When the original Murano entered the market five years ago, it stood out from the crowd, thanks to its distinctive styling, roomy interior, and rewarding dynamic performance.

A lot has changed since then. In 2002, there were eight competitors in Murano’s segment of the market. Now there are 21, and more are on the way. Into this rapidly expanding market, Nissan introduces the next-generation Murano, which maintains the distinctive Murano DNA while evolving to stay ahead of the competition.

The all-new model carries forward Murano's "sculpture in motion" appeal.

Style and Substance

The new Murano is the progressive crossover that rewards through style and substance. Its exterior styling is completely new, yet it retains the sense of “Murano-ness” — that feeling of an “emotional sculpture in motion” — that separates Murano from its more boxy competitors.

Murano’s interior design reflects the same curvaceous approach. But there’s another design value that’s present as well: the “Mobile Suite.” The form and function of interior features combine to create a warm, modern feeling of spaciousness, craftsmanship, and security. Designers paid particular attention to details of finish quality, choosing luxurious materials that complement each other.

Notice the curving shapes of the windshield, instrument panel, center console, and door trim panels that encompass the driver and passengers. But it’s more than a pretty face — Murano features a redesigned instrument display for enhanced visibility, and increased volume in the center console storage compartment.

New Levels of Refinement

The substance to go along with Murano’s style includes a variety of new comfort and convenience features that add to Murano’s upscale appeal. For example, all Muranos come with Push Button Ignition, in addition to the available Intelligent Key.

Murano introduces the Dual Panel Moonroof.

The previously available DVD-based navigation system is replaced with the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System1, which has a 20GB hard drive for navigation data and a 9.3GB Music Box to load music from CDs. The system also includes touch-screen and voice recognition capability, graphics that show the shapes of buildings in selected metropolitan areas, and XM NavTraffic®2.

Also available is the dramatic new dual panel moonroof. When open, the moonroof’s front sliding privacy glass panel retracts above the rear fixed privacy glass panel. Dual sunshades allow front- and rear-seat passengers to choose between sunlight and shade.

Other new available comfort and convenience features include:

• Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System3
• Rain-sensing front wipers
• Telescopic steering column adjustment
• Heated front and rear seats and outside mirrors
• Interface System for iPod®4

Cargo Versatility

A new power liftgate makes loading and unloading Murano a breeze. Inside the cargo area, Murano features handy underfloor storage compartments and an available pop-up cargo organizer.

On the side panels, you’ll recognize Murano’s signature cargo-area-mounted seatback release levers. But new for 2009 is the available power seatback return system, which allows users to raise each rear seatback using switches on the rear side panels of the cargo area. A switch is also located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

Confidence-Inspiring Control

Murano has been known for its car-like driving enjoyment, and the new model takes it to a new level. Performance of its renowned VQ-series engine has been upgraded to 265 horsepower, and the Xtronic CVT is enhanced as well with Adaptive Ratio Control, which varies transmission response depending upon the driving situation and road conditions.

The new standard intuitive AWD system works in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system and features yaw rate control for even greater control in inclement conditions.

And the new D-platform, shared with Altima, features increased chassis rigidity for better handling and a more comfortable ride with less noise, vibration, and harshness.

Staying Ahead of the Crowd

Murano buyers want a vehicle that invites them inside, and then rewards them with personalized space, innovative features, and a premium driving experience. On all counts, the all-new 2009 Murano delivers.

The second-generation Murano is clearly accomplishing its goal of building on the success of the first generation. Consider these words of praise from three prominent automotive sources.

“Now that the Murano has developed a loyal following, Nissan has been careful to evolve, improve, and upgrade the all-new 2009 Murano without compromising the things responsible for its success. As we see it, these things have been the Murano's untraditional exterior style, its ample second-row accommodations, and its engaging driving dynamics.”

Edmunds (December 6, 2007) praised Murano’s Xtronic CVT, suspension, steering, and intuitive AWD systems, and especially its interior. “On the inside, the 2009 Murano could be mistaken for an Infiniti,” Edmunds noted. “All of the interior materials are exceptionally good, the colors and textures are pleasing, and the overall design is richer and far more attractive than before.”

An online review (December 7, 2007) called the new-generation Murano a “much more refined and substantial vehicle.”

The magazine praised Murano’s handling and ride quality, noting “You can tell Nissan’s engineers spent time tuning every suspension bushings to maintain the original’s athleticism and substantially improve the ride quality.”

As for the interior, “The Murano feels far more upscale than before, with a rich grade of materials that might even approach Infiniti territory in the higher trim levels.”

An online review (December, 2007) praised the interior, noting “There are plenty of soft-touch materials on display along with pleasing aluminum accents, as well as a boatload of available luxury features.”

As for dynamic capabilities, the magazine found the ride “nicely controlled and supple,” the steering “light yet accurate,” and acceleration “above average” for its class.