DRIVEN + VIDEO: So, How Does The 2019 Nissan Murano STACK UP Against The Competition?

I remember seeing the Nissan Murano's debut at the New York Auto Show (NYIAS). It really doesn't feel like all that long ago.

My first impression was simple: It looked sharp!

Although I know a bunch of folks won't agree with me, the Murano has always been a quirky looking sport-utility vehicle that brought something different to the table. This generation was no different.

And then I received a tester. After driving it for a week, I then realized what an utter disappointment it was to drive.

The interior was laughably cheap, the ride was forgettable at best and the steering had so much play in it I thought I had done a time warp by about 10 years. To sum it up, the Murano was dreadful and I'd never recommend it to anyone.

Fast forward to present day and it's been refreshed for the 2019 model year. So, have things changed? CNET weighs in with a video review.



Updated looks and a much more luxurious interior for Platinum-trim models aren't the only changes to the refreshed 2019 Nissan Murano. The midsize SUV also brings a few new standard and optional safety technologies. Here's everything that's new for 2019.

MDarringer - 6/23/2019 11:09:03 AM

+3 Boost

CVT...pass

Truthy - 6/23/2019 2:54:30 PM

+2 Boost

The looks on this thing have barely changed since it was first introduced. I sat in one once. The windshield was so far forward that it reminded me of the original GM minivans.

MDarringer - 6/23/2019 3:43:48 PM

+1 Boost

And arguably the Morono (sic) used to be a dramatic style statement--at least the first ugly one was supposedly that--but now it's just generic Nissan mess.

Truthy - 6/24/2019 2:27:10 PM

0 Boost

Nissan has certainly lost their way. My wife traded in her indestructable Mitsu Montero for and Xterra. Horrible interior, seats. It was noisy too. The transmission was a frequent source of problems. Had to replace the exhaust system after only 4 years. I would not buy a Nissan again and certainly not the Murano.
Speaking of future collectables, what about the Murano two door convertible?

valhallakey - 6/24/2019 2:12:25 AM

+3 Boost

Nissan really needs to get their act together, their vehicles have fallen a long way since the initial Maxima and the Z32 300ZX TT. I had a Rouge as a rental and that thing was really disappointing, weak engine, terrible transmission (seemed like a programming issue) and handling that gave you 0 confidence that you could avoid a potential accident.

cidflekken - 6/24/2019 12:11:48 PM

+2 Boost

I used to want a Murano. I always saw it as the non-premium alternative to the Lexus RX. My stepfather and brother had the first gen and it wasn't bad (considering the crossover trend was just ramping up). But now, compared to other choices, almost anything Nissan offers just falls to the bottom of the shopping list. I really can't think of any single car in the Nissan or Infiniti lineups that I would seriously consider, unless I needed to take advantage of their incentives.

Regarding the Murano, the last one I sat in felt like it was going to fall apart. Almost every bit of the interior felt beyond cheap, though it was finished to visually look nice.

dumpsty - 6/25/2019 4:20:49 PM

+1 Boost

If you understand that the Murano still uses the old FX platform, it's easy to let a few details go. it's not spectacular but the interior is still fairly nice, the huge panoramic sunroof is a cool feature set. the 3.5L V6 can be pushed really hard - its the VQ. the sonar cruise control works great on long highway trips. the AWD system works great in rain & snow whether driving city or hwy speeds. the FX was excellent in all weather conditions too. most current SUV drivers DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE in snow - so they don't understand how their SUV is supposed to work or feel in wet or snow conditions.

my gripes: the bose sound system needs more amp power (on low-end especially) - rarely feel the sub in the cargo area thump. it needs a sport mode button - similar to the Maxima. a lower ride height would be more appreciated.