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.jpg "2006 Nissan Murano")
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What it Is
2009 Nissan Murano Preview - 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: Car companies are fundamentally conservative entities. For example, when a car's styling is a hit, the company will be reluctant to wholly redesign it, with "why mess with success" being the order of the day. Which brings us to the 2009 Nissan Murano, which at first (and second, possibly third) glance looks a lot like the original Murano which it replaces. The most obvious change is to the grille and headlights, which grow toothier and lensier, respectively. But the profile remains largely the same, with a few elements of the new Rogue thrown in.
Why it Matters
The Murano was nissan's first crossover, and one of the first crossovers in the segment that showeed style didn't have to take a backseat to performance. We generally liked the old Murano, in spite of its cheap-o interior plastics and CVT transmission. The new one makes the old interior a distant bad memory with a more conventional design and significantly upgraded plastics. It also offers more room, more technology, and more power on the same platform as the new Altima.
What's Under the Hood
The 2009 Murano (there is no 2008 model for you trivia buffs) is powerd by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 265 horsepower, as is pretty much everything else made by Nissan. This VQ engine is mated to a CVT transmission tat has been heavily revised for the new model, and considering the strides Nissan has made in its CVT development in the Altima, this is good news. All wheel drive is an option, of course.
What it Looks Like
The new Murano looks like a slightly revised version of the current one. It looks like a Murano with a slightly revised grille and taillights. The reality is that it's a clean sheet of paper design that looks a lot more like the new Rogue than the old Murano upon closer inspection. We particularly like the back end treatment, which mimics the Rogue but looks better here. Nissan has wisely kept the upkicked rearmost pillar treatment; although it limits rear visibility, it's a distinctive styling element that works well.
What's Inside
The interior is where the Murano needed the most help, and where it got it. The plasticky futuristic interior design is gone, replaced with softer curves, nicer fabrics and materials, and higher quality soft-touch plastics. It's a huge improvement in style, and there's also more room inside. The rear liftgate can be ordered with a power opener, and the rear seatback has a power return after it's folded. However, it does not have a third row, something many of the Murano's competitors offer.
What Nissan Says
Nissan calls the 2009 Murano a "super evolution" of the previous car, which makes a certain amount of sense. Nissan goes on to say that the "all-new second-generation Nissan Murano offes a unique combination of modern design, dynamic performance and refined 'mobile suite' interior, creating a crossover that stands out from the competition as a 'class of one.'"
What We Think
Now that we've seen the new Murano in person, we're happy to report that our biggest complaint has been addressed. Overall it looks as if it's stayed close to the mild updates of its Altima platformmate, and it's still a good looking car. The lack of a third row may hamper sales some, but then again, many buyers don't need the extra row and would rather have extra rear leg room. Either way, a nice update to an already decent car.
By Keith Buglewicz
Photos: Nissan
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