Photo: Nissan
Refreshed for 2019, the Murano enters the 2020 model year with expanded availability of the Nissan Safety Shield 360. The safety suite adds six advanced safety and driver-assist technologies, and also new for 2020 is the Super Black exterior color option.
More interesting, customers will have to shell out $260 more than before for the front-drive Murano S whereas the SV and SL are $720 and $400 more expensive. All-wheel drive is available from $33,130 excluding destination charge, and every trim level features a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with natural aspiration, 260 horsepower, and plenty of torque.
VQ35DE is the codename for the six-cylinder engine, first seen in the United States in the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan. A workhorse through and through, the V6 is mated as standard to “an advanced Xtronic transmission” known for poor reliability regardless of application.
The metal belt-type CVT for 3.5-liter class vehicles is only one of the Murano’s numerous problems, which include the electrics, electronics, and braking system if you take a simple look through the complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Not that long ago, Nissan recalled the pre-facelift over brake fluid that may leak into the anti-lock braking system’s pump, resulting in spontaneous combustion.
These being said, the luxury-oriented crossover is doing rather well in terms of commercial success. Sales were up to 83,547 units in 2018 as opposed to 76,732 in the previous year, and so far this year, the figures are reasonable for a vehicle in this class and at this price point.
Competitors to consider? A lot of them are available off the showroom floor, including the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 350, and even proper SUVs such as the Ford Explorer. It should be mentioned, however, that the RX 350 is a lot more expensive at $44,150 for front-wheel drive. The Explorer is a bit more reasonable at $36,675.
If you do want the Murano, two inspired picks would be the SV Premium Package (360-degree camera system, power panoramic moonroof, Bose Audio) and SL Technology Package (Nissan Safety Shield 360, Traffic Sign Recognition, and the power panoramic moonroof).
VQ35DE is the codename for the six-cylinder engine, first seen in the United States in the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan. A workhorse through and through, the V6 is mated as standard to “an advanced Xtronic transmission” known for poor reliability regardless of application.
The metal belt-type CVT for 3.5-liter class vehicles is only one of the Murano’s numerous problems, which include the electrics, electronics, and braking system if you take a simple look through the complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Not that long ago, Nissan recalled the pre-facelift over brake fluid that may leak into the anti-lock braking system’s pump, resulting in spontaneous combustion.
These being said, the luxury-oriented crossover is doing rather well in terms of commercial success. Sales were up to 83,547 units in 2018 as opposed to 76,732 in the previous year, and so far this year, the figures are reasonable for a vehicle in this class and at this price point.
Competitors to consider? A lot of them are available off the showroom floor, including the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 350, and even proper SUVs such as the Ford Explorer. It should be mentioned, however, that the RX 350 is a lot more expensive at $44,150 for front-wheel drive. The Explorer is a bit more reasonable at $36,675.
If you do want the Murano, two inspired picks would be the SV Premium Package (360-degree camera system, power panoramic moonroof, Bose Audio) and SL Technology Package (Nissan Safety Shield 360, Traffic Sign Recognition, and the power panoramic moonroof).
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