Since its introduction in 2003, the Nissan Murano has been noted for its sporty design and capable handling. And the 2009 model has improved still more with increased feature refinements and upgraded performance abilities.
The new Murano is a five-passenger, midsize crossover SUV that's available in both front or all-wheel drive and in three trim levels: S, SL and LE.
Even the entry level S is very well equipped, with uplevel standard features that include all power accessories, 18 inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, telescoping steering wheel, split/folding rear seat, trip computer, six-speaker sound system, a six-disc CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up to the SL adds a power driver seat, power return rear seats (return to upright, if lowered, at the touch of a button), privacy glass, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls.
Standard features of the top-of-the-line LE include leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, power driver and passenger front seats, 20 inch alloy wheels, rear power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless ignition/entry, roof rails, automatic xenon headlights, pop-up cargo area organizer, an upgraded Bose audio system, satellite radio, iPod integration, rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Most LE features are available for the SL in several option packages. Other options include a hard-drive navigation system, a dual-panel sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Murano Prices:
Nissan's sales have been week for over a year, along with most of the other carmakers. There's no question that dealers are struggling in this weak economy ... which means there are some extremely good deals to be had right now on a new Murano ... often below invoice prices, sometimes far below.
See the link towards the bottom of this article for exactly how to get the lowest price on a new Murano.
Powering all models of the Murano is a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, and is matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the LE is AWD only, the S and SL come as either a front or all-wheel drive.
The LE has been timed going from 0 to 60 mph in just 8 seconds. EPA gas mileage for both the FWD and AWD Murano is 18 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Standard safety features for all models include stability control, antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, active front head restraints, side airbags and side curtain airbags.
The combination of top-notch materials and excellent build quality may make one feel they are in a more luxury SUV. In addition, while a third-row seat is not an option on a Murano, a nice passenger plus is the abundance of room in the second row. There's also 64 cubic feet of available cargo space.
Lightweight aluminum pieces were used in the re-engineered suspension and an upgraded steering system has further enhanced the 2009 Murano's handling dynamics and responsiveness. Also added this year was a new predictive all-wheel-drive system (first introduced by the Nissan Rogue) which also has contributed to the improved agility.
Nissan also claims that a revised CVT, incorporating adaptive shift control software, has boosted the speed ratio changes by 30 percent, literally making the availability of a manual-shift mode unnecessary.
How To Buy A New Nissan Murano At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Murano, here's how to buy one at the lowest possible price, especially given the current slow auto sales environment.
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