2010 Nissan Murano

By Kevin Ransom

The Nissan Murano crossover SUV was re-designed for the 2009 model year, five years after its debut – when it helped set new standards of style and sportiness in a segment that was beginning to expand at the time.

The ’09 re-design was a winner, making the Murano even more appealing, and the ‘10 edition adds some new features and upgrades.

Added for ’10 are new or revised options packages, which make it simpler for buyers to select the features that appeal to them the most. One example is a new stand-alone accessory DVD player with integrated headrest screens on the Murano SL and LE models – an addition that was a response to customer feedback. Meanwhile, an optional DVD Entertainment System is also available on the Murano SL with the Technology Package.

The Murano comes is available in five models – S 2WD, S AWD, SL 2WD, SL AWD and LE AWD. All of the Murano AWD models (S, SL, LE) include an advanced all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control.

The second-generation Murano continues to boast a unique body style that distinguishes it from many of the other crossover SUVs.

The overall exterior design conveys a modern / futuristic feel, one that is almost “artsy.” The wide front end is distinguished by an eye-catching grille, bold fascia design, wide front headlights and an expansive hood, which flows dynamically into the sculpted body line. Plus, the muscular-looking wheel arches and available 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels enhance its sporty stance. (18-inch wheels are standard.)

Murano’s rear end also strikes a unique pose, with a distinctive rear-glass shape that increases visibility, plus a a rear air deflector, large rear LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers. One slick feature I like is the available dual-panel power sliding glass moonroof and 2nd row skylight – which amplify the airy feel of the interior.  

Inside, Murano employs a “mobile suite” design theme, adding warmth and luxo satisfaction with optional wood and aluminum accents, ambient lighting, a new-in’09 instrument panel and center stack design, a spiffy seat design with available double-stitched leather-appointed seating surfaces, various pockets for mobile phones, coins, maps and other items, numerous cupholders, an extra large glove compartment; and dual seatback pockets – in addition to a spacious rear cargo area.

Plus, there’s the 60/40 fold-flat rear seat, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate, rain-sensing front wipers, RearView Monitor,  an 8-way power driver’s and 4-way power front passenger’s seats and a driver’s memory system for the seats, steering wheel and mirrors.

As always, potential buyers of crossover SUVs are interested in the cargo-hauling options and configurations – and how easily those configurations can be changed. So, the aforementioned 60/40 fold-flat rear seat comes with a “power return” convenience feature.

Once nice interior feature is the optional foldaway cargo organizer. Depending on your storage needs, you merely push a button, and up pops the organizer from its hidden space below the rear cargo floor . When engaged, a segment of the cargo floor snaps into a vertical position, creating a flat recessed space with removable, vertical cargo partitions. This system allows for easier, more secure storage of things like tools, sports equipment and grocery bags – so that they’re not rolling around while the car is in motion. This cargo orgnanizer also comes in handy when you need to store wet or dirty items, because of its easy-clean box floor.

Other standard interior features include push button ignition; 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.

The Murano is powered by a VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 that delivers 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, and also employs an advanced Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that contributes to the power, handling and overall robust driving experience.

The engine employs the 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.

I put it through its paces on the freeway, in city traffic, and went cruising down winding, twisty country roads,  and the Murano never failed to deliver the needed engine power – whether it was a freeway passing maneuver, merging quickly with speedier traffic when coming off an entry ramp, or having a little fun while punching it when emerging from a hairpin. And the handling was crisp and top-drawer, even when navigating those twists and turns.

Naturally, the suspension is a key element when it comes to delivering a crisp ride, and the Murano rides on the advanced “D” platform introduced with the ’09 re-design. This platform is similar to the one used on the 2008 Altima, but it was bolstered adn optimized for the Murano – giving the vehicle one-and-a-half times more torsional rigidity than the first generation Murano. It also helps with isolating road noise and reducing vibration.

Specifically, the Murano employs a four-wheel independent suspension with generous use of lightweight aluminum, which translates into reduced sprung weight. The suspension’s cradle-type front sub-frame and multi-link rear design – and the beefy front and rear stabilizer bars – increases its overall stiffness. In conjunction with the high performance, dual-flow path shock absorbers, this suspension is designed to help “plant” the vehicle and make it more stable on various surfaces, whether slippery or rough.

The Murano can be had with either front-wheel drive or with the Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system, and the vehicle also comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) for better handling and safety on slippery surfaces..

Some of the very civilized standard or optional advanced-tech touches include an Nissan Intelligent Key system with Push Button Start, the Interface System for the iPod, the 1-speaker Bose premium audio system, the advanced touch-screen navigation system with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, the Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and the DVD Mobile Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen.

On thee safety front, the Murano comes with six standard air bags – including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors – plus an occupant classification sensor, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact/rollover supplemental air bags.

All in all, the second-generation Murano continues to be a winning entry in the crossover SUV segment. Highly recommended.