2006 Nissan Murano SL
Susan Frissell
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The ride of choice for a recent trip down to New Orleans to help victims of Hurricane Katrina was the 2006 Nissan Murano SL. A nice riding midsize SUV, Murano made the trip pleasurable and fast.
A "Sculpture in Motion," Murano somewhat resembles its cousin the Infiniti FX35/FX45 luxury SUV. Less upscale, more modest and a tad more comfortable, Murano is easier to take on a day-to-day driving basis. We found the FX35/45 harder to see out of, although prefer its more seductive shape.
For 2006, Nissan has added two new exterior colors (Sunset Red, Brilliant Silver).
A choice of Front-Wheel-Drive or All-Wheel-Drive, a new navigation system available with revised graphic interface, new menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System with dual stage supplemental front air bags, with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor.
The '06 Murano is also equipped with front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, a roof-mounted curtain, and side impact/rollover supplemental bags. Airbags for front and rear outboard protection are also standard, as are an Advanced Air Bag System.
Nissan has given the Murano an all-new wheel design, restyled front grille, brushed aluminum rear bumper protector, a roof rail on the SE model, chrome accent side sills on SL and SE, and a lower front bumper with integrated LED rear combo lamps.
Murano's standard LCD is 7-inch with color display, and the audio system comes with mp3 capability. Driver instrumentation panel has been enhanced, and the steering wheel controls (standard on SL, SE AWD and SE 2WD) illuminated for better visibility at night.
| SPECS |
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| Engine | 3.5-liter DOHC, 245 horsepower, 246 lb. ft. torque |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVVT automatic |
| Drive | CVT front engine automatic with AWD or CVT front engine with FWD |
| Brakes | Antilock brakes |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in. |
| Height | 66.5 in. |
| Weight | 3,993 lbs. (SL) |
| Width | 74 in. |
| Length | 187.6 in. |
| Tires | P235/65R18 |
| Wheels | 18" 5-spoke aluminum alloy (standard on SL AWD) |
| EPA Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.7 gal. |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs. |
| Assembled | Kyushu, Japan |
One of the features we like best is the RearView Monitor, standard on the SL and SE versions. We quickly became accustomed to the monitor whenever we put the Murano into reverse. It just feels like extra protection; another set of eyes.
Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter, 245 horsepower engine with 246 lb. ft. torque. The SUV is coupled with Nissan's Xtronic CVT (continuous variable transmission) which offers seamless, imperceptible shifting.
The Murano rode well, delivered decent fuel economy and accommodated four people comfortably. The second row seat passengers both commented on how comfortable the seating was, including a generous amount of leg and headroom. This is no small feat, as there were four women riding in the Murano, all accompanied with the expected amount of junk.
Our test car came equipped with 2 packages, out of a possible seven. Our Murano SL sported the new Leather Package which includes the Premium Package (4-way passenger seat, Dark Silver color on the lower rear bumper, roof rails, adjustable pedals, 225-watt Bose CD/mp3 capability and pre-wired for Satellite radio, cargo cover and cargo net), and of course, leather seating. Also included was the Sunroof package including the Premium Package features plus the sunroof.
We enjoyed being able to tune into Satellite radio and hear both the Indianapolis Colts game and Chicago Bears game on our way south. Murano's enhanced driver instrumentation made for improved day-and-nighttime visibility. The split/fold rear seats offer a reclining feature and remote flip down function making them very versatile and accommodating to all shapes and sizes. Both features can be set in motion by a release switch accessible from the cargo area.
Nissan has made extended use of aluminum in the new Murano. Rear A/C vents have been mounted on the B pillars shooting air throughout the rear cabin. A storage tray and bin have been added to the cargo floor for storing items out of site.
The Murano made Consumer Reports' "Obese Model Prediction" list receiving a "better than average" rating. This list ranks the vehicles from best to worst based on average predicted reliability scores.
The Murano is priced as follows: S 2WD: $27,600; SL 2WD: $29,150; S AWD: $29,200; SL AWD: $30,750; SE AWD $31,700.