Vehicle: 2009 Nissan Murano LE AWD with Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$50448

Performance: Underneath the Murano’s bonnet is a familiar face. Nissan’s tried-and-true, excellent VQ35DE continues to power this soft-roader with ease. With 265 ponies and 248 lb/ft of torque, power has never been an issue. Its also one of the world’s most refined and smoothest V6 available. Its eager to response in low rpm but fall slightly short over on high rev, as this motor is designed for providing generate low-end torque in Murano’s application. It matched with one of the world’s best CVT gearbox, Nissan’s Xtronic, which is both efficient and effective. In the Sentra SE-R, we weren’t fond of CVT’s existence in a sports compact. However, in a Murano, its a perfect match because of its efficiency and level of smoothness. The best aspect of driving a CVT is the amazing fuel economy it generates, even in an SUV as a Murano, which is close to 4200 lb. Throttle response is linear and this CVT has engineered to have a bit of a gear changing sensation for those who haven’t got used to stepless tranny.

Handling: Consider Murano is based on the sporty Altima platform, its no surprise its the sportiest soft-roader in its class. While understeer and body rolls are expected, Murano provides the most reassuring and confidence-inspiring driving experience among its peers. The steering is sharp and precise, with plenty of feedback. Suspension is firm and supple without the bouncy ride once experienced in its predecessor. All those choppy ride quality have gone for cushy one. Even though its AWD system is a reactive one, which means it only starts to appear once the system detects a slippage in one of the offending wheels. It works exceptionally well under snowy, slush and freezing rain. Nissan’s VDC, or Vehicle Dynamic Control, continues to provide sure-footness active safety when the driving gets nasty. It only acts at the right time without being instrusive, even under such a poor weather. In a nutshell, Murano continues to be the most fun-to-drive soft-roader in its segment.

Brakes: The 4-wheel discs with standard ABS provide impressively under the poor weather. We managed to give a couple of hard stops under the freezing rain on the slush and ice, its completely fade-free. ABS only performs its trick at the right moment, while Brake Assist doesn’t grab your right foot ridiculously.

Interior: Nissan designers are smart enough not to adapt a 3rd row seat at the back of the Murano, in order to make more room for both rear passengers and cargos. Instead of cramming a tight 3rd row seat like its peers, Murano’s cargo space is both versatile and well layout. The storage underneath the flood is well-carpeted and divided for different items. When you need more cargo space, you can just flip it down using the handle on the side. When its time to flip them back, just push the auto button and it returns to the original position automatically.

When it comes to interior materials and fit-and-finish, all those questionable plastic finally gone for good. Instead of having the cheapest interior in its class, Murano has become one of the best interiors. Along with clean instrumentation gauges, effective auto climate control that generate heat amazing and comfortable leather seats. Nissan also provides an infotainment center that stored all the necessary informations at the touch of a fingertip. Unfortunately, it tends to wash out under sunlight as with other center positioned infotainment centers.

Conclusion: The new Murano is truly an impressive package. It got both pace and grace with a sense of quirkness. We are also glad to see Nissan has finally revealled itself with it comes to building the proper interior. If you are looking for a mid-size soft roader, Murano should be on the top of your list.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Nissan Murano
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5