2009 Nissan Murano Review
Test drove: 4/24/08–4/30/08
Crossover Had Some ‘Work’ Done
In the interest of full disclosure, I should let you know that I own a 2006 Nissan Murano. It’s sporty and has black leather seats, and those two things alone make it feel like a very different vehicle from the 2009 I recently tested. It’s almost as if the old Murano went and had a “procedure” or two done.
The updated Murano has been eagerly anticipated in the car world, and its looks do not disappoint. One noticeable change is the beautified front grille. It looks like the Murano went and got itself some cosmetic dentistry to fix the gappy grin seen on earlier models; the new version has been straightened and brightened. I liked the funky look of the previous model, but the 2009 just looks so classy. I love the redesigned, refined rear end (no comments, peanut gallery!). Behind the wheel, the 2009 seems less sporty than mine, but more cushy. A little homework indicates that the 2009 has different shocks, which I’ll assume is the reason for the different feel. Check out a side-by-side comparison of the new and old Muranos here.
Inside, the weird instrument panel is gone and the blocky, lego-like dash has been smoothed and molded. It looks much less like an afterthought now, and I like the change. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the funky dash in my 2006, I’m just not sure it’s a long-enduring design statement; I think I’m already getting tired of it, and I guess Nissan agrees. The only issue I have with the otherwise modern, sleek dash in the 2009 Murano is the readout for the radio and climate controls. The orange digital numbers and letters look like something from 1989, and they stick out in this otherwise modern interior.
While that aspect seems outdated, other things have been pleasantly updated. One particularly nice change is that the cupholders concealed in the backseat armrests no longer have that flimsy flap for your kids to snap off. There’s also a nifty little cubby in the back of the center console where they can hide small toys. The Latch connectors are easily accessible, as are the tether anchors. The cargo space can still handle any family gear with ease — I’m glad to see they didn’t fix what wasn’t broken! Oh wait, they did take out my lined cubbies and put in hard plastic, so anything you put in them rattles. While that’s not a deal-breaker, it is a little disappointing.
The center seat in back still has a seat belt housed in the roof, which kind of makes me nuts, and the fabric interior was staticky (consider that a combo word for “static” and “icky”). The fabric reminded me that I will never purchase a car without leather (faux or otherwise). Also disappointing was the fact that Nissan didn’t make the backup camera standard on its base model. I missed it greatly, and am surprised Nissan didn’t take this opportunity to be a leader in the safety department. It should have gotten a second opinion on that one.
I’m happy that the majority of things I love about the Murano haven’t been altered. It’s a perfect size for me and my family, it handles lots of tasks very well, and it’s sharp and distinctive. And now, thanks to its surgeon — er, design team — it’s updated and refined for a fresh look.
*For more information on the 2009 Nissan Murano and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times-Groove On
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| 2009 Nissan Murano FWD S | |
| Base price: | $26,330 |
| Price as tested: | $29,225 |
| Engine: | 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 |
| Fuel: | 18/23 mpg |
| Length: | 188.5” |
| Width: | 74.1” |
| Ground Clearance: | 7.4” |
| Turning Radius: | 18.7’ |
| Cargo space: | 31.6–64.0 cu. ft. |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver’s side: | n/a |
| Passenger’s side: | n/a |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | n/a |
| Rear occupant: | n/a |
| Rollover resistance: | n/a |
Comments
"...I should let you know that I own a 2006 Nissan Murano. It’s sporty and has black leather seats, and those two things alone make it feel like a very different vehicle from the 2009 I recently tested."
-- What makes 2006 more sporty then 2009? I'm still scratching my head.
"The updated Murano has been eagerly anticipated in the car world..."
-- By who? With it's fuel eficiency in today's car world the only anticipation is that it is not going to sell too well.
"...its looks do not disappoint."
-- Besides that it looks ugly up front (by 80% of people I know, 20% were neutral and no one was crazy about)
"...beautified front grille..."
-- if you in "da hood", may be
"The orange digital numbers and letters look like something from 1989, and they stick out in this otherwise modern interior."
-- in 1989 Nissans had some of the best dash designs. Even memorable. And I had 3 nissans in that era and don't remember anything orange on them.
"The fabric reminded me that I will never purchase a car without leather..."
-- Tha fact is that good fabric is times better then leather in many ways.
In this review there is one paragraph mentioning children. Rest of it "I", "I am", etc.
This must be a review about utilizing vehicle for family with children and not personal opinion about not buying car without the leather or about how "great" the grill looks.
Posted by: | May 19, 2008 12:39:27 PM
Dear, dear readers, I am sorry I was so selfish in my review. Let me address your issues. Let it be known I'm working very hard not to respond to your snark in kind.
The 2006 is more sporty in the respect that it feels a little stiffer and responsive to drive. The black leather just looks more sporty and less luxury-oriented. When I discussed the shocks, and the change in appearance of the dash, that's what I meant.
At the L.A. Auto Show (and before that), many journalists wrote about and discussed how they were excited to see the unveiling of the updated 2009 Murano. That's why I wrote that part.
As for the looks, you know what I think. It looks better than it did. I didn't poll the same group you did, but my peeps in my hood liked the way it looks, and I just happen to agree.
I meant the orange digital numbers looked like they were from 1989 in general. I did not mean they looked like Nissan's numbers from that year. Again, I apologize for the confusion.
My family of four fits great, and I can squeeze a third kid in a booster in that center seating position. I can fit a double-stroller in the back, and the latch connectors are accessible and easy to use. I mention this in the 2006 review and didn't emphasize that sameness enough.
I really do take issue regarding your comment about cloth being better than leather. Let's do an experiment. How do you feel when I ask you to spill some milk, milkshake, or juice on your cloth seats? Do you cringe? I'm just sayin'... Leather and it's faux counterparts have me wrapped around their little finger with their easy-to-clean ways, and the way they harbor little stench from even the worst accidents.
Phew! Did I get everything?
Posted by: Sara Lacey | May 19, 2008 4:20:28 PM
Sara Lacey,
You're not the first one and not the last one to have the children. I went through few of them myself.
Well... If your child small enought to drink milk, he or she usually sits in the car seat. The car seat gets messy, not the car. Not even once I had to clean any spillage with my babies. But this is technical. Lets get to serious talk.
Have you noticed, there aren't any car seats with leather lining? Not even for the richest of us? Just go and talk to your dermatologist if you should sit on the leather surface, especially on the long trips.
Also, I noticed that in many cars the leather looks so ugly in just a few years. It looks like it is 15 years old.
Posted by: Tony | May 19, 2008 9:18:16 PM
I understand there are small kids who don't spill milk on the vehicle's seats. But once (and only once), I had a ginormous milkshake spilled in my car and the leather seats are fine. The upholstery, however, still smells. I'm not saying that fabric is uncleanable, it's just a lot more work. And I know all you fabric owners have your tips for cleaning that are unbeatable (hey, you should post them here for all those who are in need).
By the way, you should totally check out my YES Essentials product review here:
http://www.motherproof.com/2008/03/mad-scientist-p.html
I wish I had that carpet in my car!
Posted by: Sara Lacey | May 20, 2008 12:28:19 AM
I personally sick and tired of these lame reviews on this site.
Posted by: Mike | May 20, 2008 8:49:14 AM
No, girls. You all married and have children...
I use your materials often to teach students how not to get off the topic and write directly related reviews. It could be anything from car to a dishwasher. But I can hardly find one review here to show them how to do it right. This is why I am sick and tired of reading these unfortunate and misguiding scripts.
Posted by: Mike | May 22, 2008 12:50:26 PM
Idk, it's fugly n way too expensive, there much better options out there for familys, ie outlook, enclave, cx-9.
Posted by: plz | May 23, 2008 8:30:41 AM
also the interior is rally plain on the s, like something is missin
Posted by: plz again | May 23, 2008 8:31:45 AM
also the interior is rally plain on the s, like something is missin
Posted by: plz again | May 23, 2008 8:31:55 AM
also the interior is rally plain on the s, like something is missin
Posted by: plz again | May 23, 2008 8:31:58 AM
Idk, it's fugly n way too expensive, there much better options out there for familys, ie outlook, enclave, cx-9.
Posted by: plz | May 23, 2008 8:32:08 AM
I have the 2007 Nissan Murano. I can't wait until my lease is up so I can get another new one. My family of 5 (including 3 growing boys) all fit comfortably in this car. No, it doesn't have 9 cup holders or automatic doors like a mini van but it does have style and room.
I refuse to ever buy a mini van....we never had mini vans growing up and we did just fine without them.
The Murano is a sleek and yes, sporty looking car that comfortably fits a family of 5 and you don't have to be embarrassed driving it.
Seriously, must we provide our children with 9 cup holders? Can they not wait for a pit stop to take a drink???? How about we buy something WE like for a change?
Posted by: CreditMom | Jul 8, 2008 10:06:16 PM
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"One noticeable change is the beautified front grille" Are you serious!? I've long been a fan of nissans, but this new face is quite possibly the most awful thing I've ever seen. Being a great car doesn't automatically make it pretty.
Broq
Posted by: | May 18, 2008 4:23:24 PM