Cargazing
By Derek Price
If you’re looking for a premium-feeling vehicle without the bloated pricing of a luxury brand, Nissan has a solution in the smooth and pretty Murano.
This roomy, two-row crossover drives remarkably similar to a pricey Lexus thanks to its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and powerful, sumptuous V6. But while a Lexus RX starts at $44,150, the Murano’s starting price under $32,000 makes it seem like a bargain — assuming you don’t want the cachet of a luxury badge.
This is one of the most comfortable, silky vehicles I’ve driven in the past year. While I’m no fan of CVTs across Nissan’s lineup, especially in its ostensibly “sporty” cars, it’s actually a fantastic fit in the Murano. The shiftless, buttery feel adds to the upscale sheen in this case.
The Murano also delivers a velvety suspension, excellent sound insulation and some of the most comfortable seats on the market today to create a spectacular crossover for driving on the highway.
Its cabin is designed to feel like a luxury car, too. It sets a high standard for soft-touch materials, easy-to-use controls and a clean, contemporary, attractive dash layout that legitimately outshines some luxury brands, especially on the top-end trim levels.
The Nissan Murano combines a smooth ride, quiet cabin and upscale materials for a driving experience that rivals pricier luxury brands.
What are the downsides? My week behind the wheel revealed three things that could be improved.
One, it is only available with seating for five. If you want a third-row seat in your Murano, you’re out of luck. Cargo space is somewhat limited as it is, so there’s simply no room to squeeze in more passengers.
Two, its emphasis on styling means visibility isn’t quite as good as some competitors. The sleek, tapering rear windows and high belt line that look so good from the outside can hamper how well you see from the inside.
And three, it’s rated to tow a paltry 1,500 pounds. The Murano is more about comfort than capability, which is fine as long as that’s what the buyer is looking for.
As for me, the Murano is one of my favorite crossovers because it fits my definition of what a vehicle like this should be: practical, good-looking and extremely comfortable on the highway. I rarely tow or drive off the pavement, but I appreciate the soft ride and relaxing experience in the supple cabin.
The Murano upped its level of standard equipment for 2020, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of features on SL, SV and Platinum grades.
There are several content package changes for 2020, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety features becoming standard equipment on SV, SL and Platinum trims.
Pricing starts at $31,730 for the base S trim with front-wheel drive. You can add all-wheel drive for around $1,600 extra.
The Murano SV, priced from $35,160, gets perhaps the most generous upgrades with standard heated outside mirrors, Intelligent Cruise Control and rear sonar this year.
Buyers who want a full-blown luxury experience will love the feature-loaded Platinum model, which is priced from $45,530 including all-wheel drive, a huge two-panel moonroof and good-looking, 20-inch wheels.
At A Glance
What was tested? 2020 Nissan Murano SV FWD ($35,160). Options: Splash guards ($185), premium paint ($395), carpeted floor mats ($250), premium package ($2,350). Price as tested (including $1,095 destination charge): $39,435
Wheelbase: 111.2 in.
Length: 192.8 in.
Width: 75.4 in.
Height: 67.8 in.
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp, 240 ft.-lbs.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel economy: 20 city, 28 highway
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 7
Price: 7
Handling: 6
Ride: 8
Comfort: 9
Quality: 7
Overall: 8
Why buy it?
It’s a smooth-riding crossover with upscale appeal. Its gorgeous cabin and supple ride quality rival luxury SUVs that cost thousands more.