2009 Nissan Murano SL Americus GA

September 22, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2009 Nissan Murano
DriverSide Overview
After last year’s sabbatical, we expected the 2009 Nissan Murano to return on top of its game, and to little surprise, it has. Completely redesigned, the Nissan has taken the lessons learned from its first generation crossover and improved upon them. Interior quality has been substantially improved, to the point where an upgraded Murano feels more like its more expensive big brother Infiniti than a Nissan. It’s a large car, even by today’s somewhat generous standards, but thanks to a powerful V-6, light steering and a car-based chassis, it does a fine job of masking its mass. While all-wheel drive is an option, one thing is for sure; the Murano is no mountain climber. That said, what it lacks in athleticism it more than makes up for in comfort and everyday drivability. Best of all, with plenty of options, there is a Murano for everyone; from the stripped-down front-wheel drive base model to luxurious all-wheel drive high-end LE.








What's to Like
The Murano incorporates SUV-like size and legroom without being an overly cumbersome vehicle. Standard features are robust – the one option we’d recommend though, is the premium package, which comes at a reasonable price. The curves of the Murano are particularly attractive and give the small Ute a distinctive look in a crowded and somewhat bland class.

What's Not to Like
Cargo space, while good, has been sacrificed for style due to the sloping rear hatch – it’s not too big of an issue, but certainly noticeable with large stacks of cargo. CVT transmissions aren’t for everyone – a standard automatic option would be nice, as would a somewhat more fuel-efficient engine.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The Murano’s curvaceous lines can make its size look somewhat deceptive, but once inside, you’ll realize just how big of a car it is. Drivers enjoy high seat placement and intuitive, ergonomic controls. Despite the Ute’s bulk, the powerful V-6 engine moves it along with ease. Steering is light and relatively devoid of feedback, it seemingly fits the Murano’s character perfectly. Thanks to the midrange torque provided by the V-6, the CVT transmission doesn’t lag too far behind driver inputs as it tends to with Nissan’s four-cylinder engines. As long as you aren’t looking for 6,000-rpm shifts, you likely won’t have any issues. Overall the ride is comfortable and compliant over broken surfaces thanks to the cushy suspension, making it a perfect daily driver.

Engine and Drivetrain
All Muranos are powered by Nissan’s familiar 3.5-liter V-6 engine, in this guise producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Murano S and SL models are equipped with front-wheel drive as standard, though all-wheel drive is available as an option.

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