Skip Channel4 main Navigation
Explore Channel4
Food
Homes
Film
4Car
News
See All

Nissan Murano (2008-) Review

Category: Sporting 4x4s 2 out of 5

Summary of the Nissan Murano (2008-)

Price Range: £32,150 to £32,150

Assets

High levels of refinement, long list of standard specification.

Drawbacks

Feels off the pace, woeful handling, crude ride, lacks crucial diesel option.

Verdict

Undercuts rivals with price, but not with quality or drive.

Nissan Murano Review

Overview2 out of 5

The last Murano was a very credible effort, heralded as a breath of fresh in a staid traditional off-road segment.

Instead of square, conventional, butch lines the Murano boasts curvy, almost coupe-like looks. Appropriately, under the bonnet lays the rorty engine lifted straight from the 350Z.

Alas, sales success never materialised. At its peak Nissan could only shift 1,000 units - for good reason. The petrol-only Murano struggled in a segment dominated by diesel, while the curious CVT gearbox and awful ride scared the rest away.

Nissan started again and created an all-new Murano. Unfortunately, in our eyes, it gets off to a bad start with much of the original's aesthetic charm lost with an ungainly new snout. Under the skin, however, it's good news. The car has been developed and built on the firm's new D-platform that is stronger, stiffer and more sophisticated, thanks to a new multi-link rear suspension.

Helping improve the drive further is the option of the X-Trail's famed intelligent i-Mode all-wheel-drive system.

Inexplicably, the Japanese firm failed to develop a diesel for the Murano so a revised, more powerful, version of the 3.5-litre V6 carries over, with a newly developed version of the CVT gearbox.

It is fully kitted out and prices start at £33,000 with only metallic paint and a DVD rear entertainment pack as option. The brand is focusing its sights on the Lexus RX and VW Touareg as potential rivals.

Average Reader Rating

Slate It or Rate It

1 out of 5 2 out of 5 3 out of 5 4 out of 5 5 out of 5

Advertisement

Nissan Murano Overview Statistics

Price Range
£32,150
Petrol Engine Range
3.5
Manufacturer's Warranty
3 year(s)
 

Nissan Murano Versions

More about the Nissan Murano

Best Sporting 4x4s

alt text here
Winner:
Audi Q7
First runner up:
Range Rover Sport
Second runner up:
BMW X5

More on 4Car

4Car Navigation

Home

Search 4Car

Browse reviews

Research a Car

News & Features

Essential Tools

Games & Quizzes

Other Links