CD Article: 2009 Nissan Murano

[CD_Editor]

Today's First Drive:
Changes to the 2009 Murano are "evolutionary rather than dramatic," reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams.  Horsepower is increased 10 per cent, and ride comfort and handling are improved, but the new styling is "not as distinctive as the original model."
 

  More:
Read the article | View the photos | All The First Drives

[Juke1]

A nice evolution, if that grill does not make it distinctive I don't know what does!  Very attractive IMO, plus a top rate interior.

[pickles]

So around July-Sept 2008 we should be seeing the 2010 Nissan Murano model and by year end 2008 we should see a 2011 model?

[tpl]

Interesting.   No engine braking and no "gear" to change down into except one that's too low.  I wonder if the designers who specify 18" wheels with 20" optional have ever had to buy winter tires ? I suppose one must be grateful that they are not run flats as well.

[The Mighty Duck]

Interesting.   No engine braking and no "gear" to change down into except one that's too low.  I wonder if the designers who specify 18" wheels with 20" optional have ever had to buy winter tires ? I suppose one must be grateful that they are not run flats as well.

Same thought occurred to me.  18" snows were already a problem, I shudder to think about people buying 20" snow tires for this thing.  What's the smallest wheel that will fit the vehicle?

[tpl]

18" probably.

[carcrazy]

Interesting.   No engine braking and no "gear" to change down into except one that's too low.  I wonder if the designers who specify 18" wheels with 20" optional have ever had to buy winter tires ? I suppose one must be grateful that they are not run flats as well.

Maybe is not intended to be driven in winter ?! 
Truth to be told, there are few others riding on 19" which is not much more helpful.

[Iso Octane]

My experience with SUVs is that they're already pretty capable on snow with their stock tires. 

[mmret]

Interesting.   No engine braking and no "gear" to change down into except one that's too low.  I wonder if the designers who specify 18" wheels with 20" optional have ever had to buy winter tires ? I suppose one must be grateful that they are not run flats as well.

I don't need winter tires, I've got an SUV.

Joking aside, one would think that as it is a CVT, programming in 6 selectable "gears" would not be an issue. Even go up to 9 gears and one-up Lexus.

[mrthompson]

20" wheels do not suit an SUV, even one with sporting prententions like this one.  SUVs are not alone in the winter tire dilemma.  The Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 has 20" wheels available.  Pretty lame, IMO.

[Rupert]

I suppose larger wheels reduce rolling resistance. I agree with the writer, I also prefer the looks of the previous model. It is more distinctive IMO. I thought that the height of the new model had been lowered, just by looking at the pictures. But no, it is the same height according to the printed literature. I agree with the transmission comments; should have some braking affect when taking foot of accelerator. Have not tried a CVT yet but notice that there are more negative comments about them than positive ones, on this forum.

[JBrill]

Interesting.   No engine braking and no "gear" to change down into except one that's too low.  I wonder if the designers who specify 18" wheels with 20" optional have ever had to buy winter tires ? I suppose one must be grateful that they are not run flats as well.

Who needs winter tires when you can simply set the cruise at 120kph and be in Florida in less than 2 days?  It should handle winter quite well there with standard A/C 

[The Mighty Duck]

Unlike the Suburban or Expedition, though, the Murano is not as big as a house, and may be uncomfortable for a family of four to live in while in Florida...

[auto_enthusiast]

Interesting.   No engine braking and no "gear" to change down into except one that's too low.  I wonder if the designers who specify 18" wheels with 20" optional have ever had to buy winter tires ? I suppose one must be grateful that they are not run flats as well.

Same thought occurred to me.  18" snows were already a problem, I shudder to think about people buying 20" snow tires for this thing.  What's the smallest wheel that will fit the vehicle?

Brakes are 12.6 in the front and 12.1 in the rear.  17's should fit fine, perhaps even 16's.  Most big wheels these days are done more for comestic reasons - there are very few cars (or trucks especially) that can't go down at least one inch in rim size.

[Craig]

My experience with SUVs is that they're already pretty capable on snow with their stock tires.

My experience is that they accelerate fine on stock tires, but slide like curling rocks when you want to turn or stop.

[jww]

My experience with SUVs is that they're already pretty capable on snow with their stock tires.

My experience is that they accelerate fine on stock tires, but slide like curling rocks when you want to turn or stop.

A new spectator sport came to Ottawa this month. It's called "Watching-those-folsk-who-just-bought-SUVs-drive-them-for-the-very-first-time-in-the-snow". It's become quite popular, and very enjoyable. They tear along in the passing lanes filled with snow with a glint in their eyes, thinking that they are unstoppable --- that is until they try to stop .... or turn. ... or quickly maneuver to change lanes .... or .....
 

[mmret]

A new spectator sport came to Ottawa this month. It's called "Watching-those-folsk-who-just-bought-SUVs-drive-them-for-the-very-first-time-in-the-snow". It's become quite popular, and very enjoyable. They tear along in the passing lanes filled with snow with a glint in their eyes, thinking that they are unstoppable --- that is until they try to stop .... or turn. ... or quickly maneuver to change lanes .... or .....
 

During the recent storm (2 weeks ago?) in the GTA, I saw a Ford Explorer come up to a rather large snowbank that was blocking its path (this was at an intersection, the plows must have come in the perpendicular direction). Light turns green, I'm sitting next to her so I motion for her to go first. She guns it, clears the snowbank and proceeds to fishtail for about 5-6 seconds before finally letting off the gas.

Meanwhile I just plop through with no drama. She looked terrified. I should send a thankyou card since she did clear out that snowbank pretty well though.

[Wolfe]

My experience with SUVs is that they're already pretty capable on snow with their stock tires.

My experience is that they accelerate fine on stock tires, but slide like curling rocks when you want to turn or stop.

A new spectator sport came to Ottawa this month. It's called "Watching-those-folsk-who-just-bought-SUVs-drive-them-for-the-very-first-time-in-the-snow". It's become quite popular, and very enjoyable. They tear along in the passing lanes filled with snow with a glint in their eyes, thinking that they are unstoppable --- that is until they try to stop .... or turn. ... or quickly maneuver to change lanes .... or .....
 

Thing is that once they're up to speed that's exactly right.

[Benhaze]

I'm glad to see the Murano finally gets a decent AWD system but sadden by the new exterior design. Seems like Nissan tried to design the Rogue to look like overall a Murano and then re-design the Murano to look like the new Rogue, especially the vehicle rear end...    The previous design was a real artistic achievement in my eyes (remember the commercials when it was introduced?), this new design certainly isn't.

Nissan also lost its edge with the VQ engine in this vehicle and now is just catching up with the pack.

The perfect Murano IMO would be the old exterior design with the new interior and amenities, and the 2008 CX-9 drivetrain. Wow, that would be freakin' awesome.

Nissan, don't get in bed with Chrysler, give a second chance to Ford...   

[Snivlr]

why spend $50000.00 + on a murano?
when the Ford Edge Is as good or better for $45000.00 loaded
imho and no resale is no better on murano
thanks