2019 Nissan Murano Test Drive Review: Stylish But Confused
It's been four years since Nissan released the third-generation Murano but in reality, it feels like much longer. That's because the third-generation Murano rides on the same D Platform used on the second-generation model and it even features the same 3.5-liter V6 engine. So, if you want to get technical, the Murano's platform dates back to 2009 and the VQ35DE can trace its roots back to 2002.
While the Murano is clearly showing its age, Nissan has attempted to keep it fresh for the 2019 model year with some visual upgrades and new technology. It still isn't the most advanced SUV in the lineup but Nissan sent us a 2019 SL AWD model to see how it fairs with the new changes.
What's the Price of the 2019 Nissan Murano?
With a base MSRP of $31,370 the Murano demands a premium of over almost $7,000 over the base Honda CR-V and $6,170 over the Nissan Rogue which offer similar practicality and features. The SV, which adds premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate and added driver assistance tech, starts at $34,540, while the SL goes for $39,330. The top-of-the-range Platinum with traffic sign recognition, climate-controlled front seats, and pedestrian detection will set you back $43,630 compared to the range-topping CR-V's asking price of only $32,850 and the Nissan Rogue's $32,940. Adding all-wheel-drive to any model adds an extra $1,600 to the asking price.
Best Deals on 2019 Nissan Murano
2019 Murano Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
192.4 in | 111.2 in | 66.6 in | 75.4 in | 64.6 in | 64.6 in | 3,823.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2019 Murano Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
Driving the Murano is a mixed bag, which left us in doubt of the car's mission. Some elements, like the soft seats and floaty suspension, make it feel like a budget luxury option to a Lexus RX, while heavy steering tuning makes it feel like Nissan also wanted the Murano to feel sporty. At low speeds, the steering becomes almost unbearably heavy before finally lightening up a bit when you start moving at normal speeds. It's the kind of steering you'd expect from the 370Z, not a mid-size SUV.
But aside from the absurdly heavy steering, the Murano rides well and is quiet at high-speeds, making for a competent daily driver. Power is always on hand, though the Murano feels sluggish compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Edge, especially the ST model. We wish Nissan would have focused more on one ethos - either make it comfortable or make it sporty. Instead, the Murano feels like an amalgamation of both sport and luxury where neither one wins out over the other, resulting in a forgettable driving experience.
2019 Murano Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 Murano Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 Murano Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Rollover Rating |
---|
4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Nissan Murano A Good SUV?
With a slew of all-new competitors in the mid-size segment, Nissan will have to do a lot better than the Murano to grab customers' attention. Even Nissan itself seems to have overlooked the Murano when choosing to put its flagship ProPILOT Assist safety technology on the Rogue. Meanwhile, the Murano uses old interior technology, an old platform, and an even older engine. Nissan has already renewed the third-generation Murano but if it hopes to remain competitive in the mid-size segment, a major redesign is needed. At this point, we'd say you are better off opting for the less expensive Nissan Rogue.
What Nissan Murano Model Should I Buy?
If we had to choose a Murano, we'd probably opt for the Platinum trim, which does its best to dress up a lackluster interior with beautiful quilted leather. But if we were seriously recommending a practical SUV, we'd say the cheaper Rogue is the better option. It offers newer technology, batter safety features, more space in the trunk, and better fuel economy all at a lower price.
2019 Nissan Murano Comparisons
2019 Nissan Murano vs Ford Edge
One of the Murano's key rivals is the significantly cheaper Ford Edge - at least at a base point where the Ford saves you nearly $1,500 off the Nissan's asking price. Both are similar, though, offering front- and all-wheel-drive capabilities, leather interiors, and loads of tech with smartphone integrations and the works. The Edge boasts a bigger interior, but its engines can't match the Murano's V6, despite the turbocharged torque on offer. The Edge also boasts more intuitive infotainment, is a better crossover to pilot and presents itself as having better value for money. It's also lighter on fuel. Cheaper, better equipped, and more spacious, there's really almost no reason not to pick the Edge.
2019 Nissan Murano vs Nissan Rogue
Carmakers tend to avoid building cars with similar capabilities, but Nissan looked the other way when the Rogue was introduced. On price alone, the Rogue wins hands down, but there is more to this comparison than meets the eye. The Murano has a plusher interior, better build quality and more comfortable seats that offer slightly more bolstering, but the Rogue offers more trunk and cargo space by a large margin. Interior features are closely matched. The Murano, with its bigger engine, is the better performer, but the Rogue will get you further on a tank of gas and handles the corners better too. The Rogue offers more standard safety equipment and in base form, costs over $6,000 less than the Murano, making it the winner in this comparison.