ride means that there is some body-roll through the corners. The Murano is at its best on long journeys, where its suprememly comforatble ride and masses of interior space are most useful. All round a solid effort from Nissan and a big improvement over the previous version.

Drive

3.9 /5
The Murano lacks feedback and driver involvement, but it does feel smooth and comfortable,

Delivering responsivness and refinement, the Murano is an easy car to drive over long distances. Ideally suited for motoray journeys, it can feel heavy around town and the steering is too light. In 4x4 mode the SUV gets added stability for rough terrain and bad weather, while the Murano also does an excellent job of soundproofing and as a result it is peacful and relaxing wherever you are or whatever you are doing.

Comfort

4.4 /5
With lots of interior space, leg and headroom, comfort is undoubtably one of the Murano's strengths

With generous levels of interior space and excellent head and legroom, the Murano is extremely comfortable to drive. A high driving position, with excellent all round visibility means driving the Nissan is a very enjoyable experience. 

Reliability

4.2 /5
Well built and made from top quality materials, the Murano is another very reliable option from Nissan

Made from top quality materials, the Murano feels very well built. Combine this with Nissans excellent overall standards of reliability and the Murano appears like a very strong and safe choice.

Practicality

3.7 /5
The Murano has lots of interior space but doesn't use very effectively

The Murano's huge cabin has more than enough space to comfortably seat five passengers, while head and legroom are plentiful. But despite all the interior space the boot, at only 402-litres, is underwhelming compared to its German rivals.

Value for money

3.9 /5
The Murano is not cheap but very few SUV's offer as much equipment as standard

Both the 3.5-litre V6 petrol and 2.5-litre dCi diesel start from £38,000 which is expensive compared to rivals, but for this you get a lot of standard equipment including an 11-speaker Bose audio system, sat-nav with a seven-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and two parking cameras.

Running costs

3.7 /5
Low efficiency and poor emission means high running costs for the Murano

The Murano's 3.5-litre V6 petrol returns only 25mpg while the 2.5-litre dCi manages 35mpg. Neither are particualry impressive, especially considering Audi's Q5 2.0-litre TDi manages 45mpg and emissions of 210g/km CO2 from the diesel are not particualry impressive either.

Last updated: 1 Sep 2010
prices & specifications