2011 Nissan Murano Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

Just so you know, we loved the previous Nissan Murano. The 2011 Nissan Murano disappoints, however, failing to live up to, let alone improve on, the previous car. The styling, ride-and-handling and engine performance are all lacklustre.

2011 Nissan Murano quick specs

Body Style	SUV
Class	Large Luxury Utility
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Nissan Murano ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

You see, the previous Nissan Murano was futuristic and cool. But the current, second-generation Nissan Murano is distinctive at best, or weird at worst. The highlight of the previous Nissan Murano, its unique, handsome grille, made way for a frankly ugly front end. So, while it still looks bold and different, the 2011 Nissan Murano's styling is not going to win it many fans. Not us at least.

Handling

The 2011 Nissan Murano is most suited for driving on straight roads, because it tends to wallow on twisty roads, leaning heavily and feeling very clumsy the whole time. Not helping is the numb steering which lacks feedback. The chassis grips on well enough, but the overall dynamic experience feels underwhelming compared to how certain rival luxury SUVs drive. Borrowed from the Nissan X-Trail, the permanent four-wheel-drive system is not designed for serious off-roading. So, the 2011 Nissan Murano is no off-roader, either.

Comfort

Despite the soft suspension, the ride is not as forgiving as you might expect over surfaces irregularities. Larger bumps and potholes bring out a fidgety, crashy ride. Contrary to the ride quality, refinement is excellent at cruising speeds, with any engine, road and wind noise kept in the background effectively. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is easy, thanks to the multi-adjustable driver's seat and the two-way adjustable steering. Controls are logically laid out and clearly labelled, ensuring at-a-glance navigation. The only blemish is the poor rear visibility due to the hefty rear pillars.

Quality + Reliability

The 2011 Nissan Murano's cabin is modern and classy, constructed to a high fit-and-finish standard. Materials used are suitably premium, too, while the switchgear operates with precision. But such cabin quality is only expected, given the 2011 Nissan Murano's price tag and luxury aspirations. Nissan has a superb reliability record, so the underlying mechanicals should remain trouble-free in the longer term.

Performance

The drivetrain features a 3.5-litre V6, a detuned version of the engine used in the Nissan 350Z, mated to a CVT automatic gearbox. Although having 256 bhp at 6000 rpm and 336 Nm at 4400 rpm, the on-road performance is far below what the engine is capable of. Why? First of all, the 2011 Nissan Murano's considerable weight takes some hauling. Second, the peak torque arrives late at 4400 rpm. Lastly and more crucially, the CVT gearbox prevents revs from building up on too many occasions. A pity, because the V6 engine is powerful, smooth and sounds great.

Roominess

Despite having similar dimensions as the Volvo XC90, the 2011 Nissan Murano only has two rows of seats. That, however, ensures that five adults can be seated in true comfort, with plenty of head- and leg-room. Cabin storage areas and cupholders are not lacking, either. The 402-litre boot space is not great by class standards, although it can be expanded to 838 litres at the tug of a lever, which folds the rear seats, leaving a large flat loading area.

Running Costs

The official fuel economy stands at 9.2 km/litre—not great but better than before. Servicing and repairs should be cheaper than for luxury SUV rivals. The Nissan Murano, being in short supply, should keep resale prices respectable, despite the lack of a premium badge rivals wear.

Value for Money

The previous Nissan Murano was a darling. It looked stylish and felt futuristic, and despite its flaws and high pricing, Nissan was almost right on the money, producing a charming SUV that felt premium. The 2011 Nissan Murano, however, fails to measure up to, let alone improve on, the previous car. In particular, the ride-and-handling, engine performance and of course styling are very disappointing. All in all, the 2011 Nissan Murano is not a car in danger of ever becoming mainstream.

Equipment

Standard equipment includes automatic bi-xenon headlamps, 18" aluminium alloy wheels, steering wheel with cruise control, electric front seats, rear view monitor, Bose sound system (In-dash 6-CD changer, AUX input, MP3, WMA), leather upholstery, glass sunroof, one-touch power windows, electric liftgate, and auto flip-up rear seats. Safety equipment comprises front, side and curtain SRS airbags, seatbelt pretensioner, active head restraints, ABS with EBD and BA, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Environment

The 2011 Nissan Murano's 9.2 km/litre fuel economy and 261 grams/km carbon dioxide emissions are better than before. But fitting a 3.5-litre V6 engine into a heavy SUV has its consequences, and the environment, along with your wallet, will bear the brunt. To be fair, some luxury SUV rivals may be “greener,” but not by much.

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2011 Nissan Murano Review

2011 Nissan Murano at a glance