The Murano is the SUV of SUVs that keeps all the members of the family happy and still doesn't sacrifice on performance. It's good-looking, practical and extremely reliable making it an essential car to check out before buying a new SUV. Plus, it has the added benefit of being cost-effective in the long run and has a higher resale value than most of its rivals.

Currently, there's a chance that your favorite supercar maker is trying to build a hilariously expensive and frighteningly fast SUV way out of your league. If things keep going like this, even Rolls Royce would be forced to rip apart a Phantom and make an SUV out of it. So who's gonna build a sensible people carrier to get on with your daily life? The 2017 Nissan Murano is at your service.

The 2017 Nissan Murano SUV comes with a capable 3.5 liter V6 enigne mated to a trusty CVT transmission pushing out 260 horses and 240 lb-ft of torque. This means that it can now keep up with the best of what Uncle Sam has to offer to the midsize SUV world and truth be told, he has a few good tricks up his sleeve.

For the average family looking for comfort and sufficient performance on errands and school runs, an AWD 'SV' trim would be more than enough with its long list of features and indestructible powertrain. However, if your annoying neighbor driving an Audi Q5 constantly keeps rubbing it in your face, go for the $41,210 'Platinum' AWD trim that manages to cram in every possible luxury feature available just to show that you are on par with that "gentleman".

2017 Nissan Murano SL

SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Earlier Price: $15,907 (23 Oct 2024)

Southeastern Automotive Group

2016 Nissan Murano S

S 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Earlier Price: $9,500 (15 Nov 2024)

2017 Nissan Murano SV

SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Earlier Price: $13,995 (8 Nov 2024)

2018 Nissan Murano SL

SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Earlier Price: $16,927 (18 Nov 2024)

2018 Nissan Murano Platinum

Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

2017 Nissan Murano SUV

Earlier Price: $9,995 (16 Nov 2024)

City Financial Cars LLC

2017 Nissan Murano User Reviews

Overall Rating: 3.5 (1 Reviews)

Mikeda Graham

2017 Nissan Murano

••3.5

Posted On: April 18, 2024

Nissan Murano (The Phantom)

Pros
Big enough for the family, It gets me around

Cons
[object Object]

My 2017 Nissan Murano is my best friend and lifesaver. It's excellent on gas. There's rearview camera gives me a better sense of direction. I use the cruise control for a more easier drive. The ride power performance very is comfortable and has a lot of features such as GPS navigation, sunroof for sunny days and taking a trip, car sensors and cameras on the passenger side mirror and driver mirro... Read more

2017 Nissan Murano Review

Pros

Impressive performance figures
Great ergonomics
Premium interior quality
Cheaper than rivals

Cons

Uninspiring CVT Transmission
Dull to drive
Poor steering feedback
Limited rear visibility

Overview

Pricing and Features
6.0/10

The 2017 Nissan Murano comes in four different trims and each trim is available with optional Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) powertrains. The line-up starts off with the Murano S priced at $29,770 (FWD) or $31,370(AWD), the 'SV' at $32,970 (FWD) or $34,570 (AWD), 'SL' at $37,300 (FWD) or $39,900 (AWD) and the 'Platinum' trim at $39,610 (FWD) or $41,210 (AWD). Here is a detailed list of options and features you get in each trim.

Trim	S	SL	SV	Platinum
MSRP (FWD)	$30,735	$38,125	$33,795	$40,175
MSRP (AWD)	$32,335	$39,725	$35,395	$41,775
Key features	18-inch alloy wheels	Bose audio system	Navigation package	20-inch alloy wheels
	LED running lights	SV's optional Driver Assistance package	Power-adjustable front seats	Power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel
	Rear privacy glass	Heated side mirrors	Remote engine start	LED headlights
	Keyless entry and ignition	Driver seat/mirror memory settings	Leather-wrapped steering wheel	Additional memory settings
	Cruise control	Leather upholstery	Roof rails	Heated and ventilated front seats
	Dual-zone automatic climate control	Heated front seats	Foglights	Heated outboard rear seats
	Automatic headlights	Ambient interior lighting		Power-folding rear seats.
	Rearview camera	Power liftgate
	7-inch color touchscreen interface
	Smartphone app integration (including Siri Eyes Free voice command)

We recommend

Engine and Performance
8.0/10

Nissan made the clever choice of ditching those boring 2-liter four-bangers you see in every other SUV these days for a proper 3.5 Liter V6 available with 2017 Nissan Murano, that makes a healthy 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The only downside is that it works with a conservative CVT transmission fit for an insurance clerk who can't tell the difference between a GT-R and a Maxima. But if you aren't a petrol-head and wouldn't bother yourself about perfectly-timed gear shifts, the new CVT will suit you just fine.

Models	Nissan Murano S	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Chevrolet Traverse 1SM	Dodge Durango SXT
MSRP	$29,770	$31,490	$29,595	$29,995
Engine	3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6	3.6L, Naturally Aspirated Pentastar V6	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT	3.6L, Naturally Aspirated Pentastar V6
Drivetrain	FWD	RWD	FWD	RWD
Transmission	CVT w/OD	8-Speed Automatic w/OD	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic w/OD
Power	260 hp @ 6,000 rpm	293 hp @ 6,400 rpm	281 hp @ 6,300 rpm	293 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque	240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	266 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

The competitors are all equipped with slightly bigger V6 motors making a few more ponies but the Murano doesn't exactly fall at the back of the pack and you'll find out why in the next section. It is also one of the cheapest offerings in this segment and is on par with the likes of the Chevy Traverse and Dodge Durango. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango are the most powerful in this comparision with 293 hp.

2017 Nissan Murano 0-60 mph Acceleration Performance

Normally you would get into a Nissan Murano and expect to be passed on the highway by anything on four wheels but the case is certainly different here as this new model accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 7.3 seconds and will ultimately finish the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds.

Models	Nissan Murano	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Chevrolet Traverse	Dodge Durango
0-60 MPH	7.8 sec	7.9 sec	8.1 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter mile	16.1 sec	16.0 sec	16.4 sec	15.9 sec
Engine	3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6	3.6L, Naturally Aspirated Pentastar V6	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT	3.6L, Naturally Aspirated Pentastar V6
Top Speed	141 mph	135 mph	132 mph	139 mph

The figures clearly indicate that the 2017 Nissan Murano is quicker than the Chevrolet Traverse and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Murano also manages to match the Durango in the 0-60 mph sprint. Also, it is quicker than the Chevy on the quarter-mile drag strip but is only a few milliseconds slower than the other two SUVs.

2017 Nissan Murano's Braking Performance

A significant upside that contributes to the performance and safety of the 2017 Nissan Murano is the braking system that does its job fairly well. The brakes in the front are 12.6-inch and the ones in the rear are 12.1-inch in diameter. It can get to a full stop from 60 mph in just 119 feet which puts it almost on par with the competition.

Model	Nissan Murano	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Chevrolet Traverse	Dodge Durango
Brake Front (in)	12.6	13.0	12.8	13.0
Brake Rear (in)	12.1	13.0	13.0	13.0
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,769	4,545	4,713	4,913
60-0 MPH (ft)	119	116	120	124

The braking distance of the Nissan Murano is right up there amongst the best and as it also manages to beat the Chevrolet Traverse and the Dodge Durango. Only the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a shorter stopping distance than the Murano, in a panic braking situation.

Has the Ride and Handling of the 2017 Nissan Murano improved?

The performance figures might suggest that the Murano rides like a European hot hatch whenever you push it but in reality, it rides like any other tame SUV that gives you enough power when you need it and enough calm and quiet when you don't. The CVT used here is a very efficient one but doesn't guarantee Patrol-like excitement on the freeway.

The heated steering is a little dull but it tries its best to give you necessary feedback via the electrical systems onboard. As long as you don't expect a corner-hugging sports-car out of it, the very comfortable and smooth ride this new Nissan provides is more appreciable than you might think.

What is the towing capacity of the 2017 Nissan Murano?

The Nissan Murano has a total towing capacity of only 1,499 lbs which is below par with the competition. The lack of power and torque of the engine is clearly felt in this regard as all other SUVs in the segment offer at least twice the capacity as that of the Nissan Murano.

Model	Nissan Murano	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Chevrolet Traverse	Dodge Durango
Capacity (lbs)	1,499	3,500	5,200	6,200

The 2017 Nissan Murano is the sore loser here as its nearest competitor, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, also offers more than twice its capacity. The Dodge Durango on the other hand offers more than four times the capacity of Murano at 6,200 lbs, while the Chevy Traverse is placed second with a 1,000 lbs lower capacity than the Dodge Durango.

Fuel Economy
6.1/10

Being lighter and efficient clearly has its perks in the fuel economy department and that's exactly why the new 2017 Nissan Murano can give a combined 24 miles to the gallon, making it the most fuel-efficient car in its segment. In the city, expect around 21 mpg and out on the highways, expect an average of 28 mpg as per the EPA. The small 19-gallon gas tank means that the driving rage has to suffer and it can be driven for only about 450 miles before having to refuel.

Model	Nissan Murano	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Chevrolet Traverse	Dodge Durango
MPG (city)	21	19	15	19
MPG (highway)	28	26	22	26
MPG (combined)	24	21	18	21
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal	24.6 gal	22.0 gal	24.6 gal
Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles)	399 / 532 / 456	467 / 640 / 517	330 / 484 / 396	467 / 640 / 517

There is no competition to the Japanese fuel efficiency and that is evident here as well. The Durango and the Grand Cherokee have similar fuel efficiency but offer a large fuel tank and hence have the longest driving range in this comparison. The Chevy Traverse is the least efficient SUV here and despite offering a larger fuel tank than the Murano, has a lower driving range.

Interior
9.0/10

Once you get inside this Nissan, you are greeted by a very smooth and flowing dash fitted with an 8-inch infotainment screen due to which it doesn't house an awful number of buttons like the older models. The materials used are surprisingly top-notch and could also be on par with something like a Lexus. The Nissan Murano's interior is highly ergonomic design of the dash also ensures that everything is well within the reach of the driver.

The Murano can drive around 5 people at a time and provides great comfort. The broad seats do the job of providing maximum back and thigh support to the passengers. To further boost the amount of convenience in the interior, there is also a Driver's Memory System in which you can save the seating position, height, and temperature most suitable to you.

Model	Nissan Murano	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Chevrolet Traverse	Dodge Durango
Passenger capacity	5	5	8	6
Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)	39.9 / 59.6 / 40.5	39.9 / 58.7 / 40.3	40.4 / 61.5 / 41.3	39.9 / 58.5 / 40.3
Second Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)	39.8 / 58.9 / 38.6	39.2 / 58.0 / 38.6	39.4 / 61.0 / 36.8	39.8 / 50.4 / 38.6
Third Row ( Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)	N/A	N/A	37.8 / 57.5 / 33.2	37.8 / 50.4 / 31.5

The Chevrolet Traverse and the Dodge Durango interior, both offer seating for 8 and 6 occupants respectively, while the other two can only seat 5. Amongst the first two rows, the Nissan Murano offers the most balanced space for both the front and rear seats. Some of the interior features in the new Nissan Murano are:

8-way power driver seat
4-way power front passenger seat
Climate-Controlled Front Bucket Seats
Leather-Appointed Seat Trim
60-40 Folding Split-Bench Rear Seat
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Heated Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away
Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
Memory Settings for Door Mirrors and Steering Wheel

How is the 2017 Nissan Murano’s infotainment system?

The upgraded Nissan Connect Infotainment system does wonders in controlling the car's audio/video and mobile connectivity features. It comes with Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard and an 8-inch color display to keep up with whatever's happening in your car. The Nissan Navigation system can also be operated via this screen which can also be configured in the "Advanced Drive-Assist Display" mode as well.

What's more is that you have the usual Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, and a premium Bose sound system to play your favorite track in high-quality sound. You could say that the new Murano is packed with all the necessary features for a car of this era and that it also boosts the usability of those very features to new levels.

8-inch NissanConnect Infotainment screen
9-speaker Bose audio system plus dual subwoofer
SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD radio
Bluetooth connectivity for the hands-free phone system and streaming audio
SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Traffic Link
Advanced Drive-Assist Display
Voice recognition

How much is the 2017 Nissan Murano’s Cargo capacity?

In direct comparison to its rivals, it may be observed that the Murano has lower cargo capacity but you must take into consideration that it is on the smaller side. The Murano still offers a healthy 32.1 cu-ft of cargo space behind its rear seat while folding it uncovers a 67 cu-ft of cargo space. So for a car of its size, the boot space is pretty much sufficient.

Model	Nissan Murano	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Chevrolet Traverse	Dodge Durango
Behind Third Row (cu-ft)	NA	N/A	24.4	17.2
With the Third Row folded (cu-ft)	32.1	36.3	70.3	47.7
With Second Row folded (cu-ft)	67.0	68.3	116.3	84.5

The Chevrolet Traverse offers a massive cargo capacity, thanks to its large dimensions and the additional row of seats. The Durango offers plenty of space while the Grand Cherokee has a marginally larger cargo carrying capacity of 84.5 cu.ft with second row seats folded, than the Murano.

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2017 Nissan Murano exterior design quite attractive and has a menacing stance which reflects its size and power. Nissan's famed Zone Body construction keeps the drivers safe during an unavoidable collision via designated crumple zones and reinforced chassis portions. This system has the added benefit of being extremely lightweight in comparison to its rivals and we can all appreciate it as soon as we take a look at how little the Murano weighs.

Tipping the scales at just 3769 lbs, this Japanese boy is the most lightweight car here and that weight is sculpted in fluidic and futuristic lines that give rise to a very handsome machine that is the Murano. It may not be as retro cool-ish as a Dodge Durango but it is a stylish little SUV you wouldn't mind staring at for a while in the parking lot.

Model	Nissan Murano	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Chevrolet Traverse	Dodge Durango
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,769	4,545	4,713	4,913
Length (in)	192.4	189.8	203.7	201.2
Width (in)	75.4	76.5	78.5	75.8
Height (in)	66.6	68.1	69.9	70.9
Ground Clearance (in)	6.9	8.6	7.2	8.1
Wheelbase (in)	111.2	114.7	120.9	119.8
Track Width (in) F/R	64.6 / 64.6	63.9 / 64.1	67.3 / 67.0	63.9 / 64.1

The Chevrolet Traverse and the Dodge Durango are considerably larger than the Nissan in all aspects of dimensions. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is larger, which makes the Nissan Murano the most compact car here. It also has the lowest ground clearance as the top honors go to the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Safety
9.3/10

There are a staggering number of class-leading safety features which you wouldn't have even heard of in the new Murano. From its special Zone Body construction that protects the passengers in case of a collision to the Vehicle Dynamic Control that prevents any under-steer and overt-steer, it truly is one of the safest SUVs you can buy. The NHTSA hasn’t crash-tested the new Nissan Murano, but the IIHS has awarded it with the prestigious ‘Top Safety Pick’ which is the second-best award any vehicle could get in their crash tests.

Forward Collision Mitigation and Rear Collision Warning
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Brake Distribution
7 Standard Airbags
Nissan Intelligent Mobility System
Energy Absorbing Steering Column
Around View Monitor w/360-degree Cameras
Moving Object Detection Back-Up Camera
Blind Spot Warning System

Competition
7.0/10

Nissan Murano vs Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee was conceived in 1992 when the engineers at Jeep thought that their off-road capabilities were not yet on display in a sensible Chrysler product. Now you can be grateful for that decision because the Grand Cherokee is the most performance-oriented SUV out there that isn't a pain in the back to live with.

The Laredo starts off at a price of $30,395 and houses a Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 from the Challenger that makes 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Since it has the off-road reputation of Jeep to protect, it can take on any terrain you throw at it and when things go back to normal on a regular stretch of tarmac, it will transport you in very satisfying levels of comfort and luxury. Too bad the Murano isn't very useful on rough terrain.

Nissan Murano vs Chevrolet Traverse LS

The new Chevrolet Traverse is probably the only SUV here that works with the same principles as the Nissan Murano. Sensibility, comfort, and efficiency are the keywords that define this Chevy, and this new model sticks to them unlike any of its American cousins. It's been a bestseller SUV since the day it was released and to make the Jap even more nervous, it has more oomph on and off-road much like a baby Tahoe.

It's slightly more expensive than the Murano at $34,100 and underneath, it has a 281 hp, 3.5 liter V6 that makes the most amount of torque in its segment at 266 lb-ft. In terms of comfort, it ticks all the right boxes with a laundry list of high-tech features and decent build quality. The looks maybe a little "Plain Jane" but some prefer its slightly more boxy shape over the fluidic lines of the Murano. It's all a matter of perspective.

Nissan Murano vs Dodge Durango SXT

The bad boy of the sensible SUV scene is obviously the new Dodge Durango that borrows the engine and performance of the Challenger only to mash it up with off-road talent and awe-inspiring levels of comfort. This big brute may be a handful for some but it's a fan favorite of muscle car enthusiasts who unfortunately had to settle for an SUV.

It starts off at $29,995 and houses the familiar 3.6 liter Pentastar motor that makes 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque just like the Grand Cherokee. If you're a man's man who can't take the humiliation of driving a regular SUV, take the Durango out for a test drive and you won't be disappointed. (Just don't make it go around corners too quickly).

Final Verdict

The 2017 Nissan Murano is the SUV of SUVs that keeps all the members of the family happy and still doesn't sacrifice on performance. It's good-looking, practical, and extremely reliable making it an essential car to check out before buying a new SUV. Plus, it has the added benefit of being cost-effective in the long run and has a higher resale value than most of its rivals.

To answer the questions put forth at the beginning of this review, the Murano is still a joy to drive every day and people won't judge you for being a spoilt brat either unlike those one-percenters who will be hated for buying Cullinans and Bentaygas that cost more than most public houses. Don't worry, one day you'll get there too but for now, stick with the brilliant Nissan Murano.

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Nissan Murano (The Phantom)

ProsBig enough for the family, It gets me around

Cons [object Object]

2017 Nissan Murano Review

Pros

Cons

Overview

Pricing and Features6.0/10

Engine and Performance8.0/10

2017 Nissan Murano 0-60 mph Acceleration Performance

2017 Nissan Murano's Braking Performance

Has the Ride and Handling of the 2017 Nissan Murano improved?

What is the towing capacity of the 2017 Nissan Murano?

Fuel Economy6.1/10

Interior9.0/10

How is the 2017 Nissan Murano’s infotainment system?

How much is the 2017 Nissan Murano’s Cargo capacity?

Exterior8.0/10

Safety9.3/10

Competition7.0/10

Nissan Murano vs Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Nissan Murano vs Chevrolet Traverse LS

Nissan Murano vs Dodge Durango SXT

Final Verdict

Saved Cars

Pros
Big enough for the family, It gets me around

Cons
[object Object]

Pricing and Features
6.0/10

Engine and Performance
8.0/10

Fuel Economy
6.1/10

Interior
9.0/10

Exterior
8.0/10

Safety
9.3/10

Competition
7.0/10