2015 Nissan Murano SL: A Stylish And Spunky Tech-Filled People Mover

Highlights: The Murano offers an available USB port for the rear seat passengers allowing them to listen to music off of their device. And the Murano is now being assembled in Mississippi.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $40,095 (base model $30,445)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; air bags; a rear view mirror; automatic headlights; a traction control system; a hill start system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (base model):  18-inch tires; front wheel drive;
cloth seats; manually operated front seats; a tilt and telescopic steering wheel; automatic temperature control; manually reclining second row seats; a push button ignition starter system; and a remote keyless entry system

Standard Equipment (SL model): LED daytime running lights; LED taillights; a hill start assist system; a blind spot warning system; a rear traffic cross alert system; an around view monitor; power front seats with memory driver’s seat; leather seats; a 9-speaker BOSE audio system; HD radio; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a dual zone temperature control system; a navigation system; heated outside mirrors; a remote engine start system; power liftgate; heated front seats; and a rear tinted privacy glass

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: power panoramic moonroof; a radar activated cruise control; a predictive forward collision system; and a forward emergency braking system

Other Trim Level:

S

SV

Platinum

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle:  a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity:  Yes

iPod connectivity/USB Port: Yes
                                                                                              
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder/260-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage:

21-city/28-hwy

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs

What’s New: The curvaceous third-generation Murano is all-new for the 2015 model year.

Pros: The stylish and roomy Murano is available in a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configurator in eight trim levels. As always, Nissan has managed to bring another stylish, cutting edge, eye-popping crossover to the marketplace. This five-passenger mainstream people mover brings a sense of style that appeal to both men and to women alike – unlike many of today’s crossovers. . , Nissan has struck a chord again with the crossover segment, again with this design. It just doesn’t look like a station wagon on steroids.

Inside the cabin, the Murano has bee outfitted with the brand’s new zero gravity seats, which we found to be extremely comfortable, offering both living room-like seating and back support.  And the cargo area has been reconfigured this year, offering more usable space whether the rear seat is in use or folded flat.

The Murano is also powered by one engine, a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder, which is more than adequate.  And depending on one's option list, the vehicle can be loaded to the hilt with everything from an electronic blind spot mirror to the brand’s signature moving object detection system, as was the case with the case with the SL model we reviewed.

Nissan has gone so far as to place this crossover in the same league as the Infiniti, offering a number of upscale features. The all-new Platinum trim model offers such standard upscale features as ventilated front seats, memory seats, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, rear heated seats, power return rear seats, a heated steering wheel and 20-inch wheels.  Yes, Nissan has managed to push the envelope again with the Murano without sacrificing anything.

Cons: Nissan has a way of over packing their tech packages, not separating such features as the blind spot lane changing system, making it affordable for the mainstream community. This type of packaging forces features on buyers that they may not necessarily want or need.

Also the optional heated front seats only offered two settings. Unfortunately, the low seat setting was too warm -- to keep on for a continuous period.

Lastly, we’re being petty now, since the expectations of vehicles have been raised. The Murano does not use regular gasoline. In a day and time when many engines are using regular fuel, why is Nissan not taking a cue from the market?

Verdict: In the competitive midsize, five passenger crossover segment, Nissan has managed again to offer a standout design in this me-too segment, offering a variety of trims and upscale luxury features too. Buyers who opt for the all-new third generation Murano will not be disappointed.

Competition:  Chevy Equinox; Hyundai Santa Fe; Mazda CX-5; Ford Edge; Kia Sorento; and Toyota Venza