Used: The 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD is Redefining Fun & Comfort in Driving
Susie Kellogg
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Getting to know the Nissan Murano.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Susie Kellogg
Prior to an almost three week demo, no one could have convinced me how much I would love the 2015 Nissan Murano … no-one. I’m a full-sized SUV, off-roading, tons of kids, riding high Colorado Momma. I didn’t think in one million years I would actually like a 5 passenger crossover, especially the flashy Murano.
Boy was I wrong!
It was a great vehicle. It was very responsive, quick acceleration, quick braking. It took turns like a champ, and unlike my full-sized SUVs, it could squeeze into the smallest parking spots.
Plenty of leg room, even for the big boys
Naptime between hockey games, is there a more efficient use of cargo space? Photo: Susie Kellogg
The first thing my 6’1” husband said when he hopped into the passenger’s seat was, “This is really roomy.” That says a lot, as his biggest issue with almost all vehicles short of the full-size SUV’s is that there just is not enough room for him to feel comfortable.
But the 2015 Nissan Murano was different. He could stretch out his legs, the seat was large and roomy with lots of space between the door and the console. In addition, his head didn’t come close to the roof, as is often the case in smaller vehicles.
My oldest son is 6’2” and he was pleasantly surprised as well. He commented on the wide width of the arm rests, the overhead room and the fact that he didn’t feel like an ogre in a tiny seat. He was impressed that he was able to stretch out and be comfortable, something he would really appreciate on a long trip.
Travel mobile
21.6 mpg in the city, with an average speed of 34 mph is a huge improvement over my full size SUVs! Photo: Susie Kellogg
As a full-time travel family, many things about the Murano spoke volumes to our lifestyle. Gas mileage is obviously incredibly important when budgeting travel expenses. The Murano gets a nice 28 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. According to the mpg sensor, I averaged 21.6 mpg driving all in town with an average speed of 35 mph.
This is a huge increase in savings from my Escalade and Suburban, which both average around 14 mpg! The 2015 Nissan Murano would certainly save us a huge amount of money on our nationwide travels were it to be our shuttle car.
Ample cargo space
Ample cargo space for any and all needs! Photo: Dan Kellogg
The cargo space in the Nissan Murano is nothing short of epic – it was huge! I was under the impression, the smaller the SUV, the smaller the cargo area, but not so with the Murano.
My husband, two older sons and their friend all play ice hockey and these four big men and all their hockey gear fit in the Murano with room for more. In fact, in between one of their games, my husband dropped the back seats and took a nap in the back. yes, my 6’1” husband was able to stretch out and take a nap in the back of the Nissan Murano!
And that got me thinking, I know Nissan markets the Murano to empty-nesters, but it’s also a great family car and perfect for an adventurer, car camping, kayaking, snowboarding, climbing … all your gear can fit in the cargo space AND you can even sleep in it in a pinch!
Surprising plush and luxurious interior
The 2015 Nissan Murano’s interior is surprisingly plush, spacious and luxurious! Photo: Susie Kellogg
Priced starting at $26,498, the Nissan Murano is one of the more affordable smaller sized SUVs on the market. But, behind its price tag is a surprisingly luxurious interior.
The comfort level in the interior for the driver and the passengers is what stands out the most. The spacious feel lends to more of a lounge experience than an SUV. Especially with a double moon roof, that spans into the back seats … making the ride feel more luxurious, spacious, and more fun!
This was probably my personal favorite feature. It was so bright and cheery inside for everyone! Photo: Susie Kellogg
The interior is state-of-the-art, with Bose speakers, a daring dash, a refined instrument panel, double moon roof, wide center console and the quite amazing NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats that are designed to reduce fatigue. You can’t help but feel pampered.
Add in the fact that the cabin is remarkably quiet and you have a what makes the Nissan Murano the highest awarded vehicle in its class.
A multiple award winner
The Nissan Murano has more awards on its mantle than Michael Phelps.
- “Best of What’s New” – Popular Science
- “Best 2-Row SUV for Families” – US News and World Report
- “10 Best Interiors” – Ward
- “Best in Class” – AutoPacific
- “Best Small Utility” – Motorweek Driver’s Choice
- “Best 2-row SUV for the Money” – US News & World Report
- “Best Family Crossovers of 2016” – Parents Magazine AND Edmonds.com
I could continue, but I think this is a sufficient and impressive portfolio. I know I put a lot of weight on awards and reviews, like those found on this site, to make an educated purchase. This many awards coupled with the fact that I was able to drive the Murano for almost two weeks, has me sold on this being a sweet vehicle for just about every subset of the population!
All the technology you need
All the connection technologies one would expect in a modern car are in the 2015 Nissan Murano! Photo: Susie Kellogg
Upon jumping in the driver’s seat, the first thing I always do is check for Bluetooth to connect my phone to the car. The 2015 Murano has a feature called NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps. From here I could play my music and use my phone hands free…something I can honestly say I’ve never had the pleasure of actually doing.
The media center is an 8” color display with touch control. Here you utilize SiriusXM Radio, your phone, and the back-up camera, which deserves at least a few sentences to rant about how truly impressive it is!
The standard back-up camera was, hands down, my husband’s favorite feature. The dual back-up camera display gives the driver both an aerial view and rear view when in reverse. The aerial view is invaluable in our opinion, as it shows a complete 360 degree view of the vehicle.
In addition, the driver’s seat has eight way power which enabled me to actually raise the seat high enough to improve my visibility better than I’ve ever had in all my years of driving.
Included is keyless start and heated seats. Photo: Susie Kellogg
Further the Nissan Murano came equipped with Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, remote start, 11-speaker Bose premium audio system (including dual subwoofers), dual-climate control and so much more.
The 2015 Nissan Murano will amaze you with how spacious it is! Photo: Susie Kellogg
What We Loved
- Double moonroof
- Zero Gravity seats
- 11-speaker Bose audio system
- Back-up camera
- Head and leg room for tall people!
- AWD, perfect for snowy climates
What You Need To Know
- Base price, $29,560; price for the model we drove, with technology package, floor mats and cargo area protector, $41,905
- Government Safety Rating: 5 Stars
- Fuel economy: 21.6 mpg in the city
- Unleaded gasoline
- 3.5 litre, V6 engine
