The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV first available as a 2003 model year.
Nissan Murano Design and Introduction
The design of the Nissan Murano was done at the Nissan America office located in La Jolla, California. It was Nissan's first crossover SUV offered in the United States and Canada, allowing the company to enter a rapidly growing automative segment that has steadily increased in popularity. The Murano shared the Nissan FF-L platform with the third-generation Nissan Altima, but offers a larger cabin in the crossover SUV model that also had increased capability. Production and sales started in mid-2002, but sold as a 2003 model year. The exterior styling of the Nissan Murano immediately won over many people. It brought in some styling cues found in other successful Nissan models and the company did an excellent job at increasing the proportions for the crossover SUV body style. A wide front grill was flanked by two smaller headlight units. The front noes had a sharp middle line that lead to a gradually sloping hood that met the windshield. The rear end was rounded, providing for increased aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Engine and Available Features
The engine available on most Nissan Muranos was a 3.5L VQ35DE V6 that produced a respectable 245 horsepower and 246 lb ft of torque. It came in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. The 3.5L engine was paired to a continuously variable transmission, making it one of the largest cars to use such transmission. When introduced to Japan in 2004, the engine choices were increased to provide a smaller option for the Japanese domestic market. The 3.5L V6 with CVT was available, but you could also choose a smaller 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission if desired. The Murano featured independent suspension all around, giving it an incredible ride quality and handling capabilities. It also was packed with interior features and options, including many safety components such as airbags, reinforced cabin, and anti-lock brakes with electronic distribution. An electronic stability control system was also used. It received high crash test ratings from the NHTSA. In 2006, the North American Murano was updated with a restyled front end and by adding newer technology like a backup camera, LED lights, and color infotainment screen. A GPS navigation unit was also an available option.
Second Generation Updates
After a one-year hiatus in the 2008 model year, Nissan released the second-generation Murano in 2008 as a 2009 model year. Both the exterior and interior received major updates, including a more aerodynamic front end shape that brought in a cleaner look. It was still available as both front-wheel drive and an optional intelligent all-wheel drive options. The S and SL trim level came with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional, while the top-level trim LE came in all-wheel drive only. The engine kept very similar 2.5L inline-4 and 3.5L V6 options, now producing up to 265 horsepower and 248 lb ft of torque in the V6 with the CVT. A 2.5L inline-4 turbodiesel was added to the lineup, using a 6-speed automatic transmission. This generation received many premium features including double-sticked leather seats, rain sensing wipers, and iPod integration. Interior accents were available in aluminum and wood tone. Nissan introduced a CrossCabriolet convertible option in the 2011 model year, with an automatic roof and rear glass skylight. It was marketed as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, but was shortly discontinued in 2014.
Third Generation Nissan Murano
The third generation Murano was released as a 2015 model year on the Nissan D platform. It is no longer available in Japan, where the X-Trail is sold instead. The 3.5L V6 engine and CVT remained, along with the many trim levels that could include various high-end features such as automatic emergency braking and blind spot warnings. A hybrid model came out in 2016, using the 2.5L inline-4 paired with a lithium-ion battery system. The sales of the Nissan Murano have been very strong throughout the years, especially in the United States and China markets. It has sold well over 50,000 units annually in the US alone since inception, with Chinese demand coming in at around 20,000 units per year more recently.