VQ's still tops
Perhaps one of the most used engine pseudonyms in the car business (along with VR and LS), Nissan's VQ series of engines has long garnered accolades regardless of its displacement. The latest carries a 37 but the Murano's is a 35. This means that this V6 has 3.5 litres of volume. With a healthy 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, this motor continues to impress. Although I was surprised by the Volvo XC60’s 3.2L I6 from the previous week (see my review here), the VQ felt downright explosive by comparison.

Although the V6 is quite alive, Nissan’s perfected Xtronic CVT autobox has a huge role to play. Like many of you, I enjoy “shift-shock” and again, although a little slow, the XC60’s 6-speed automatic did a fine job of distributing engine energy. Once in the Murano, I felt like I was in the future; this ‘box is so responsive, immediate in its action that it makes gears irrelevant.

Road worthiness
When it comes to the powertrain, Nissan has got it where it counts. This then blends well with the Murano’s sporty nature where the drive is concerned. This sport cross-activity family utility vehicle knows little about a plush cushioned ride. The Murano is tautly sprung and mated as it was to 20” wheels, rough roads are best when avoided.

With a healthy 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, this motor continues to impress.

However, this Nissan pioneer crossover loves smooth pavement on which it excels with stability and grip. In my two weeks with the Murano, it faced snow, ice, sleet, dry cold tarmac and everything in between. These conditions allowed me to realistically test out Nissan’s Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system which can distribute up to 50% of engine power to the rear, 100% in the front. Not once did I feel that the vehicle came up short.

As for brakes and steering, the turning radius is large-ish and the brake pedal is firm and positive. The Murano is a fine driving crossover.

Oy! The competition!
As tested, the $49,083 Murano finds itself smack-dab in the middle of a war. I can’t completely enumerate its competition but with the likes of the Audi Q5, Infiniti EX35, BMW X3, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX and so many more, Nissan’s offering has more than its work cut out for it.

Even if the Murano is a competent vehicle overall, I fear that, in its price range, it will rarely come out on top.



Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert