Nissan Murano

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Nissan Murano
2015 Nissan Murano SV AWD, front left (cropped).jpg
Overview
ManufacturerNissan
ProductionMay 2002 – present
Model years2003–2007, 2009–present (North America)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size crossover SUV[1][2]
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive

The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Nissan since May 2002 as a model for 2003, and now in its third generation — with a convertible variant, the CrossCabriolet, available for the model years of 2011 to 2014.

As Nissan's first crossover SUV for the United States and Canada, the Murano was designed at Nissan America in La Jolla, California, and was based on the Nissan FF-L platform shared with the third generation Altima.[3] The single European version of the Murano began sales in 2004.[4]

The Murano was Nissan's only crossover SUV in the United States until September 2007, when the 2008 Rogue went on sale. In Canada the X-Trail had been on sale as Nissan's second car based SUV since 2004 as a model for 2005; it was replaced by the 2008 Rogue at the end of 2007. The Murano is sized between the Pathfinder and the now defunct Xterra (replaced by the Rogue as a compact SUV).

The nameplate Murano derives from the Italian city of Murano and the namesake Murano art glass for which the city is widely known.

First generation (Z50; 2002)[edit]

First generation (Z50)
2009 Nissan Murano Automatic 3.5 Front.jpg
Overview
ProductionMay 2002 – October 2007
Model years2003–2007
AssemblyJapan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Shatai)
DesignerTaiji Toyota (1999)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door SUV
PlatformNissan FF-L platform
RelatedNissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Quest
Nissan Teana
Powertrain
Engine
TransmissionCVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,825 mm (111.2 in)
Length4,770 mm (187.8 in)
Width1,880 mm (74.0 in)
Height1,705–1,709 mm (67.1–67.3 in)
Curb weight1,747–1,807 kg (3,851–3,983 lb)

The first generation Nissan Murano was unveiled in production form for the model year of 2003, at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. It is powered by a 3.5-liter (VQ35DE) V6 producing 245 hp (183 kW) and 334 N⋅m (246 lbf⋅ft), also used in several other Nissan models like the Altima, Maxima, and Nissan 350Z, but specifically tuned for use in the Murano.

Available with standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel-drive (AWD), the Nissan Murano is one of the largest vehicles using a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway (same mpg FWD and AWD on the new EPA specifications).[5]

Production started in middle of May 2002, and the first vehicles shipped in early June for the United States, and mid July for Canadian markets. An independent suspension on all wheels was used for class leading ride and handling.[6]

Nissan Murano 3.5 (UK)
Interior

A full set of airbags, steel reinforced cabin, and head restraints were safety features designed to protect the interior while VDC, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist were mechanical safety features. VDC incorporates a form of traction control.

The Murano received a crash test rating of five stars in all categories but vehicle rollover (four stars) from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).[7]

For the model year of 2006 in North America, the Murano received some updates in the form of LED tail lamps and turn signals, standard color information screen, available back-up camera (standard in Canada for all models), GPS and a restyled front end with some minor trim updates. September 2004, the Murano was introduced in Japan, replacing the Bassara MPV and exclusive to Nissan Red Stage locations, with a further introduction at Nissan Blue Stage locations in October, replacing the Terrano.

Due to the Murano exceeding engine displacement and exterior dimensions as declared in Japanese Government regulations, it was regarded as a luxury vehicle and was equipped with many optional features found in North America as standard equipment on Japanese models, to include Nissan's GPS and internet-based navigation system called CarWings. Japanese models were available with two engine choices, the 3.5L V6 engine, or the 2.5L four cylinder engine.

Murano GT-C[edit]

There was also a high-performance version of the first generation of Murano, named as "GT-C", which used a high-output version of the VQ35DE engine with a peak power of around 305 bhp, as seen on the 350Z. This enabled the GT-C to set off from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 8 seconds, with a top speed of slightly over 220 km/h.

Second generation (Z51; 2007)[edit]

Second generation (Z51)
Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi (Z51) Facelift front 20100904.jpg
Overview
ProductionNovember 2007 – 2014[8]
Model years2009–2014
AssemblyJapan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Shatai)
Russia: Saint Petersburg (Nissan Manufacturing Rus)
DesignerToshiyuki Abe (2005)
Jung Kyu Choi[9][10][11]
Body and chassis
Body style5-door SUV
2-door convertible SUV
PlatformNissan D platform
RelatedNissan Altima (L32)
Nissan Maxima (A35)
Nissan Teana (J32)
Nissan Pathfinder (2013)
Infiniti JX
Powertrain
Engine
TransmissionCVT
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,824 mm (111.2 in)
Length4,788–4,823 mm (188.5–189.9 in)
4,829 mm (190.1 in) (CrossCabriolet)
Width1,882 mm (74.1 in)
1,892 mm (74.5 in) (CrossCabriolet)
Height1,699–1,727 mm (66.9–68.0 in)
1,681 mm (66.2 in) (CrossCabriolet)
Curb weight1,759–1,909 kg (3,878–4,209 lb)
Pre-facelift
Post-facelift
Interior

Nissan skipped the model year of 2008 with the introduction of the second generation Murano – as a model for 2009. The 2009 Murano made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, and sales began in January 2008. The exterior and interior were redesigned.[12]

The second generation Murano was initially offered in three trim levels: the base S, the mid grade SL, and the top level LE.[13] The performance oriented SE model was discontinued. The S and SL are offered with standard FWD, with optional iAWD (Intelligent All Wheel Drive) available. The LE trim is iAWD only.

The second generation Murano included new features, some of which were optional or available only on the LE grade, including rain sensing wipers, double stitched leather seats,[14] power rear lift gate, power fold up rear seats, iPod integration, and a hard-drive based, touchscreen navigation system.[15] The S and SL feature aluminum interior accents, while the LE sports wood tone trim. Like the first generation model, there is no third row seat.

The second generation is based on the Nissan D platform, shared with the fourth generation Nissan Altima, and the new 2009 Nissan Maxima. The second generation was equipped a revised version of the 3.5L VQ engine rated at 265 horsepower (198 kW), an increase of 20 over the previous model. Torque is rated at 336 N⋅m (248 lbf⋅ft). The engine is mated to a revised Continuously Variable Transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. EPA fuel economy is rated at 18 city / 23 highway.[16]

Standard safety features on all trims include four wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, and EBD; electronic stability control; and front, side, and side curtain airbags. The NHTSA awarded the second generation Murano four stars on the frontal crash test, and five stars for side impacts, worse than the first generation.[17]

On September 29, 2008, Nissan released the second generation Murano in Japan, targeted mainly at men in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Nissan announced plans to sell the vehicle in 170 countries.[18] The four-cylinder 2.5L QR engine continued to be offered as an option in Japan.

In July 2010, Nissan launched a facelifted version in Europe only, with an updated 2.5-litre YD25DDTi four cylinder diesel engine producing 190 hp and 450 N⋅m (332 lbf⋅ft).[19]

For the model year of 2011, the Murano was refreshed to include refreshed front and rear fascias, new headlights and LED taillights, and new 18 inch wheels on the outside. New interior changes included a new white meter color (as opposed to red/orange), new center stack plastic colors matching the leather trim, and added equipment to various trim levels. The refresh also added a new exterior color, "Graphite Blue" and for the 2013 model year the LE trim was renamed to Platinum.[20]

In September 2011, Nissan launched the second-generation Murano in Indonesia.[21] In April 2011, the Murano was officially withdrawn from the United Kingdom, due to disappointing sales.

Murano CrossCabriolet[edit]

Nissan premiered the Murano CrossCabriolet at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show, marketing it as "the world’s first all wheel drive crossover convertible."[22]

Nissan began formally marketing the CrossCabriolet with the model year of 2011 — without further refreshes or any other trim levels during its production run. The crossover was only offered in the LE trim and had the same engine as a standard Murano.

The fully automatic, hydraulically operated cloth top has an automatic power latch/unlatch system, rear glass skylight, dual pop-up roll bars, 7.6 cf cargo capacity with the top down and 12.3 cf with the top up — and a Cd of 0.39. Its front doors are 7.9 inches longer than four door Murano front doors, with structural reinforcement from the A-pillar rearward.[22]

The Murano CrossCabriolet was discontinued after the 2014 model year.[23]

Third generation (Z52; 2014)[edit]

Third generation (Z52/P42M)
2015 Nissan Murano SL in Pacific Sunset, front left (Sands Point).jpg
Overview
ProductionOctober 2014 – present[24]
Model years2015–present
2016 (Hybrid)
AssemblyUnited States: Canton, Mississippi (Nissan USA)
China: Dalian (DMCL)
Russia: Saint Petersburg (Nissan Manufacturing Rus)[25]
DesignerKen Lee (2012)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door SUV
PlatformNissan D platform
RelatedNissan Altima (L32)
Nissan Maxima (A35)
Nissan Teana (J32)
Nissan Pathfinder
Infiniti JX
Powertrain
Engine
TransmissionCVT
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,824 mm (111.2 in)
Length4,887 mm (192.4 in)
Width1,915 mm (75.4 in)
Height1,689 mm (66.5 in)
2015 Nissan Murano Platinum (pre-facelift)
2020 Nissan Murano (facelift)

In April 2014, Nissan unveiled the third generation Murano at the New York Auto Show, with production in Canton, Mississippi and featuring the VQ-Series 3.5 liter V6.[26]

The third generation Murano is not marketed in Japan, as it is only produced in left-hand drive.[27] The 3.5 liter V6 engine produces up to 260 hp (194 kW). Nissan discontinued the rain-sensing wipers. The Nissan Murano made a return in Mexico after an absence for a decade after the second generation was discontinued in that market on April 11, 2018, as a 2019 model.[28] For the Mexican market, it is offered only in the Advance and Exclusive trim lines and only offered in a V6 3.5-liter engine.

For the 2019 model year, Murano received an updated front and rear fascias as well as a new wheel design and quilted semi-aniline leather appointed seating became standard on the Platinum trim level and also gets new interior trim finishers, Light wood-tone on SV and SL trim levels with cashmere interior, Metallic trim on S, SV, and SL trim levels with graphite interior, and Dark wood-tone on the Platinum trim level. New exterior colors include Deep Blue Pearl, Mocha Almond Pearl, and Sunset Drift ChromaFlair.

For 2020, it kept the same design while receiving minimal changes, mostly safety features. The SV and SL models received the Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and high-beam assist.[29] It was facelifted in February 2020 for Mexico, dropping the Advance trim line and being only offered in the Platinum AWD trim line.[30]

For 2021, Nissan's "Safety Shield 360" became standard on all Murano trim levels. A Special Edition package was offered on the SV trim level with 20-inch dark charcoal wheels, leatherette seats, special badging, heated front seats, and a dual panel panoramic moonroof.

Murano Hybrid[edit]

Only for the model year of 2016, Nissan introduced a Hybrid version of the Nissan Murano. The Murano Hybrid is available in two trim levels, SL and Platinum. The Murano Hybrid features an electric motor, a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, Intelligent Dual Clutch System, and Lithium-Ion Battery that is located under the center console. Hybrid components won't reduce passenger and cargo space.[31]

The hybrid version uses the so-called VSP (Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians) system that uses sound to help alert pedestrians of the presence of the vehicle, when it is being driven at a low speed in the electric drive mode.[32]

Markets[edit]

China[edit]

For China, the Nissan Murano sold by Dongfeng Nissan is offered in the XE, XL, XL Plus and S/C trim lines and only offered in a 2.5-litre engine and in four exterior colours.[33]

Russia[edit]

The Russian model is offered in five trim lines; Mid, High, High+, Top, and Top+. It is also offered in 7 exterior colours and 2 interior colours.[34]

Awards and recognition[edit]

  • 2003 Nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award.
  • 2007 Motorist Choice best premium mid-size SUV by AutoPacific.
  • 2010 Murano received the highest ratings in the front-, side-, and rear-impact evaluations performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
  • 2010 Murano received NHTSA's Highest Government Side-Impact Safety Rating (five stars).
  • 2015 Ward's 10 Best Interiors Winner

Sales[edit]

Calendar year United States[35]
2002 2,054
2003 56,075
2004 62,057
2005 74,454
2006 81,362
2007 76,358
2008 71,401
2009 52,546
2010 53,999
2011 53,626
2012 51,675
2013 44,684
2014 47,301
2015 62,907
2016 86,953
2017 76,732
2018 83,547
2019 68,361
2020 58,255

References[edit]

  1. ^ https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/nissan/murano-4-door-suv/2005
  2. ^ https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2005/Nissan/Murano
  3. ^ "2003 Nissan Murano Review". JB car pages. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  4. ^ "European Version Of The Nissan Murano". carpages.co.uk. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  5. ^ "Nissan Murano Fuel Economy Ratings". EPA.
  6. ^ "2006 Nissan Murano Review". JB car pages. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  7. ^ "First Generation Nissan Murano Crash Test Ratings". NHTSA. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  8. ^ Junko Kimura. "Carlos Ghosn is driven in a new Nissan Murano during a ceremony for..." Getty Images. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  9. ^ "Designers Party : Nissan Murano : Jung kyu Choi Exterior Design". Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  10. ^ "OHIM". Archived from the original on 11 January 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  11. ^ "Archives". Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  12. ^ "It's What People Want". Archived from the original on 2008-01-17.
  13. ^ "2009 Nissan Murano Review". JB car pages. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  14. ^ "Borrowing some of Infiniti's more upscale feel..."
  15. ^ "All-New 2009 Nissan Murano Crossover Offers New Design, Advanced Technology and "Business Class" Features". Archived from the original on 2007-12-18.
  16. ^ "Nissan Murano Reviews and Specs". JB car pages. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  17. ^ "Second Generation Nissan Murano Crash Test Ratings". NHTSA. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  18. ^ "Nissan Releases Fully Remodeled Murano SUV". JCN Network. Archived from the original on June 19, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  19. ^ "Nissan Murano 2011 gets a facelift in Europe". DriveArabia. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
  20. ^ "2011 Nissan Murano gets a Facelift". VehiCast. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  21. ^ "Nissan Murano 2012 Dirilis dengan Harga Menarik". dapurpacu.com. Archived from the original on 18 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  22. ^ a b "2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Press Kit: Overview". Nissan.
  23. ^ "Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet being phased out, no replacement planned" from Autoblog (April 15, 2014)
  24. ^ "REPORT: Production of the all-new Nissan Murano underway in Mississippi". nissannews.com.
  25. ^ "New Nissan Murano Crossover Is Produced In Russia". Wroom.ru. 23 June 2016. Archived from the original on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  26. ^ "2015 Nissan Murano gets edgier, lighter for NY " From Autoblog (April 14, 2014)
  27. ^ "Nissan Murano: New-generation model ruled out for Australia". CarAdvice.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  28. ^ https://www.motorpasion.com.mx/industria/nissan-murano-2019-precios-versiones-y-equipamiento-en-mexico
  29. ^ Rick Popely (September 27, 2019). "2020 Nissan Murano: What's Changed". cars.com.
  30. ^ https://autosblogmexico.com/nissan-murano-2020-precio-mas-reciente
  31. ^ "2018 Murano Specs - Select a Trim Level - Nissan USA". Nissan.
  32. ^ "NISSAN MURANO HYBRID 2016 3.G Owners Manual". www.carmanualsonline.info. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  33. ^ https://www.dongfeng-nissan.com.cn/car/new-murano
  34. ^ https://www.nissan.ru/vehicles/new-vehicles/murano.html
  35. ^ "Nissan Murano US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2015-11-09. Retrieved 2020-12-24.

External links[edit]