After being awed by its enticing exterior design it would be a big letdown if Nissan chose to go totally conventional inside. Rather, expect to be impressed with a unique, tasteful contemporary motif. There are no Altima design cues here, but instead a 350Z-style leather and metal adorned steering wheel in front of an authentic aluminum trim covered pod-type instrument cluster. The dash, door and console trim is also bathed in beautifully detailed brushed aluminum, while leather accents and what look to be high quality plastic materials cover the remaining surfaces. Placed just below the center air vents, that surround the standard information monitor, is a one-piece floating center stack, incorporating the interface to an AM/FM/CD audio system, and just underneath, a 3-dial dual-zone climate control system - that incidentally feeds heat or cool air to rear passengers via vents located on the B-pillars. Also included are controls for a trip computer and optional navigation system.
To optimize the driving position a standard 8-way power adjustable driver's seat combines with optional adjustable throttle and brake pedals (also aluminum) and a standard tilt steering wheel. Other standard equipment includes power windows and power locks with remote keyless entry.
Standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags with seat belt sensors, front seat side-impact airbags as well as front and rear seat curtain side-impact air bags. Also standard are seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchors and tether system and front seat active head restraints.
The Murano comes in a choice of four models, SL 2WD and AWD and SE 2WD and AWD. Both SE models, starting at $46,500, get a sport-tuned suspension with firmer front and rear springs, struts and shocks, unique 6-spoke aluminum wheels, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, that include a manual headlamp 'levelizer', and dark silver lower bumpers.