Old Versus New: The Nissan Murano

We asked the owner of a 2009 Nissan Murano to take a spin in the all-new 2015 version of the dramatically styled crossover SUV. Is newer always better?

While we'd all like to have a McLaren, Porsche, or Lamborghini parked in our garage, that pesky thing called "reality" forces us to buy cars that are reasonably priced, convenient to drive every day, and—if there are kids involved—friendly to the sticky-handed set. One of the most popular models for families around the world since it made its debut in 2003 is the Nissan Murano. Named after the islands in Venice known for producing beautiful blown glass, this mid-size crossover SUV has always stood apart from the pack thanks to its dramatic design, great ergonomics, and car-like handling.

My sister, Lucy, is the happy owner of a 2009 Murano. She likes the modern styling, the comfort, the utility—she has two kids—and the fact that it drives more like a car than a hulking SUV. (Don't even ask her what she thinks about her husband's Toyota Sienna minivan.) So when I got to test the latest version, which is totally new for 2015, I knew she was the one who could give the best assessment. The third generation of Nissan’s flagship crossover delivers even bolder styling, a more luxurious interior, and a standard 3.5-liter V6 that ups both power and efficiency. Check out what the folks from Nissan were trying to accomplish with the new Murano, followed by Lucy's thoughts. (Thanks, sis!)

Exterior
"One of the central constructs for both the exterior and interior of the new Murano was to 'elevate your experience,' which is counterintuitive to the heaviness and chunkiness of the traditional sport utility vehicle," says Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "This helped inspire the push for leading-edge aerodynamics and three key elements of our designs—the V-Motion front end, signature lighting, and the 'floating' roofline."

Lucy immediately sees the difference: "I really like how it looks. This one is more modern than mine, more streamlined. It has more of an aquatic look, if that makes any sense. I especially like the dark panels on the sides in the back—even though it's not a window, it looks like window as opposed to car. Very sleek."

Interior
"Beyond the sense of elegant style and premium features, owners of the first two generations often tell us about the 'effortlessness of Murano'—the great front view, the low instrument panel, the comfort and ease of operation. These are all things we kept and exaggerated in the new model," says Nakamura.

"This is like the fancy version!" Lucy exclaims as she gets inside. "Does it have a USB? A charger? Yup! It's got a familiar feel to it, but it seems more spacious. This sunroof is great; it expands all the way into the back. The kids don’t normally get the light back there. Yeah, this sunroof is awesome, there's a lot more natural light. Wow, is this a top-down camera? I definitely don't have one of those."

"I have no complaints about my seats," says Lucy as she takes her spot in the driver's seat, "but this is more comfortable—the headrest and the back support feel a lot better. Mine doesn’t have leather on the dashboard, that I could take or leave. The cup holders look smaller and are in a different place, I think I like mine better…I prefer them horizontal, not vertical. Overall it's totally familiar, but there are certain little nuances that are improved. Plus, it smells very nice."

Driving
"With advanced, purposeful technology designed to help keep you safe and connected, along with its refined everyday driving experience, this all-new Murano adds the solid substance to go with its unmatched emotional style," says Pierre Loing, vice president, Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.

"I love driving my Murano," says Lucy. "It's just big enough to feel like you’re not the smallest car on the road, but it doesn’t seem cumbersome. It’s a good size; it doesn't feel like you’re driving a truck. The gear shift on this one is a little stiffer, and the steering definitely feels stiffer. I like it; it gives it that 'premium-car' feeling, very responsive. It's got great visibility, which is also one of the things I really like about my car. The driving position is very similar…it doesn't really feel like I’m driving a different car. Actually, it feels like I’m driving my car, but faster. This definitely has enough power to do what you need to do."

Overall Impression
"I originally bought my Murano because I liked that it was bigger than a sedan but wasn’t as big as a minivan," says Lucy. "I liked how it drove, I liked the style of it, the amenities, and, for the price, it just seemed like the right car. My kids like it too, because they feel like I'm not too far away from them. I have about 66,000 miles on mine, and I wasn’t thinking of getting a new car, but this new one really is great. It's everything I like about my car, only better!"

Or, as Loing puts it, "Murano resets the standard in class once again."

Read more at: http://www.scout.com/story/1554398-old-versus-new-the-nissan-murano