Nissan Murano

First generation (2002–2007)

The first generation Nissan Murano was unveiled in production form for the 2003 model year at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. It was 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 utilising 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). Production started in mid-May 2002 and the first vehicles shipped in early June for the US, and mid-July for Canadian markets.

An independent suspension on all wheels was used for class-leading ride and handling.

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 5-stars in all categories but vehicle rollover (4-stars) from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For the 2006 model year 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 Nissan Bassara and exclusive to Nissan Red Stage locations, with a further introduction at Nissan Blue Stage locations in October, replacing the Nissan Pathfinder. 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 QR four cylinder engine.

Second generation (2008–2014)

Nissan skipped the 2008 model year with the introduction of the second generation Murano – as a 2009 model. The 2009 Murano made its public debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November and sales began in early January 2008.

The exterior was designed to bear family resemblance to the Nissan Rogue, while still maintaining distinctly Murano cues with an aggressive front fascia and rear quarter windows. The interior was completely redesigned, with the use of a more traditional instrument cluster and notably higher-quality materials.

The second-generation Murano was initially offered in three trim levels: the base S, the mid-grade SL, and the top-level LE. 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, power rear lift gate, power fold-up rear seats, iPod integration, and a hard-drive based, touchscreen navigation system. 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.

Standard safety features on all trims include 4-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 4 stars on the frontal crash test and 5 stars for side impacts, worse than the first generation.

On September 29, 2008, Nissan released the second-generation Murano in Japan, targeted mainly at men in their 30s, 40s and 50s, and priced between 3,150,000 yen and 4,042,500 yen, about 200,000 to 300,000 yen more expensive than the first generation model. Nissan announced plans to sell the vehicle in 170 countries. 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 2.5L YD25DDTi 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 190 hp and 450 N·m (330 lbf·ft).

For the 2011 model year, 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 will be renamed to Platinum.

In September 2011, Nissan launched the second-generation Murano in Indonesia. Only one version was available, and sold for 750 million rupiahs (about US$78,900). In April 2011, the Murano was withdrawn from the United Kingdom, due to disappointing sales.

Murano CrossCabriolet

Nissan premiered a convertible version of the Murano as the CrossCabriolet at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The convertible was available beginning with the 2011 model year receiving no 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. In April 2014, Nissan announced that the Murano CrossCabriolet would be eliminated for good due to poor sales.

Third generation (2015–present)

On April 14, 2014, Nissan unveiled a third generation Murano at the New York Auto Show, with production of the vehicle to be built in Canton, Mississippi and arriving in dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2014. The 2015 Nissan Murano was inspired by the Resonance Concept that was on display at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The new Murano includes a toned-down "V-Motion" nose and the trademark boomerang-shaped light fixtures, along with a "floating roof" design and an updated infotainment system and newer security features. This generation Murano has an interior similar to the Rogue, Maxima, and Altima. The VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 engine will continue to be offered in the third generation version for the 2015 model year. The all new Murano has not yet been scheduled to be sold in Japan.

Murano Hybrid

For the 2016 model year only, Nissan introduced a Hybrid version of the Nissan Murano. The Murano Hybrid is available in 2 trim levels, SL and Platinum. The Murano Hybrid features an electric motor, a 2.5 liter supercharged 4-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. 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.

Awards and recognition