Just as it did with the original, Nissan is taking some risks with the new Murano's styling. Bold and futuristic, the 2015 Murano's sporty and swoopy lines are highlighted by a "floating" roof that creates the illusion that the rear roof section is supported only by glass. Along with prominent chrome accents and distinctive winged headlights, the Murano brings a welcome dose of style to a class of vehicle that is still at its core about practicality. There is still plenty of practicality in the new Murano, though. It's a little bigger than last year's model, and the added space provides more room for passengers and their cargo. Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats also make their debut on the 2015 Murano. They provide great support for reduced fatigue on long drives, and in the Murano you get them not just for front occupants, but rear (outboard) passengers as well. All occupants are surrounded by quality materials and the latest in technology and safety features.
Nissan's three-row Pathfinder might offer more room for a similar price, but the Murano is certainly nicer. Nissan has softened the Murano's suspension tuning this year, biasing this crossover more for comfort than has been the case in the past. While the new Murano isn't as much fun to drive as before, the ride quality is certainly smooth and quiet. Largely unchanged are the Murano's 260-horsepower V6 engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), but fuel economy is better this year. That sole V6 might still be a small drawback if you want other options under the hood. Notably, the redesigned 2015 Ford Edge, which is the Murano's closest competitor, offers a range of engines that are either more fuel-efficient or more powerful. If you want some added off-road or towing ability, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be a better choice. Or, if you're willing to spend more money, you might also want to look at the 2015 Lexus RX 350 or 2015 Volkswagen Touareg. Overall, though, we like the newest Murano and its mix of style, practicality and luxury.
The previous-generation Murano wasn’t exactly a beauty-contest winner, so the fact that Nissan put a more down-to-earth styling into the 2015 model is more than welcomed. V-Motion front grille and boomerang-shaped headlamps and taillights. On the other hand, the apron is taller now and the hood slopes toward the grille at a smaller angle, making the vehicle bulkier than the concept. The same can be noticed around the back, where the diffuser-like section seen on the concept vehicle has been skipped, although the distinct, deep-sculpted lines are still in place. Overall, the new design is not overly spectacular, but the 2015 Murano is a massive improvement over the model it replaces. The seats might not be the first thing you notice when you hop in the Murano, but they will leave a lasting impression. Nissan calls them "Zero Gravity" seats because they are designed to contour to the position the body assumes in zero gravity. Here on 1-G Earth, we think they are among the finest seats on the market. They are especially supportive of the lower and mid back, and you'll find them both up front as well as for the two outboard rear seating positions.
The rest of the interior is also impressive. While we're not really sold on the woodlike trim, almost all of the other materials are soft to the touch and high in quality. The overall effect is certainly upscale, and the new Murano's larger size gives it an airy feeling. The Murano also gets Nissan's latest touchscreen interface. It is called Nissan Connect and it houses the available navigation system and offers smartphone app integration via owners' smartphones. We initially found the system had integration for just one app (Google search) but other Nissan models offer access to several apps, so improved functionality is sure to follow. When it's time to haul stuff, the 2015 Murano is up to the task, with 39.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 69.9 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded flat. Those cargo room figures are competitive with rivals like the Ford Edge and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
In an era when vehicle displays and controls deliver more confusion than contentment, the new Murano SUV's 7-inch customizable display flanked by massive, round tachometer and speedometer readouts and the available 8-inch multi-touch control display is a welcome departure. Flamboyant exterior designs, such as those for the 2015 Nissan Murano, can cut into interior space and usability; but that’s not the case here. Although this is a very eye-catching, different crossover on the outside, the automaker clearly used some restraint inside, as the cabin offers a lot of passenger space, reasonably good cargo versatility, and a quiet, refined ambiance all ‘round. The driving position is just right, and the rather low-set dash should allow even shorter drivers to feel comfortable in this model, while there’s plenty of headroom above, even for tall drivers with the available moonroof. We’re conflicted about the seats, for which Nissan uses the term Zero Gravity.
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