Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Medium SUV
Production years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Nissan was renowned for its SUVs and off-road vehicles, but it didn't have a competitor for the midsize crossover segment; until 2002.
The Japanese automaker offered a wide range of 4x4 and SUVs on the market, and the brand was also famous for many sport-utility vehicles such as the Pathfinder or the Patrol. Yet, it didn't have anything to compete in the midsize crossover segment, so it developed the Murano, which was based on the same platform as the Maxima. Thus, soon, the ovoid-shaped vehicle received the nickname "The Maxima of off-roaders."
With an intriguing design that resembled mostly a UFO rather than a regular car, the Murano sported a front fascia with a grid-like grille and a pair of headlights that resembled those installed on the Z350 sports car. The profile revealed an athletic stance, with an upkick on the D-pillars. The rounded shapes and the raked-forward rear windscreen added more flavor to the car. However, with its overall bubble-design bodywork, it didn't look that menacing on the road.
The interior took some inspiration from upscale models. Inside, there was room for up to five passengers. Yet, the middle seat on the rear bench was rather tiny for a grown-up. The Murano offered sat-nav, leather upholstery, and self-leveling HID lamps on the top trim level. The trunk could have been expanded thanks to the split-folding (60/40) rear benchs' seatback.
Under the hood, Nissan offered the 2003 Murano with only one engine: a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a CVT. For specific trim levels, that allowed a manual shifting mode with fixed gear ratios or a four-speed automatic.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.5L V6 CVT (248 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3498 cm3 |
Power: | 182.4 KW @ 5800 RPM 248 HP @ 5800 RPM 245 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 246 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 333 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | CVT |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/65/R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 187.8 in (4770 mm) |
Width: | 74 in (1880 mm) |
Height: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.8/63.8 in (1,621/1,621 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 111 in (2819 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 7.1 in (180 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.5 cuFT (439 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.39 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4123 lbs (1870 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5247 lbs (2380 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 13.7 mpg US (17.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24.8 mpg US (9.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 295 g/km |