Nissan has been producing and marketing the Nissan Murano, a mid-size crossover SUV, since May 2002 for the 2003 model year. It is presently in its third generation (Japanese: Ri Chan murano, Hepburn: Nissan Murano).
The Murano was developed by Nissan America in La Jolla, California, as the company’s first crossover SUV for the US and Canada. It was built on the same Nissan FF-L platform as the third-generation Altima. Sales of the Murano in Europe started in 2004.
Before the Rogue debuted on sale in September 2007, the Murano was the sole crossover SUV offered by Nissan in the United States. Nissan’s second car-based SUV, the X-Trail, has been on sale in Canada since 2004 as a model for 2005; at the end of 2007, the 2008 Rogue took its place. The Murano fits between the Pathfinder and the now-gone Xterra in terms of size (which was replaced by the Rogue as a compact SUV). The Murano CrossCabriolet, a convertible type, was offered for the second-generation car from model years 2011 to 2014.
The name Murano is derived from the Italian city of Murano and the region’s well-known art glass of the same name.
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Nissan Murano 2014 (2nd Generation)
Before the second generation of the Murano made its debut for the 2009 model year, the 2008 model year was bypassed. For this generation, both the exterior and interior were restyled. The Altima, Maxima, and Pathfinder all shared the Nissan D platform, which was used to construct the new Murano.
There were initially three trim levels available: the base S trim, the SL trim, and the LE trim. For this generation, SE’s prior performance trim was dropped. The FWD configuration was standard on the S and SL models, with an optional intelligent four-wheel drive. Only the clever AWD system was standard equipment for the LE level.
Every model had a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a CVT and between 260 and 265 horsepower. This generation’s fuel efficiency was evaluated as 18 city/highway mpg.
Wipers with rain sensors, motorized folding back seats, a power liftgate, touchscreen navigation, and leather seats were among the additional new standard and optional equipment on the Murano. Interior embellishments on the S, SL, and LE trims were made of metal, while the LE trim used wood.
All versions included standard safety equipment such front and side airbags, ABS, disc brakes on all four wheels, and electronic stability control. In comparison to the previous generation, the NHTSA this time rated the Murano four stars in the front crash test and five stars for side crashes.
With new headlights, 18-inch wheels, and restyled front and rear exteriors, the 2011 Murano received a facelift. Additional equipment, new plastic to complement the leather, and white meters in place of red or orange ones were also part of the interior design.
For the 2013 model year, “Graphite Blue” was added as a new exterior color, and the LE trim was renamed the Platinum trim.
The CrossCabriolet, a unique two-door convertible crossover, made its debut for the Murano in this generation as well. Only available in LE grade, it included a power-folding fabric top, dual pop-up roll bars, and the same engine and drivetrain as the regular Murano. The following year, the car was discontinued.
2009 until 2014 for the second generation
The Z51 designation was also used for the Nissan Murano’s second generation. Under the design guidance of Toshiyuki Abe and Jung Kyu Choi, it was produced from 2009 to 2014. It had the same 260–265 horsepower engine and was offered with either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a CT. Additionally, a convertible 2 door edition was available.
The public could purchase the second generation starting in January 2008 after it made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2009 version had a facelift with both the interior and outside being redesigned. Three trim levels were available, the base being the S model, a mid-grade known as the SL, and the top level for trim known as the LE. A performance variant known as the SE was withdrawn from the line. Only AWD was available in the LE level.
Should You Await the Next Generation of the Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano is one of those cars that doesn’t immediately spring to mind when people are seeking for a midsize two-row SUV. There are a few reasons for such, including the fact that it will essentially remain unchanged through 2022 and that the present version has been on the market for eight years. The 2019 model year had the biggest change, yet it’s still difficult to differentiate a modern Murano from one from five years ago.
The most recent reports state that a makeover is anticipated for the 2023 model year. However, sources informed Automotive News that problems in the supply chain could postpone it. There will be changes to the inside and exterior at that time, but don’t anticipate any major engine surprises.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine is probably going to stay, but the continuously variable gearbox (CVT) might be swapped out for a nine-speed automatic similar to the one in the 2022 Pathfinder. However, at this point, everything is just a hunch. Be advised that the manufacturer appears to have fixed the CVT’s reliability issues if you decide to buy a used Nissan Murano.
2018 saw the addition of automatic emergency braking, while the 2019 upgrade featured new trim, leather seats with a quilted pattern, and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of security systems. Even with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque in the lowest S models, the Murano S can only tow 1,500 pounds. Additionally, it is ranked among the worst-performing vehicles for driver visibility by Consumer Reports.
Even with the renowned “Zero Gravity” seats, the Murano is still a wise choice if you desire a comfortable ride and luxurious interior space. Additionally, it might be less expensive than similar competitors.
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When was the Nissan Murano last redesigned?
I was certain that the Nissan Murano was on the hit list. It turns out, though, that this midsize SUV will undergo a total makeover in 2024. Although I’ve always had a soft spot for the Murano and its incredibly comfortable Zero Gravity seats, it underwent its most recent update in 2014 and is, quite frankly, beginning to look its age.
Even though the 2024 Nissan Murano is coming, we wanted to look at what we believe you may anticipate even if we don’t currently have any information about it.
When did Murano’s body style change?
Nissan introduced the second generation Murano as a model for 2009, skipping over the model year of 2008. Sales of the 2009 Murano started in January 2008 after its November 2007 premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both the outside and inside were redone.
The base S, mid-grade SL, and top-level LE trim levels of the second-generation Murano were initially available (Luxury Edition). The SE model, which focused on performance, was retired. The S and SL are available with basic front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional intelligent all-wheel drive (iAWD). The LE trim only comes in iAWD.
The second-generation Murano came with new features, some of which were optional or only available on the LE grade, such as rain-sensing wipers, double-stitched leather seats, a power lift gate at the back and power folding back seats. It also had iPod integration and a touchscreen navigation system that was powered by a hard drive. The LE has wood tone trim, whereas the S and SL have aluminum inside accents. There is no third row seat, much like the vehicle from the first generation.
The L32 Altima and the A35 Maxima both share the Nissan D platform, which forms the foundation of the second generation. The 3.5L VQ engine was updated for the second generation and rated at 265 horsepower (198 kW), an increase of 20 over the first. The measured torque is 336 Nm (248 lbfft). An updated continuously variable transmission with adaptive shift control is coupled to the engine. The EPA rates fuel efficiency at 18 city/23 highway.
Four wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, and EBD, electronic stability control, and front, side, and side curtain airbags are all included as standard safety equipment on all models. The second generation Murano received four stars in the frontal crash test from the NHTSA and five stars for side impacts, both of which were poorer than the first version.
Nissan debuted the second-generation Murano, mostly marketed at males in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, in Japan on September 29, 2008. Nissan stated that it would sell the car in 170 nations. In Japan, the 2.5L four-cylinder QR engine was still available as an option.
In July 2010, Nissan introduced a facelifted model exclusively in Europe, powered by a new 2.5-liter YD25DDTi four-cylinder diesel engine that generates 190 horsepower and 450 Nm (332 lbfft).
The Murano was updated for the 2011 model year with new 18-inch exterior wheels, new headlights, new LED taillights, and reworked front and back fascias. A new center stack plastic hue that matched the leather trim, a new white meter color (rather than red/orange), and extra equipment to different trim levels were among the new interior modifications. In addition, the exterior color “Graphite Blue” was added as part of the redesign, and the LE trim’s moniker was changed to Platinum for the 2013 model year.
Nissan introduced the second-generation Murano in Indonesia in September 2011. Due to weak sales, the Murano was formally removed from the United Kingdom in April 2011.
What variations of the Nissan Murano are there?
- The starting MSRP for the 2021 Nissan Murano S is $32,510.
- Nissan Murano SV in 2021. MSRP beginning at $33,640.
- Nissan Murano SL in 2021.
- Nissan Murano Platinum 2021
Will the Nissan Murano be updated in 2022?
A revamp of the Nissan Murano is almost overdue, but it won’t happen for the 2022 model year. Nissan will maintain the Murano 2-row midsize SUV mostly untouched for at least another year while a brand-new, more durable Pathfinder is available for purchase.
What drawbacks does a Nissan Murano have?
Cons: Limited rear visibility, small cargo capacity, expensive to replace CVT transmission, expensive to maintain other high-end equipment, quick depreciation. Overall, one of Nissan’s most popular vehicles is the Murano. The primary selling elements are a powerful VQ engine and a high-end cabin.
The Nissan Murano is produced where?
MISSISSIPPI CANTON – The first completely new 2015 Nissan Murano is being constructed at Nissan’s Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant today, making it the first time the vehicle is being made in the United States. With the production of the Murano moving to Nissan Canton, more export prospects are available.