Review: 2010 Nissan Murano Features, Listed Prices, Invoice

The 2010 Nissan Murano is a class-leading crossover SUV that offers a smooth ride and capable handling, a high-quality interior with a spacious backseat, as well as its uniquely attractive and edgy exterior styling.

The new Murano sports the kind of drive and cabin one normally associates with its more upscale Infiniti cousins. And its powertrain is impressive thanks to the combination of a very good continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with quick reactions and an award-winning 3.5 liter V6 engine.

And additional features have been added for the 2010 model year. The top-of-the-line Murano LE model is now availalable with front-wheel drive after previously only being offered with all-wheel drive. All 2010 Murano models will now also come with standard keyless entry and keyless ignition. In addition, the Murano SL now comes standard with roof rails and a security system, while the LE has added a dual-panel sunroof as standard equipment.

Trims, Standard Features And Options:

The 2010 Nissan Murano is a five-passenger midsize SUV offered in three trims: S, SL and LE.

Even the base Murano S comes with many standard features more typical of uplevel vehicles, such as the keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a reclining rear seat, rear tinted glass, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 6-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Murano SL then adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, an 8-way power driver seat, power rear seatbacks, roof rails and foglights. There's also a Premium package for the SL which includes satellite radio, a 9-speaker Bose audio system with two subwoofers, a 7-inch color display screen, a rearview camera and an auto-dimming mirror.

Other packages for the SL include the Technology package which adds a power liftgate, dual heated mirrors, automatic bi-xenon headlights, Bluetooth and automatic wipers, while the the Leather package chips in with leather upholstery, driver power lumbar, heated front seats and a 4-way power passenger seat. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof is also an available stand-alone option for the SL.

The top-line and loaded Murano LE comes with all of the SL's optional packages plus heated rear seats, the panoramic sunroof, wood trim, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, 20-inch wheels and an iPod interface.

A Navigation package is offered on LE and SL models equipped with the Technology package and includes a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and digital music storage. It also replaces the 6-disc CD changer with a single-CD player. In addition, a DVD entertainment system is available on SLs with the Technology package (but without the panoramic sunroof because the unit is roof-mounted). There's also a headrest-mounted entertainment system for SL and LE trims.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering all 2010 Muranos is a very competent 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, and is mated with the CVT. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available on all models.

The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 2010 Murano comes in at an identical 18 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models.

Safety:

Standard safety features for all Murano trim levels include antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, stability control, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

In government crash tests, the 2010 Murano received five out of five stars for side-impact protection and four stars for frontal-impact protection.

Interior:

Clearly among its top attributes, the Murano has an Infiniti-like cabin with high-grade materials and excellent build quality. The interior is attractive, well designed and user-friendly, while both front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive.

Although not available with a third-row, passengers will appreciate the rear seat roominess with ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity, while adequate, comes in slightly below average for the segment at 64 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded.

Drive:

When it comes to midsize crossover SUVs, the 2010 Murano offers one of the more engaging driving experiences, thanks to its finely tuned suspension and responsive steering. And even while providing this higher performance level, the Murano still nicely handles roadbumps and rough spots for an overall smooth and quiet ride.

Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Murano Prices:

Nissan's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.

They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.

Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.

How To Buy A New Murano At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Nissan Murano, here's exactly how to buy one at the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.

Prices:

2010 Nissan Murano:

S, FWD: list price: $28,340, invoice price: $26,111
S, AWD: list price: $29,940, invoice price: $27,582

SL, FWD: list price: $30,460, invoice price: $28,061
SL, AWD: list price: $32,060, invoice price: $29,532

LE, FWD: list price: $37,110, invoice price: $34,177
LE, AWD: list price: $38,710, invoice price: $35,648

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