2024 Nissan Murano – usa.nissannews.com | Shop 2024 Nissan Murano on Carsforsale.com
The 2024 Nissan Murano enters the market for maybe its last year before a new generation. That being said, this new Murano is now available in just three trims and the mid-tier gets a moon roof as standard equipment.
Very comfortable ride
Well-equipped lineup
Spacious interior
Outdated tech
No hybrid option
Meager towing capability
Ready for a new generation
Under the hood of every Murano including for the last few years is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. For 2024 it makes 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque which is the same as last year. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available across the lineup for those who prefer it. Regardless of how many tires get power, the Murano sends it there through a continuously variable transmission.
As a package, it’s highly focused on smoothness over everything else. The engine is powerful enough but it’s largely hampered by the somewhat slow and drone-prone CVT. The suspension is tuned for comfort so don’t expect sharp handling or sporty behavior from behind the wheel. That being said, the steering wheel and pedals provide perfectly acceptable feedback and are easy to modulate.
According to the EPA the Murano gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. That’s not terrible for a car that’s this big and uses a non-hybrid V6. Compared to most cars in the segment though, it’s still far behind challengers like the Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Sorento, and Mazda CX-90 Hybrid. Finally, the Murano can tow up to 1,500 pounds which isn’t particularly noteworthy either.
If there’s one really positive thing about this older platform it’s the focus that it has on passenger comfort. For example, it’s not a compromised SUV that’s trying to fit three rows into a two-row size. Instead, the cabin focuses on providing a cozy space for five people and it accomplishes it well. The front seats are especially supportive and highly adjustable. The headroom and legroom are plentiful in both rows.
The dash is quite simple and old school but everything is easy to find and easy to use. The steering wheel is likewise somewhat classic in its design but again, is highly functional. Visibility is good and the Murano is also available with a surround-view camera system for those who prefer it in tight spaces.
The cargo space also takes a back seat to the seating situation itself though. Behind the second row, you’ll find 32.1 cubic feet of storage that can expand to 67 cubic feet with the seats folded down. That’s a bit below the average these days and it’s not helped by the fact that there are very few storage spaces in the cabin itself. That means that if you have a large family you might need to look elsewhere.
Just like the rest of the Murano, the tech package is dated but easy to use. The infotainment system features six speakers and an 8-inch touchscreen. The user interface isn’t as sharp or as quick to respond as most modern alternatives but it’s simple to navigate. Those who prefer a more modern interface can employ either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The standard six-speaker sound system is also fine but those who want more can opt for an 11-speaker unit from Bose. It’s far more clear and rich. We also like the inclusion of multiple USB-A and USB-C ports. Nissan’s driver-aid systems are good as well.
In base SV trim, buyers get forward collision mitigation, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Each of these safety features provide clear but not overly intrusive feedback while driving. We found the adaptive cruise control to be reliably safe and consistent at most speeds. In stop-and-go traffic, it can be a little slow to accelerate once a car has moved away though.
The base Murano comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED fog lights, heated mirrors, roof rails, heated power-adjustable front seats, faux leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, six speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, four USB power ports, remote start, and front parking sensors.
The mid-level SL trim adds 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic moonroof, a heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory settings, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, integrated navigation, a Bose sound system with 11 speakers, and a surround-view camera system.
The top trim adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, climate controlled front seats, upgraded diamond-stitched leather upholstery, and NissanConnect’s emergency service.
While the Murano might be an incredibly old SUV in many ways, it hasn’t seen a huge price increase like that of other models and rivals. It’s still very comfortable and doesn’t try to do too much with the platform that it has.
Despite that, we think a number of two-row SUVs are worthy of more consideration. The only game changer could be remarkable new car incentives that might make the Murano too cheap to pass up for some.
2024 Nissan Murano – nissanusa.com | Shop 2024 Nissan Murano on Carsforsale.com
Nissan will do well to update the Murano with a larger infotainment system, sharper handling, more storage, and perhaps a hybrid engine in the near future. For now, it serves as a dutiful SUV that can transport five people in comfort but that’s about as high a bar as it can clear.
No. The Murano doesn’t have a third row. Those who need one but still want a Nissan should consider the Armada.
The Rogue is a smaller but more up-to-date crossover while the Murano is Nissan’s full-size somewhat long-in-the-tooth two-row SUV.
The Murano can tow up to 1,500 pounds, barely enough for a small trailer or some weekend toys. Most campers will exceed that weight limit.