Nissan Murano Combines Refinement with Technology

The weather remained unsettled when I drove to the crest of the nearby Cuyamaca range. At the summit, nearly 6,000 feet, it was 28 degrees with blowing sleet alternating with snow.

With the Murano's updated electronic traction and stability controls, I wasn't anticipating a misstep - and there wasn't one.

I stopped at an ice-covered blacktop turnout where it was all I could do to walk without sliding. Back in the Murano, I launched the traction test by hitting the gas. The engine barely responded before there was a burst of mechanical gripping sounds from the anti-lock brakes and traction-control system working to prevent the tires from spinning. Then there was straight and forward movement up to speed.

The road surface at the top was lightly packed with snow, ideal for a braking test. Again, the ABS fired off controlling strokes and the Murano came to a controlled stop. Accelerating again, progress was smooth and steady.

With an enhanced yaw stability control system to counteract spinouts, I felt confident that the Murano would keep me pointed in my intended direction down the backside of the mountain.

These types of electronic driver aids have evolved to be quite smooth and not invasive to the driving experience. For those who like to get out in unpleasant weather, these technologies pay for themselves in one vigorous trip.

The 2009 Murano, now on sale, is new throughout, but it looks familiar. Its new "D platform," also used for the Altima sedan, is tight and solid. Interior upgrades focus on refinement and a "hotel suite" treatment for occupants.

Put the new one next to an old one and the lower and wider effect of the front and rear styling become apparent. But even the old design doesn't seem dated.

When Murano was launched in 2003, there were eight crossover competitors. Now there are 20, including the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, but also the Mazda CX7 and CX9, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Tribeca, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Ford Edge.

To help gain attention in this growing group, the Murano's 2009 pricing is $1,500 less on all models compared with 2008.

It's sold in three trim levels with optional all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $27,075 and goes to $36,655 for the topline Murano LE AWD, today's test truck.

The five-passenger Murano was not made larger to cram in a third row. It has proven more popular as a "lifestyle" vehicle than a minivan alternative, Nissan says.

Its 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 has no issue moving the vehicle's 4,000-pound curb weight. And the updated continuously variable transmission may be the best on the market. Throttle response is immediate and smooth, but when a jolt of passing power is requested there is a palpable downshift. Acceleration is brisk, between 45 and 70 mph.

The CVT also allows precise speed control. Driving up a miles-long Interstate grade, I set the cruise speed to 68 mph and watched as it held firm. Most cruise controls will vary one or two miles per hour, and sometimes throw in a downshift to maintain speed.

Fuel economy ranges from 18 to 23 mpg city/highway for two- or all-wheel drive. I was getting 19.9 mpg in combined driving. All-wheel drive adds 155 pounds.

The cabin is well-isolated from road noise or harshness transmitted through the suspension. Most of the noise is caused by wind rushing past the mirrors.

Steering force is light and tactile. The turning circle with the standard 18-inch wheels is 38.1 feet, reaching to 39.6 feet with the 20-inch tires, which is still tighter than some midsize sedans.

Inside, the quality and finish of materials is near luxury-class, at least on the topline model. The leather upholstery has a rich aroma and a contemporary "gathered" appearance at the seams. The dashboard is more integrated and sweeping than before, which is an improvement over the minivan-like layout of the previous model.

Controls are well-placed and the electronic interface to navigate audio and climate controls or navigation is intuitive to use.

Front headroom is 38.3 inches with the optional dual-panel moonroof and 40.1 inches without. The second-row skylight provides an illusion of roominess to back-seat occupants.

Also new is the iPod interface system, which allows the listener to connect an iPod inside the center armrest console and navigate playlists and other menus via the controls on the center stack or on the steering-wheel-mounted controls. It also charges the device while it's plugged in and the system also works with the iPhone.

There didn't appear to be any budget constraints in the back seat. The flat, second-row floor allows 36.3 inches of legroom with unhindered foot room under the front seats. The seat backs recline and there is a substantial pull-down center armrest with cup holders. Each seat position has a head restraint and there are reading lights, seat heaters, storage and a full and supportive seat bottom.

The LE model is expensive but the features created a classy environment that optimized comfort, utility and function.

Murano's familiar styling may be its greatest difficulty in gaining recognition, but Nissan says Murano has very loyal buyers. For those returning for another look, this one will seem quite a different vehicle.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

Tune in to signonradio.com and join Maynard's Garage Internet radio at 1 p.m. Mondays for 30 minutes of automotive news and reviews.

And click into Maynard's Garage blog site at weblog.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/garage/.

Specs

2009 Nissan Murano LE AWD

Body style: midsize, five-passenger crossover with all-wheel drive

Engine: aluminum, 265-horsepower, DOHC 3.5-liter V-6

Transmission: continuously variable automatic

EPA fuel economy estimates: 18 mpg city, 23 highway; 91 octane recommended

Towing: 3,500 pounds

Length/wheelbase: 188.5/111.2 inches

Curb weight: 4,141 pounds

Features

Standard equipment includes: Intelligent key with push-button ignition, leather-trimmed seats and interior door trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, nine-speaker audio with six-disc CD and integrated iPod connector, dual-level center console armrest (with CD/DVD storage, external storage pockets, two cup holders and 12-volt outlet), 20-inch alloy wheels, high-intensity low- and high-beam headlights, privacy glass

Safety features include: advanced front and side air bags, side curtains with rollover protection, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, front belt pretensioners and load limiters, vented four-wheel discs with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stability and traction controls, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering

Pricing

Base: $36,655, including $745 freight charge; price as tested, $39,675

Options on test vehicle: dual-panel moonroof, $1,170; navigation system with Bose audio system, which includes 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and compact flash slot and rearview camera

Pluses: Efficient, functional, rewarding five-passenger crossover.

Minuses: The four-piece floor-mat set is a $185 option. No engine-cylinder deactivation to stretch fuel economy.