• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Sporty Crossover: 2015 Nissan Murano

Sporty Crossover: 2015 Nissan Murano

August 20, 2015 by admin 7 Comments

2015 Nissan MuranoThere are no lack of SUVs on the market and Nissan itself is well represented. From its diminutive Juke to its burly Armada, there is something for everyone — six lines of utility vehicles to choose from.

A Nissan Murano was a recent weekly driver, a five-passenger midsize crossover SUV. It is the car-based alternative to the rugged Nissan Xterra SUV and is situated between the compact Rogue and the larger Pathfinder in the Nissan pecking order.

Four Grades and All-Wheel Drive

The 2015 Nissan Murano is priced from $29,560 (S edition) and is available in three other grades: SV ($32,620), SL ($36,950) and Platinum ($39,000). All-wheel drive adds approximately $1,500 to the price. Choose a top-of-the-line AWD model with the technology package and 20-inch chrome wheels and you’ll pay north of $45,000 for this vehicle.

A Murano SL FWD model was the specific model tested and the $2,260 technology package was added, bringing its final price to $40,095. That package brought in a power panoramic moonroof, intelligent (adaptive) cruise control, forward collision alert and forward emergency braking. The safety side of the package will give you enough of a taste of autonomous driving to help you understand where the industry is going. Furthermore, you can also turn off the nanny controls should you tire of the incessant warnings.

2015 Nissan Murano

Murano: A Matter of Style

Polarizing describes the styling of not a few Nissan vehicles, with the Juke and the now-retired Cube amplifying that design boldness. The Murano also disjoins itself from the expected styling convention, delivering a visage that is at once sporty and controversial.

But there is an intrinsic allurement in the Murano that shouldn’t easily be dismissed. This model introduced a new design direction for Nissan’s larger models, what is also now evident in the 2016 Maxima.

What you have is a strikingly pronounced front fascia marked by an upswept grille will an oversized U-shaped bar. The sleek headlamps are accented by wing-shaped LED daytime running lights that emphasize a vehicle that appears to always be in motion. Arched lines dominate the sporty lower grille opening. Distinctive fog lights are found near the lower grille opening as well.


See Also — Return of the Chevrolet Blazer


Chiseled lines on the hood, along the profile and to the rear hatchback advance the Murano’s distinctive look. Curvilinear lines run from the hood to the rear deck and also from wheelbase to wheelbase at the rocker panels. The look of the former shapes the window outlines, the latter mien accents the Murano’s muscular demeanor.

To the rear are wing-shaped tail and LED lights that flow from the hatch to the profile. A rear spoiler, rear fog lights and oversized exhaust finishers complete the appearance. Some may find the Murano’s countenance appealing while others may be entirely put off by the contentious expression.

2015 Nissan Murano


2015 Nissan Murano

View manufacturer details and pricing


2015 Nissan Murano

A generously apportioned cabin provides excellent room for five. There is no lack of head, shoulder, hip or leg room anywhere.The cabin projects a clear upscale aura, with chrome accents, leather seat covers, ambient lighting, heated and cooled front seats, dual zone climate control, and a Bose audio system standard with the SL edition.

The instrument panel is marked by a pair of analog displays, tachometer and speedometer, surrounding a digital driver’s information center. Steering wheel-mounted climate and auxiliary controls are found on the leather-wrapped wheel.

An 8-inch color display dominates the center stack, offering a gateway to the NissanDirect telematics system for climate, media and navigation controls. Voice, touchscreen access as well as nearby switches and knobs control these systems. Additional switches and knobs underneath as well as USB ports, a 12-volt outlet and an auxiliary audio port are also present.

2015 Nissan Murano

Between the seats is the transmission shifter, two cup holders and a covered compartment that can house your smartphone. A luxuriant, padded storage compartment between the seats, indoor pockets and a deep glove box are among the storage compartments present. This model also came with a panoramic automatic sliding moonroof, a tilt and telescopic steering column, stainless steel kick plates, and eight cargo area tie-down hooks and rings are also present.

Speaking of the cargo area, it is huge and much more so with the rear seat folded. For a vacationing family, there is ample room behind the second-row seat. For people seeking yard sale finds, the area is cavernous. That sideboard you have in mind just may fit with a little maneuvering on your part.

On the Road

The Nissan Murano offers satisfactory off the line acceleration and ample passing power. It is the same engine found in the Maxima, but it is tuned to 260 horsepower versus 300 for the 2016 Maxima. Nevertheless, there was no stress with this crossover and the CVT performed as well in the Murano as it did in the Maxima.

Handling equals that of other models in this segment — nothing exciting, but a curious lack of torque steer considering that the test model was front-wheel drive, not the available all-wheel drive. Braking is firm and far from the mushy feeling you may experience with some ponderous SUVs.

2015 Nissan Murano

Top Safety Pick+ Recipient

On the safety side of matters the 2015 Nissan Murano garnered a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the trustworthy Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS gave the Murano its highest scores in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seat tests. The Murano also scored “superior” in front crash testing with its available equipment.

Besides the usual suite of airbags, traction control, stability control, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, the Murano offers such safety features as blind sport warning, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, moving object detection, a 180-degree rearview camera, and other features. Together, these safety features make the Murano one of the best in its class.

2015 Nissan Murano

Concluding Matters

The Nissan Murano provides the styling flair, comfort, upscale accouterments, and the safety factors that many people prize. A nicely loaded model can be had for about $35,000, putting it in competition with the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and the Jeep Cherokee. The Nissan SUV lineup is a strong one with the Juke, Rogue, Xterra, Pathfinder, and Armada also available.

To sum up, the Nissan Murano delivers much of what a small family or empty nesters may want. It is a versatile vehicle and with its limited towing capacity (1,500 pounds) it can pull a skiff as well.

2015 Nissan Murano


2015 Nissan Murano SL FWD

  • Sticker price from $36,950
  • Price as tested: $40,095
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 3.5-liter 24-valve gasoline engine
  • 260 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 240 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM
  • 3.78 inches bore by 3.19 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.3-to-1
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
  • Length: 192.8 inches
  • Width: 75.4 inches
  • Height: 66.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: 108.1
  • Storage volume: 39.6/69.9 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
  • EPA: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 19 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,847 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Canton, Miss.

See Also — Refreshed 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Takes a Bow

2015 Nissan Murano photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 CARS, all-wheel drive, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION, crossover, front-wheel drive, NissanConnect, SUV, TELEMATICS, V-6 ENGINE

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. SUV Rising: 2017 Nissan Rogue says:
    February 25, 2017 at 10:25 am

    […] find a manual gearbox with the Juke, a subcompact model slotted beneath the Rogue. Check out the Murano if you need more interior room and prefer V6 […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Second Look: 2016 Nissan Maxima says:
    March 25, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    […] will appeal to sedan shoppers who want a premium model, while some may end up considering the Murano, a similar-sized crossover SUV with generous storage […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. Strike a Pose: Nissan Rogue — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    January 25, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    […] Japanese brand sells in North America. The Juke is the smallest of the lot, followed by the Rogue, Murano and Pathfinder. The Xterra — a midsize traditional body-on-frame SUV — was retired at the end […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. The Premium Nissan Maxima Sedan says:
    May 17, 2019 at 7:10 am

    […] LaCrosse. Finally, if a crossover is still your thing, we suggest you begin your search with the Nissan Murano, a midsize model with room for […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Behind the Wheel of a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder says:
    August 13, 2019 at 8:04 am

    […] fits neatly into the utility vehicle universe. It is one of two midsize offerings — the Murano with its two rows and room for five is the other choice. At the top of the SUV universe is the […]

    Log in to Reply
  6. Buying Guide: 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    November 18, 2019 at 8:17 am

    […] Cargo space measures 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Drop down the rear seat and storage capacity is 68.3 cubic feet. This places the Grand Cherokee squarely between the Ford Edge and Chevrolet Blazer, and just ahead of the Nissan Murano. […]

    Log in to Reply
  7. Wham! Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    April 30, 2020 at 7:17 am

    […] area, however, had remained unserved until now – the two-row midsize market. For years, the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge dominated the niche, but since then Buick, Chevrolet, Honda, and others jumped in. […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover

Recent Comments

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Class Act: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2020 Toyota Sienna
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand — Auto Trends Magazine on Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
  • 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
August 2015
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Jul   Sep »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in