Looking for a family SUV? Don't want the neighbors asking 'which one that is'? If so, you needn't look much further than the eyeball-popping Nissan Murano. It's just had a redesign- and for 2009, Murano's glorious victory of oddball styling over conventional taste has remained.
An attention getter
It isn't easy to get talked about when you're a semi-premium crossover these days, so any attention is good attention- even if it's for being weird looking. Murano's grille treatment leaves many scratching their heads, but it is distinct. Most competing machines don't attract long stares in parking lots and traffic- regardless of the reason.
It's not just the sheet-metal strangeness that attracts the eyes. Murano features xenon lighting, LED taillamps, dual-outlet exhaust and a huge set of wheels the size of trash-can lids.
The flexible, premium approach
The exterior style may be an acquired taste, but the interior can be appreciated by almost anyone. There's no seven-passenger seating available, though the well trimmed cockpit in the LE designated tester came with heated seats in both rows and power operation for those up front. The driver sits on a memory seat behind a sharp looking instrument cluster and multi-function steering wheel.
Materials selection is well done. Leather trims the steering wheel, shifter and door panels, while wood and metal accents help set off the upbeat, high-tech looking environment. There's plenty of storage to be had too- even right on the dashboard itself.
The cargo area in back is accessible by a powered lift-gate, and the seatbacks fold down in seconds with a simple pull on a latch. They return to their upright position at the touch of a button too, allowing for simple switching of the interior to match the job at hand. Metal scuff plates protect the plastic surface of the loading deck too- very thoughtful.
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| For 2009, Murano's glorious victory of oddball styling over conventional taste has remained. |
An attention getter
It isn't easy to get talked about when you're a semi-premium crossover these days, so any attention is good attention- even if it's for being weird looking. Murano's grille treatment leaves many scratching their heads, but it is distinct. Most competing machines don't attract long stares in parking lots and traffic- regardless of the reason.
It's not just the sheet-metal strangeness that attracts the eyes. Murano features xenon lighting, LED taillamps, dual-outlet exhaust and a huge set of wheels the size of trash-can lids.
The flexible, premium approach
The exterior style may be an acquired taste, but the interior can be appreciated by almost anyone. There's no seven-passenger seating available, though the well trimmed cockpit in the LE designated tester came with heated seats in both rows and power operation for those up front. The driver sits on a memory seat behind a sharp looking instrument cluster and multi-function steering wheel.
Materials selection is well done. Leather trims the steering wheel, shifter and door panels, while wood and metal accents help set off the upbeat, high-tech looking environment. There's plenty of storage to be had too- even right on the dashboard itself.
The cargo area in back is accessible by a powered lift-gate, and the seatbacks fold down in seconds with a simple pull on a latch. They return to their upright position at the touch of a button too, allowing for simple switching of the interior to match the job at hand. Metal scuff plates protect the plastic surface of the loading deck too- very thoughtful.
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| Materials selection help set off the upbeat high-tech looking environment. |