It’s set for an official debut in about two weeks at the L.A. auto show, but here’s an early peek at the 2009 Nissan Murano. We weren’t expecting big changes from Nissan’s midsize crossover and this prototype doesn’t appear that far removed from the current model. The overall shape and size is the same as the current model and even the wheels look familiar...
Expect to see bigger changes on the inside as the Murano’s interior has been one of its weak points for years now.
IMO, Nissan has a hard job improving the styling over the current model. The Murano's styling is popular amongst a lot of people. They need to be careful with this.
The A4 doesn't come with a CVT: it either has a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG. Audi's DSG is a dual-clutch manual transmission that can be operated like an automatic, offering the ease of an automatic and the speed and performance of a manual transmission.
The Murano's CVT blunts performance while not offering much of an increase in fuel economy. The V6 Rav4 with five-speed automatic, for instance, sprints to 60 more quickly while also returning better mileage: 19 | 26 in AWD form while the estimated mileage for the Murano AWD is 17 | 23. (Both sets of numbers are for the revised 2008 fuel economy standards.) The Murano's transmission is the older version of the CVT now found in the Altima, which performs better but still isn't as efficient as competing transmissions.
Orangutan, there has never been a DSG in the A4. CVTs are available in front-wheel-drive models, while the quattros get conventional torque-converter automatics.
I didn't think Nissan could make one of the ugliest suv even UGLIER. But now I know. I guess it isn't as ugly as the Infinity FX. Now THATS an ugly SUV. The designer should be taken out back and shot for that abortion. They should put a little more money into making it reliable. i know of two people with Nissans that have major problems with transmission, oil leaks, electrical, and starting issues that have not been resolved by their dismall dealer network. They swear at them more than by them. I don't need to say that Nissan has lost them forever.
dvsutton...looks are subjective...if there was 1 look that everybody liked, then every manufacturer would make that look. i think the murano is ok...a bit bubbly in front...but i think the FX is cool
nissans tend to have minor problems, most other companies have the same problems
I heard the 2009 Murano will be available for sale in January 2008. Can anyone confirm that. Coming off a Murano lease in January and would like to get a new one. Thanks
Nothing wrong with the CVT in our 2007 Murano. Performance is fine and the transmission couldn't be smoother. Some people just have to be negative. The "original" Murano is simply smashing to look at, and, frankly, we love the spacious and attractive interior.
There are 5 models of this Murano testing nead the NTCNA center here in Maricopa, AZ. I have it on good authority that Numbers 3 and 5 are actually hybrid models, which is why those arent often visible on the city streets. Because it would be heard, or rather NOT heard.
The Murano needs more then just a new grill. It needs a better interior and fuel economy. It seems people who do not like a brand tents found every negative thing about it and make a big deal about what went wrong. I currently own a honda and nissan, and previously a toyota. They all got their problems.
I've always thought the Murano was a handsome vehicle although I never liked the toothy grill. I bought one in '07 and had a billet grill installed by the dealer (better but not perfect). It has always needed an agressive nose to match the otherwise agressive look of the car. For some odd reason, all the car companies seem to think they need a family identity which Nissan does with that ugly snout they slap on everything. BMW knows how to put a pretty face on their cars with a common identity. Why not Nissan? Too bad!
Wow. Evolutionary like the Altima.
Take the same shape and make it more concept sketch-like sweepy.
Let's hope they've worked on the transmission. Looks like they've made the snout look like that on the Rogue, which isn't a good thing.
IMO, Nissan has a hard job improving the styling over the current model. The Murano's styling is popular amongst a lot of people. They need to be careful with this.
I hate that Nisssan badge on the front. It's what I hate about the rogue and maxima also. I'll really hate it if it turns into a large Rogue.
I'm surprised they didn't grow it a bit, now that the Rogue is offered.
And like the current model it seems to favor passenger space (including the rear seat) over cargo space (note the rounded rear).
orangutan - what is wrong with the tranny. I have an '06 and I find it very responsive and much smoother than the CVT in our Audi A4.
The A4 doesn't come with a CVT: it either has a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG. Audi's DSG is a dual-clutch manual transmission that can be operated like an automatic, offering the ease of an automatic and the speed and performance of a manual transmission.
The Murano's CVT blunts performance while not offering much of an increase in fuel economy. The V6 Rav4 with five-speed automatic, for instance, sprints to 60 more quickly while also returning better mileage: 19 | 26 in AWD form while the estimated mileage for the Murano AWD is 17 | 23. (Both sets of numbers are for the revised 2008 fuel economy standards.) The Murano's transmission is the older version of the CVT now found in the Altima, which performs better but still isn't as efficient as competing transmissions.
some versions of the A4 have CVT's
Rav4 is smaller then the Murano. the Rogue is more of the competition for the Rav4
but yes, the Murano hopefully will get the newer CVT
Orangutan, there has never been a DSG in the A4. CVTs are available in front-wheel-drive models, while the quattros get conventional torque-converter automatics.
I didn't think Nissan could make one of the ugliest suv even UGLIER. But now I know. I guess it isn't as ugly as the Infinity FX. Now THATS an ugly SUV. The designer should be taken out back and shot for that abortion. They should put a little more money into making it reliable. i know of two people with Nissans that have major problems with transmission, oil leaks, electrical, and starting issues that have not been resolved by their dismall dealer network. They swear at them more than by them. I don't need to say that Nissan has lost them forever.
dvsutton...looks are subjective...if there was 1 look that everybody liked, then every manufacturer would make that look. i think the murano is ok...a bit bubbly in front...but i think the FX is cool
nissans tend to have minor problems, most other companies have the same problems
"looks are subjective" - Except the Aztek. Nobody likes the Aztek.
I heard the 2009 Murano will be available for sale in January 2008. Can anyone confirm that. Coming off a Murano lease in January and would like to get a new one. Thanks
Nothing wrong with the CVT in our 2007 Murano. Performance is fine and the transmission couldn't be smoother. Some people just have to be negative. The "original" Murano is simply smashing to look at, and, frankly, we love the spacious and attractive interior.
There are 5 models of this Murano testing nead the NTCNA center here in Maricopa, AZ. I have it on good authority that Numbers 3 and 5 are actually hybrid models, which is why those arent often visible on the city streets. Because it would be heard, or rather NOT heard.
The Murano needs more then just a new grill. It needs a better interior and fuel economy. It seems people who do not like a brand tents found every negative thing about it and make a big deal about what went wrong. I currently own a honda and nissan, and previously a toyota. They all got their problems.
This thing sucks....... all the plastic bubbles makes it look cheap. I guess they're really taking shortcuts these days.
I've always thought the Murano was a handsome vehicle although I never liked the toothy grill. I bought one in '07 and had a billet grill installed by the dealer (better but not perfect). It has always needed an agressive nose to match the otherwise agressive look of the car. For some odd reason, all the car companies seem to think they need a family identity which Nissan does with that ugly snout they slap on everything. BMW knows how to put a pretty face on their cars with a common identity. Why not Nissan? Too bad!
The front is butt ugly.