The Murano->ke552 is Nissan’s halo vehicle for its range of crossovers and SUVs, and for 2015, Nissan->ke62 ushered in the third-generation model. On the outside, the new Murano showcases Nissan’s new design language, featuring a larger, more defined grille, sporty headlights, and a sleek but aggressive front fascia. The side profile is muscular and sculpted compared to the outgoing model, featuring flared rear quarters wraparound taillights, and some sport trim inserts. Around back, the Murano got taillight units that mirror the headlights up front, a taller rear fascia with dual exhaust outlets, and a rear hatch that defines the entire look of the new SUV->ke145. Borrowing inspiration from the Resonance Concept, the interior has been completely redesigned with a lower sitting instrument panel, an eight-inch color touchscreen and Zero Gravity seats as standard equipment. The same 3.5-liter engine carries over from the previous generation, but the new Murano is said to be 20-percent more efficient thanks to a decrease in weight and the improved Xtronic transmission.

So, with a new look and a premium interior, the new Murano definitely moves away from its unconventional look of the past. The interior is now more spacious, and there is a host of new safety and connective technology features that just screams premium luxury. Of course, that should come as no surprise considering the Murano has some pretty stiff competition from models like the Toyota Highlander->ke238 and Acura RDX->ke483. Does the new Murano have what it takes to take on such a strong and competitive segment? Find out for yourself with our full review below.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Nissan Murano.

2015 - 2016 Nissan Murano

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2016 Nissan Murano
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 260
  • Torque: 240
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The previous-generation Murano wasn't exactly a beauty-contest winner, so the fact that Nissan put a more down-to-earth styling into the 2015 model is more than welcomed. The new SUV is obviously inspired by the Resonance concept], sporting similar V-Motion front grille and boomerang-shaped headlamps and taillights.

On the other hand, the apron is taller now and the hood slopes toward the grille at a smaller angle, making the vehicle bulkier than the concept. The same can be noticed around the back, where the diffuser-like section seen on the concept vehicle has been skipped, although the distinct, deep-sculpted lines are still in place.

Overall, the new design is not overly spectacular, but the 2015 Murano is a massive improvement over the model it replaces.

2015 Nissan Murano - Exterior Specifications

Wheelbase

111.2 inches

Length

192.4 inches

Width

75.4 inches

Height

66.5 inches

Tread Width

64.6 inches

Min. ground clearance

6.9 inches

Angle of Approach

13.8 degrees

Angle of Departure

15.8 degrees

Breakover Angle

24.4 degrees

Coefficient of drag

0.31


Interior

The improvements are more obvious in the cabin, where nearly everything from the dashboard, the steering wheel and the door panels has been redesigned. The instrument panel height is now lower, while a 8.0-inch color touch screen dominates the new, wider center console.

The control center below the infotainment display is much simpler in the new Murano after Nissan reduced the number of switches by 60 percent. Adding a touch of finesse to the cabin, wrap-around inserts spreading from the center of the dashboard to the door panels act as a buffer zone between the upper and the lower sections.

The 2015 Murano comes with company's Zero Gravity seats as standard, with the rear seats featuring a three-cushion design, a first for Nissan. Also standard are Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and push button ignition, while the options list includes leather seats, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and remote engine start with Intelligent Climate Control. The new, available Power Panoramic Moonroof has a longer sliding length and a larger opening compared to the previous design.

2015 Nissan Murano - Interior Specifications

Headroom – front/rear Without moonroof

39.9/39.8 inches

Headroom – front/rear With moonroof

38.1/37.8 inches

Legroom – front/rear

40.5/38.7 inches

Hip room – front/rear

55.4/55.2 inches

Shoulder room – front/rear

59.5/58.8 inches


Drivetrain

Powering the 2015 Murano is the same 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6 engine rated at 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque connected to an improved Xtronic transmission. The new vehicle is expected to be up to 20 percent more fuel efficient than the previous model, largely due to its reduced overall weight - estimated at 130 pounds - and enhanced aerodynamics.

2015 Nissan Murano - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft torque

Valvetrain

4 valves per cylinder w/ Continuously Variable valve Timing Control System (CVTCS)

Induction System

Nissan Induction Control System (NICS)

Bore x Stroke (mm)

95.5 x 81.4

Compression Ratio (:1)

10.3

Spark Plugs

Double-tipped platinum with chrome finishers

Engine Mounts

6-point

Recommended Fuel

Unleaded regular

Emissions Certification

Tier2Bin5 (EPA)/LEV3-ULEV70 (CARB)


Prices

2016 Nissan Murano - Prices

Murano S FWD

$29,660 USD

Murano SV FWD

$32,720 USD

Murano SL FWD

$37,050 USD

Murano Platinum FWD

$39,100 USD

Murano S AWD

$31,260 USD

Murano SV AWD

$34,320 USD

Murano SL AWD

$38,650 USD

Murano Platinum AWD

$40,700 USD


Competitors

Toyota Highlander

Just like the upcoming 2015 Nissan Murano, the new-generation Highlander made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. Sure, it was last year, but that still counts, right? While we're expecting a lot out of the Murano, the same was said for the Highlander last year and it delivered in so many ways. The Toyota came with an updated exterior look, a refined premium interior, and a new six-speed automatic with sequential shift offered for the V-6 models.

The multiple engine options offered for the 2014 Highlander, including a pair of gasoline units and one hybrid powerplant, was our favorite part of the new SUV. The Highlander engine option that's likely going to match wits with the Murano is the top-of-the-line version that's powered by a 3.5 liter V-6 that delivers a total of 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.

Read our full review on the Toyota Highlander here.

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is in bad need of a new look. That's an indictment for Acura considering that the refreshed RDX only made its way into the market back in 2012. But if you can look past the dodgy and boring exterior, the RDX does come with a certain appeal.

The most notable of which is its 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 273 horsepower, incrementally more than what the Highlander has and healthy enough to be a competitor for the range-topping Murano.

If Acura can turn the RDX into something resembling more of a modern-day looker, it's got the potential to be a contender. Otherwise, it's likely going to remain in the shadows where it's been for quite some time now.

Read our full review on the Acura RDX here.

Conclusion

It's a bit disappointing that Nissan chose to jump from one generation to another without extensive powertrain updates. However, the SUV's reduced weight could be essential is making it slightly faster that the previous model. With a bolder and more attractive exterior and a beautifully revised cabin, the 2015 Murano has what it takes to compete against its Japanese rivals.

Update History

Updated 05/09/2014 Nissan unveiled a new video in which it explains the design features in the 2015 Murano. Enjoy!

Updated 04/14/2014: Nissan unveiled the official details on the 2015 Murano - with just a few days before the car's official debut in New York.

Updated 05/09/2014 Nissan unveiled a new video in which it explains the design features in the 2015 Murano. Enjoy!