I've got to agree with other reviewers that this is one of the best handling SUV's on the market. It's easy to fling down twisty, hilly, hairpin roads, as if it thinks it's a car. Sure there's a fair bit of body roll but it hangs on tight and the steering only washes out into understeer when too fast into a corner - not the kind of stunts that should be executed in an SUV anyway. But still, the autopilot VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) in the SE model pulls the Murano out when sheer exuberance, inexperience or both has taken it too far, while its big 235/65R-18 tires and fat front and rear stabilizer bars do their part to maintain control.
If you happen to hate speed bumps - and who doesn't - Murano's got the antidote. The sport-tuned suspension of the SE that I drove was firmer than the sedan-like MDX or Lexus RX300, but still ate most bumps and potholes on our winter-scarred roads with nary a complaint. In fact, I sailed right over shopping mall "traffic calmers" as if they didn't exist. Not exactly off-road tough, but this is the greatest hurdle most SUVs will face. I'd say the ride is almost equivalent to the Altima SE V6 - which is saying a lot. It's tight and well controlled on most surfaces, with some impact harshness and deterioration of ride quality when the going gets really rough. If your tastes run to the enthusiastic end of the driving spectrum, you should definitely appreciate the handling/ride balance dialed in by the Nissan engineers.
Intended as a soft roader (cottage roads not mountain trails), the Murano's on-demand AWD system and limited 1,588 kg (3,500lb) towing capacity trails the category leaders in the following areas: Toyota 4Runner offers off-road capability with permanent 4WD and can haul 2,268 kg (5,000lb) when V6 equipped or up to 3,175 kg (7,000lb) with the V8. The Dodge Durango, a super hauler with up to 3,447 kg (7,600 lb) of towing capacity, also offers 7 passenger seating, as does the Acura MDX (split, folding 3rd seat). With no 3rd row seat in the Murano, if you've got 3 kids and a dog, you may need to leave the boat and the in-laws at home when you head for the hills. And what's a weekend in the country without the boat?