The Nissan Murano is now in its third generation, with styling based on the Nissan Resonance concept from 2013. As such, the Murano strikes an aggressive, futuristic pose. It features Nissan's V-Motion front end with LED daytime running lights and what Nissan calls a "floating" roof design.
The Murano is sprung by a lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension with front struts and a multi-link rear. Braking is handled by 4-wheel anti-lock discs with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.
Four trims are offered: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Each is available in either front-wheel drive or Nissan's Intuitive All-Wheel Drive. Power for all comes from a 3.5L V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. The engine is mated to Nissan's XTRONIC continuously variable transmission, which offers a smooth, sporty response with D-Step Logic Control for simulated shifts. The Murano returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The base Murano S comes well-equipped with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights and power mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators. Also included are an 8-inch touchscreen display, NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker CD stereo system, dual zone automatic climate control, steering wheel mounted cruise control and a 60/40 split fold rear seatback.
The SV adds roof rails, remote start, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, power heated mirrors, 4 USB ports, Intelligent Cruise Control, rear sonar, HomeLink Universal garage door transceiver leather steering wheel and shift knob.
With the SL, it comes with leather seating with fog lights, heated front seats, an integrated navigation system, an 11-speaker Bose audio system, adjustable ambient interior lighting, a power liftgate, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Finally, the top-of-the-line Murano Platinum comes with 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with low-profile tires, a power tilt/telescopic steering column with auto tilt-away and steering wheel position memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
Standard safety features include dual stage airbags, anti-lock brakes and dynamic control with traction control. Now standard, Nissan's Safety Shield 360, includes lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and rear emergency automatic braking.
The Nissan Murano remains mostly unchanged for 2020 after a mid-cycle refresh last year. Several features have been moved around between trims, but the biggest news for 2020 is the addition of Nissan's Safety Shield 360 which combines numerous safety functions to help make the Murano easier to drive and less likely to be involved in an accident. Safety Shield 360 is standard on all Murano models.
In a crowded crossover segment, the redesigned Nissan Murano stands out. It punches above its weight by offering standard V6 power, a premium interior, athletic handling and unmistakable exterior styling that make it the freshest choice available.
