Overview
Ever since its debut in the early 2000s, the 2019 Nissan Murano has staked out a claim between premium and nonpremium SUVs with its refined ride, standout styling, well-appointed interior, and feature-laden spec sheet. The current Murano is still playing that value game: the base model comes standard with niceties such as navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automated emergency braking, and all trim levels wear an exterior design that is swoopy and upscale. A 3.5-liter V-6 drives the front or all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and delivers enough gusto for this near-luxury SUV. We don't expect sports-car handling in this segment, but the Murano's serene ride makes it an ideal road-trip companion.
What's New for 2019?
An exterior styling refresh differentiates 2019 Muranos from last year's model. Nissan also updated the navigation system, added Google Assistant integration and a rear door alert system, and made a suite of driver-assistance features optional on SL and standard on Platinum models. The package of features includes pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlamps, and rear automated emergency braking.
I own a 2016 Nissan Murano SL. It is extremely comfortable and enjoyable to drive. It has many safely features. The 360 degree camera is wonderful when parking and backing out of a parking lot. The light that indicates a car in the blind spot is a real blessing in traffic. I really like having the GPS on the dash and it is very easy to use and see. Shop Nissan Murano vehicles for sale in Huntington Beach, CA at Cars.com. Research, compare and save listings, or contact sellers directly from 28 Murano models in Huntington Beach.
Nissan Murano Pricing and Which One to Buy
![Nissan Nissan](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125630313/770312621.jpg)
- S: $32,315
- SV: $35,485
- SL: $40,275
- Platinum: $44,575
While the base S model comes well-equipped with in-dash navigation, smartphone connectivity, automated emergency braking, and a proximity key with push-button start, we'd spring for the one-step-up SV. It adds a host of nice-to-haves such as blind-spot monitoring, power-adjustable front seats, fog lamps, remote start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Beyond that, we'd also advocate for the Premium package to really kick the 2019 Murano's luxury up a notch, as it adds a panoramic sunroof, an eleven-speaker Bose audio system, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.
Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing
Likes: Serene highway cruising, impressive braking performance, plush ride.
Dislikes: CVT causes engine drone during acceleration, weak towing capacity, uninspired handling.
Dislikes: CVT causes engine drone during acceleration, weak towing capacity, uninspired handling.
Under the hood of all Murano models is a spunky 3.5-liter V-6 making 260 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive can be added to any trim, and both setups utilize a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Our Murano test vehicle returned decent performance on our test track and delivered peppy performance around town. Bury your foot in the throttle—an exercise few Murano buyers will do frequently—and the CVT spikes the engine revs and holds them there, resulting in a loud, droning growl from under the hood. The Murano is in its element on long-distance highway jaunts, where the powertrain fades into the background and delivers a peaceful journey. The Murano offers a low tow rating of 1500 pounds.
With a suspension tuned for comfort, the Murano makes easy work of road trips, and its suspension damps out even the roughest of potholes to deliver a smooth ride. Encounter a twisty road and the Murano will safely deliver you to the next intersection, but it won't entertain you along the way. The steering delivers good highway stability but is dull and uncommunicative on meandering two-lanes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
In our real-world testing, the Murano fell short of its highway fuel-economy estimate—27 mpg—but still managed to post one of the best results of the rivals we sampled.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Likes: Classy design, abundant upscale features, standard navigation and smartphone interfaces, huge glovebox.
Dislikes: Infotainment responses could be quicker, slender door pocket cubbies, curvaceous hood design creates potential blind spots.
Dislikes: Infotainment responses could be quicker, slender door pocket cubbies, curvaceous hood design creates potential blind spots.
The Murano's cabin is among the nicest, most well-equipped interiors in this comparison and outluxes most of the other Nissans sitting beside it in the showroom. Our Platinum test vehicle wore soft leather on the seats, door panels, and armrests, with a sweeping dashboard design divided by a band of dark teak-wood trim. The driver faces a large, reconfigurable color display flanked by two simple round analog gauges, and both front-seat occupants should easily find a comfortable seating position in the heavily cushioned chairs. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat comes on SV models and above. Rear-seat passengers are treated to a comfortable, reclining bench seat with plentiful padding.
All Murano models feature an 8.0-inch color touchscreen display running Nissan's NissanConnect infotainment system; navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM with Travel Link weather and traffic updates are also now standard across the range. The Murano has both USB-A and USB-C ports, including a pair on the back of the center console so those in the rear seat can juice their smartphones.
Since the Murano's cargo bay is below average in size for this segment, it comes as no surprise that behind its rear seat we managed to fit only nine of our carry-on suitcases while other rivals held more. However, with its rear seat stowed, the Murano out-hauled the the Jeep Grand Cherokee and we fit 26 cases inside the cabin. Most of the interior-storage cubby bins are adequately sized except for the Murano's glovebox, which is huge.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Decent scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety give the Murano an average safety report card. Nissan offers automated emergency braking as standard across the range, but more advanced driver-assistance features are either optional or limited to the top two trims. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available automatic high-beam headlamps
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Nothing about the Murano's standard warranty package is noteworthy. Rivals in this segment all offer longer roadside assistance plans, and the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe both trump the Nissan with a nontransferable 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain policy.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance