User Reviews:

2010 Nissan Murano Crossover Continues to Offers Distinctive Design, Comfortable Interior and Advanced Technology

The Nissan Murano, since its original introduction six years ago, has established a well-deserved reputation as a mid-size crossover sport utility vehicle like no other. Combining a visually distinctive exterior, comfortable "mobile suite" interior, responsive performance and advanced technology - along with requisite Nissan high quality and value - Murano is a vehicle that has been often copied but never matched.

Now, entering the second year of its second-generation design, Murano continues to offer premium style, driving feel and technology at an affordable price, with a number of enhancements, including the introduction of a Murano LE all-wheel drive model (which joins the previously available Murano S FWD, Murano S AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD and Murano LE AWD models).

Other enhancements for the 2010 model year include the addition of Nissan Intelligent Key and privacy glass as standard equipment on all models, the addition of a Vehicle Security System and roof rails as standard on Murano SL and the Dual Panel Moonroof as standard equipment on Murano LE. All models also receive simplified exterior and interior color combinations.

As in 2009, all 2010 Muranos feature a powerful yet fuel-efficient 265-horsepower VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and an advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - a combination that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system, and all 2010 Muranos come standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) for all-weather confidence.

"Murano is a benchmark vehicle in both the Nissan lineup and in its segment," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "And, with the enhancements for 2010, Murano just keeps getting stronger."

Crafted, Dramatic Styling
Murano's sculpted exterior features a wide front end with a dynamic front fascia design, a wide grille and available quad-cylinder style High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights. The wide hood sweeps into the sculpted, dynamic bodylines, with pronounced wheel arches and 18-inch or 20-inch wheels providing an aggressive stance. Integrated fog lights are available on Murano SL and LE models. Large chrome door handles and available roof rails with adjustable crossbars (accessory) add both functionality and visual accents.

Murano's equally distinctive rear end features a unique rear glass shape, rear air deflector and large rear LED taillights that accent the body side character lines. Dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers provide an appropriate final accent.

Other available exterior features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate and a large, dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight that provides an open-air experience for Murano passengers without compromising headroom. Eight exterior colors are offered: Merlot, Tinted Bronze, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Saharan Stone, Super Black, Glacier Pearl and Deep Sapphire.

A Comfortable, "Mobile Suite" Interior
Inside the stylish Murano body is an advanced "mobile suite" interior, exemplifying warmth and modern style. From the sweep of the instrument panel to the wide console and ambient lighting, Murano owners feel a sense of warmth and security from the first time they open the doors.

Murano's front seats have been designed for enhanced support, offering a rich, supple feel and excellent riding comfort. The 60/40 fold-flat rear seat is available with a convenient power return feature (the seat returns to the upright position with the touch of a button), while heated seats are available for both front and rear passengers. Also available are double-stitched leather-appointed seating surfaces (standard on LE models) for an inviting, luxurious feeling, an 8-way power driver's and 4-way power front passenger's seats and a driver's memory system (seats, steering wheel and mirrors). Two interior colors are offered: Beige and Black.

The 2010 Murano also offers a variety of convenient cargo storage areas throughout the interior, including standard dual-level center console; pockets for mobile phones, coins, maps and more; numerous cupholders; an extra large glove compartment; and dual seatback pockets; as well as a large rear cargo area. Other standard interior features include an auto door lock feature, dual zone climate controls; Fine Vision gauges; and an AM/FM/CD6/six-speaker audio system with AUX-in jack, VTR jack and MP3/WMA capability.

A variety of advanced technology features are available, including standard Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start; a Bose® premium 11-speaker audio system with an in-dash 6CD changer, Radio Data System (RDS), and speed-sensitive volume control (up from an 8-speaker system); XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately); Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; and a Nissan DVD Mobile Entertainment system with a 9-inch roof-mounted screen. The Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System includes a user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

Also available is an iPod® connector that integrates into the Murano's standard audio system controls (LE only); steering wheel controls for cruise control and audio system; and Voice Recognition for audio, HVAC, Bluetooth® and navigation system.

Murano again offers a full complement of standard safety features, with six standard air bags, including a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, along with a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and driver/passenger seat belt warning lamps.

Also standard are front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system, front seats with active head restraints and Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones to help dissipate crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

Power and Control
All 2010 Muranos feature a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series. The engine incorporates a Twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated valve lifters, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads.

Engine power is transferred to an advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that provides a sporty driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers.

Muranos are available in front-wheel drive or with an advanced all-wheel drive system that adjusts to road conditions in a tenth of a second. The intuitive all-wheel drive system connects the Murano VDC system's yaw sensors, wheel slip sensors and steering angle sensors with the AWD system. The system provides increased traction in all weather conditions by distributing engine torque depending on the driver's intended direction and the actual direction of the vehicle. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) for all-weather confidence in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations is again standard on all Murano models.

Nissan's advanced "D" platform provides a solid foundation for family adventure-style crossover duties. This platform, which is similar to that used in the 2010 Altima, has been optimized for Murano. The platform gives the Murano one-and-a-half times more torsional rigidity than the first generation Murano, helping improve noise isolation and reduce vibration - benefiting the ride comfort of all passengers.

Every Murano offers a standard four-wheel independent suspension with extensive use of lightweight aluminum for a reduction in sprung weight. The suspension design features cradle-type front subframe and multi-link rear design with improved geometry and large front and rear stabilizer bars, provides increased stiffness. The suspension, in combination with high performance dual flow path shock absorbers, helps provide sure footing in all surfaces and increased ride comfort on rough surfaces. r />
A twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system, similar to the one used in Altima and 370Z, provides the proper levels of assistance in both around-town and high-speed driving. The system provides a direct steering feel, inspiring driver confidence. Braking is provided by large 4-wheel vented disc brakes (12.6-inch front, 12.1-inch rear) with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Murano S and SL models are equipped with 18x7.5-inch 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/65R18 tires, while 20x7.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/55R20 tires come standard on Murano LE models.

Six Well-Equipped Models
The 2010 Nissan Murano is available in six models - S FWD, S AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, LE FWD and LE AWD. All Murano AWD models (S, SL, LE) include an advanced all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control.

Murano S models include the 3.5-liter 265-horsepower V6; Xtronic CVT; 18-inch alloy wheels; halogen headlights and LED taillights; 6-way manual driver's and 4-way manual passenger's seats; manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel; power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry system; a 6-speaker audio system; Nissan Intelligent Key; rear privacy glass and more.

Murano SL models add integrated front fog lights; leather-wrapped steering wheel; 8-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar support; 60/40 fold-flat rear seat back with power return, roof rails and Vehicle Security System.

Finally, Murano LE models add 20-inch wheels with a special titanium-colored finish; roof rails with silver accents; rain-sensing front wipers; auto on/off HID bi-functional xenon projector headlights; Bose® premium audio system with 11-speaker (9 speakers plus two subwoofers); XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately); Interface System for iPod® ; 7-inch color Vehicle Information Display; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; double-stitched leather-appointed front and rear heated seats with driver's memory system; driver's seat with power lumbar support; 4-way power passenger's seat; power tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel; auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver; power liftgate; RearView Monitor; and wood grain trim.

A number of option packages are also available on the 2010 Murano. For example, the Premium Package offers Bose® audio system with 9 speakers plus dual subwoofers, XM® Satellite Radio, auxiliary audio/video inputs behind center console (deletes auxiliary audio input on head unit), RearView Monitor, auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, and 7-inch QVGA color display.

The Technology Package includes power liftgate, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, auto on/off headlamps, bi-functional xenon headlights, rain sensing front wipers and heated outside mirrors; while the Navigation Package adds HDD navigation system and Bose® audio system with 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive (replaces CD6 with single in-dash CD player, deletes compass in rearview mirror).

The Leather Package adds leather-appointed seating surfaces, driver's seat power lumbar support, heated front seats and 4-way power passenger seat. Also available is a Moonroof Package, with large, dual panel power sliding glass moonroof and 2nd row skylight; and the Mobile Entertainment Packages adds a DVD system with a 9-inch roof-mounted screen.