2014 Nissan Murano - Reviews

Nissan Murano 2014 review

The 2014 Nissan Murano is stylish and refined, but lacks some of the space and efficiency found in competitors.

• Interior / Exterior »

The Nissan Murano is either a clean break with crossover convention, or a cohesively styled family device of its own stripe–either way, the Murano retains its handsome looks. Underneath the tall ride and bulbous bits, it’s a station wagon, but it’s a voluptuous take on the theme.

2014 Nissan Murano Interior / Exterior

Carrying forward unchanged visually for the 2014 model year, the Murano carries itself assertively, with crisp details and a high-shouldered stance.
Our only real issue with the exterior is the chrome-laden, grinning grille that came with the 2009 redesign. New lamps a few years ago took some of the emphasis off the grille, but it remains a sore point of an otherwise sophisticated look.
Inside the Murano’s cabin, the details mesh convincingly, though rounded, bulbous shapes are taken close to excess. A two-tiered instrument panel presents a smooth and curvaceous look, and the overall look and feel is as much budget-Infiniti as it is Maxima-esque.
The center stack arrangement is stylish and logical, with the nav system (or trip-computer screen) up top, and audio and climate controls below.

• Performance »

The 2014 Nissan Murano is delightfully simple when it comes to its performance and powertrain, as there’s just one choice: whether you want front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

2014 Nissan Murano Performance

Front-wheel drive is the more common choice, while all-wheel drive is a better pick for regions with more inclement weather, particularly in the winter. All-wheel drive comes standard on the Murano LE, but is available on all trim levels.
The engine shared across the Murano range is Nissan’s familiar and capable 3.5-liter VQ-family engine, rated in this application at 260 horsepower. It’s a dynamic, mellifluous engine that’s ready for everything the Murano’s soft, comfortable suspension tune can throw at it–and more.
A single transmission option underpins the full Murano range: a continuously variable transmission, or CVT. The CVT is simple to use: just put it in drive and go. Unlike some of Nissan’s other models, the CVT in the Murano gets no programmed simulated gear points for more aggressive acceleration.
Steering in the Murano is responsive, and the ride absorbs road irregularities with ease. On the whole, it’s a pleasant, easy-going machine, day in and day out.
If you’re so inclined, the Murano can also be tasked with light towing duty, up to a maximum of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

See more 2014 Nissan Murano pictures

The Murano’s cabin is comfortable, especially in the front row, where the seats are adjustable for a wide range of body types and sizes, though head room is reduced a bit by the sunroof. Second-row seating is also short on head room, and the rear bench’s height can seem too low for taller adults. Behind the second row, there’s not as much cargo space as you might expect. Like the lack of second-row head room, these shortages are largely a result of the curvy exterior shape. Further hindering the utility of the cargo area is a high cargo floor and irregular shape to the space, even with the rear seats folded forward.
Last year, the Murano added a range of optional, new active safety systems, including blind spot warning, moving object detection, and lane departure warning. The four-trim Murano model range spans a similarly wide range of equipment and pricing. The higher-end SL and LE models offer a premium, almost luxury-class feel, but carry a price tag to match. The more affordable S and SV models cut some corners, but still offer a good base spec of features. All models get power windows, locks, and mirrors; climate control; and an audio system with AM/FM/CD head unit. Optional upgrades include a Bose audio system; heated steering wheel; navigation; Bluetooth; and a rearview camera.
Nissan’s oddest duck, the Murano-based CrossCabriolet two-door convertible crossover, carries forward for the 2014 model year, too, now offered in one well-equipped model.
Credit: Nissan Cars

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