Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Murano was one of the first midsize crossovers introduced in the United States and quickly became a popular alternative to more traditional SUVs thanks to its taut, carlike driving character and avant-garde styling. Later Nissan Muranos are notable for their higher-quality interiors, updated technology features and higher fuel economy ratings.

New or used, the Murano is definitely worth a look if you're on the hunt for a midsize crossover with seating for five. In reviews, our editors have generally praised this Nissan's sophisticated appearance, stylish and comfortable interior and strong acceleration. Middling cargo capacity and poor rearward visibility are our main complaints about the Nissan Murano. You'll find competing models that are better on one or both of these counts, but most won't match the Murano's combination of performance and style.

User Reviews:

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  It rocks - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Tekwryter - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised to read Edmunds describe the CVT as "power-sapping." In case you dont know what CVT is, there are no gear-changes as you accelerate. Its just one continuous, uninterrupted acceleration. Thats one of the features my wife and I fell in love with (can you say "smooth?"). This is the COOLEST car to drive, and, like almost all Nissans nowadays, it is certainly quick. You gotta give credit where credits due; the Murano engineers did it right with this one. The Murano has enough punch for all but the most speed-needy driver (and I like speed!).

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  Murano has too many common chronic repair issues - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Max Magliaro - May 12 - 5:45 pm

  The Murano has so many good things going for it. Comfort, power, 4 wheel drive, roomy, stylish. It is a shame that it has a list of failure points that Nissan has not fairly addressed with its customers. Newer model years after 2006 may be improved. I dont know. But the fact that they did not make good with their customers for the chronic defects in the 2003 - 2006 models is a major black mark in my book. The web is rife with common chronic failures in these vehicles, I have experienced enough of them, and Nissans poor handling of their responsibility to the consumer, that I will never buy Nissan again. Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 below are all failures I have noted on the internet with enough frequency that they are clearly chronic defects. 2006 Murano, now has 88,000 miles on it. Among the failures: 1. Front drivers seat bracket broke (I was one of the lucky ones who could get the repair done with a $300 part instead of the whole $1000 carriage). Outrageous. This is a manufacturing defect and should be a free recall replacement. 2. Lower control arms - Just to replace worn-out BUSHINGS? You must be joking. A $250 job with $100 in parts for both sides suddenly costs $900 to replace both control arms. 3. Fuel pump sending unit (all "****" on the mileage display on the dash, and no indication of full/empty) 4. Failed CD player 5. Drivers side power window motor --------------- So far, my CVT transmission has *not* failed, and I got a certificate with the car that extended the warranty on that to 10 years or 120,000 miles. But I am nearing that deadline, and Im fearful that it will quit and leave me stuck with an enormous repair bill. I will probably scrap the car if that happens. --------------- Update: 4-Aug-2016 Since my original review, nothing else major has failed on the car. But there are some minor things: 6. Drivers side sun visor is operable, but is getting loose enough to occasionally droop. I have read of others on the web that have had it get so loose that it wont stay up out of the way of vision. I am anticipating having to make some sort of sleeve or add some set screws to firm-up the pivot point. 7. Cup holder plastics and springs are brittle and break off easily. Ive had to do several repair jobs on these, adding steel pins and plastic solvent cement to really make them hold.

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By carloskid - May 12 - 8:53 am

  This is my second Murano SL. I live in a flat area with mostly 50/45mph speed limits. I average 24.4 mpg without driving like an old fogey. I get the same or better on the hiway. I have experimented, and the car runs fine on regular gas. No difference using midgrade or premium gas.

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  oh what a feeling...MURANO - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By big buckeye nut - May 8 - 6:30 pm

  One awesome crossover SUV...wanted a reliable crossover or SUV that is comfortable for a big person to drive...not only is it comfortable inside, but height lets you literally slide in and out of vehicle. Ride is very smooth, peppy engine...almost got a ticket the first day! Exterior design is very unique and attention grabbing...not like every other car in the parking lot! AWD SL w/ Touring pkg gives you everything you would want. Controls are easy to use and in good reach and location. Seats are very comfortable in front...ok in back. BOSE system is absolutely fantastic. Had it 10 days and just cant find anything not to like! Nissan quality!

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  Great All Around Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Roy Guy - May 7 - 7:13 pm

  We purchased the Nissan Murano after reading the overall great reviews from people that had purchased a 2009 Murano. The 3.5 V6 engine is great and I am sold on the CVT, you cant feel it shifting.

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  Excellent Purchase - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Joel Smith - May 7 - 3:53 pm

  Probably the best car weve purchased. Great handling in mountain roads and plenty of power to pass on a grade. Love the changes in the interior over the 2005. Quiet ride. This is a must drive for someone who wants the height of a SUV but not the bulk of the large SUV

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  Sudden loss of power = new cvt for me - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By radkarendog - May 6 - 2:13 am

  Have read the posts here and was told my sudden loss of power was the TPS. When it was being replace, tech noticed metal pieces in the tranny pan = new cvt. The failure code did not indicate a tranny problem but evidently there is one. The loss of power happened 4 times over the past 2 years, each time I took it directly to dealership and it would run fine. This time after the stalling I started it the next day to be greeted with a very ugly grinding sound. Turned it off and waited another day and it started fine, but lost ability to accelerate about 1/2 way to dealership. Engine light was not on for this episode, but has lit up with previous loss of power issues.

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  Great vehicle! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By SMitten - May 3 - 7:06 pm

  The Murano has exceeded virtually every expectation I had, except one. The vehicle runs, handles, and performs like a dream. The only real complaint is that the MPG of 20 to 25 should read 20.8 at best. There are a few interior rattles that bother me but I am really picky so that should not dissuade the average car owner.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Kirk - May 3 - 9:13 am

  When it was time to replace my wifes car, she suggested the Murano. I really wasnt expecting much when we went on the test drive. Smooth, quiet ride. Very comfortable seats both front and back compliment the luxurious interior. Tons of handy features standard. So far the gas mileage has been around 20 mpg with mixed driving... pretty good for a fairly large vehicle. We compared it with Highlander, Endeavor, Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Explorer and for the same money there was no comparison. I would strongly suggest putting it on you list of test drives if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV.

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  2003 Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Nelli - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money--not all of us want 3 rows of seats, we are trying to get the mini-van out of lives! I look the look over the square boxes.