MM Full-Review: 2015 Nissan Murano
02-26-15, 08:49 AM
#17
Lead Lap
02-26-15, 09:13 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
As for competitors, it doesn't really compete against the Ford Escape, it's pretty much directly in competition with the Ford Edge. You're mixing in a lot of Compact Utility vehicles in your list... and that's not really who shops for a Murano. Along with Ford Edge it also targets Toyota Venza, another 2-row utility/crossover type vehicle with similar customer demographics. On the "dream" targets, it also hopes to snag potential mainstream customers who might look to move up to a luxury crossover like the Acura RDX or Lexus RX350.
I agree. The Murano, with its distinct styling is NOT aimed at families, as other 3-row vehicles are (such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Nissan's own Pathfinder), but is aimed at other lifestyle vehicles, like the Ford Edge and Toyota Venza. When the Venza was introduced, it was aimed at the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano.
The demographic group these 3 stylish mid-size, 2-row crossovers are aimed at are empty nesters or couples who never had children (once known as DINKs -- Double Income, No Kids).
02-26-15, 09:25 AM
#19
Lexus Test Driver
I agree. The Murano, with its distinct styling is NOT aimed at families, as other 3-row vehicles are (such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Nissan's own Pathfinder), but is aimed at other lifestyle vehicles, like the Ford Edge and Toyota Venza. When the Venza was introduced, it was aimed at the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano.
The demographic group these 3 stylish mid-size, 2-row crossovers are aimed at are empty nesters or couples who never had children (once known as DINKs -- Double Income, No Kids).
The demographic group these 3 stylish mid-size, 2-row crossovers are aimed at are empty nesters or couples who never had children (once known as DINKs -- Double Income, No Kids).
02-26-15, 09:49 AM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I agree. The Murano, with its distinct styling is NOT aimed at families, as other 3-row vehicles are (such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Nissan's own Pathfinder), but is aimed at other lifestyle vehicles, like the Ford Edge and Toyota Venza. When the Venza was introduced, it was aimed at the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano.
The demographic group these 3 stylish mid-size, 2-row crossovers are aimed at are empty nesters or couples who never had children (once known as DINKs -- Double Income, No Kids).
The demographic group these 3 stylish mid-size, 2-row crossovers are aimed at are empty nesters or couples who never had children (once known as DINKs -- Double Income, No Kids).
02-26-15, 09:54 AM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
To date, we haven't really seen any rebadged or heavily-Renault-influenced Nissan products here in the U.S.....but I wouldn't be surprised if Ghosn mandates some sooner of later.
02-26-15, 10:09 AM
#22
Lead Lap
As I see it, though, while there is some validity to your point, it's not always a question of who a certain vehicle is aimed at, but who actually buys it. In that sense, The Murano, even with two-row seating, is probably the closest thing that Nissan has to compare with the Highlander and Pilot. The sister Pathfinder, though not a hard-core off-roader, is more off-road-oriented than the Murano/Highlander/Pilot, the hard-core of-roader XTerra is much more aimed at the 4-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the rogues in a smaller and less-expensive class than the Murano, and the gargantuan Armada is much larger and more expensive. So, by simple process of elimination, I felt that the Murano was the closest Nissan Highlander/Pilot equivalent. However, I respect the opinion of those who disagree.
02-26-15, 10:22 AM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I wouldn't say "nothing" on the off-road capability....but, you're right, the current version, compared to earlier ones, certainly isn't a mountain goat.
02-26-15, 10:23 AM
#24
As I see it, though, while there is some validity to your point, it's not always a question of who a certain vehicle is aimed at, but who actually buys it. In that sense, The Murano, even with two-row seating, is probably the closest thing that Nissan has to compare with the Highlander and Pilot. The sister Pathfinder, though not a hard-core off-roader, is more off-road-oriented than the Murano/Highlander/Pilot, the hard-core of-roader XTerra is much more aimed at the 4-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the rogues in a smaller and less-expensive class than the Murano, and the gargantuan Armada is much larger and more expensive. So, by simple process of elimination, I felt that the Murano was the closest Nissan Highlander/Pilot equivalent. However, I respect the opinion of those who disagree.
02-26-15, 10:35 AM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Yep. It's probably probably the only vehicle (and SUV) I can think of that converted from BOF to unibody to BOF and then back to unibody. Seems like the marketers never really had a clear vision for it.
Like the GM Lambda Crossovers
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-26-15 at 10:42 AM.
02-26-15, 11:10 AM
#27
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks. 
Yes, polarizing is probably a good way to describe it. I thought they did a rather nice job, up front, integrating it with the Nissan SUV grille/headlight look, but the rear end is a mishmash that compromises both visibility and come cargo-height room.
Like most SUVs in this class designed mostly for on-pavement use, it has the typical car-based, center-differential-equipped, car-based, torque-on-demand AWD system that automatically shifts torque to each wheel where needed. I did not see a "Lock" switch or button anywhere in the cabin (unless I just missed it) which would lock the center differential, which usually needs to be locked needed only in really tough slippery conditions and/or for off-road use. And, as others have also pointed out, the Murano is not intended to be an active off-roader. Its AWD system is generally intended for slippery on-road conditions, with maybe some very mild off-roading (i.e.. dirt roads) at most.
Polarizing to look at too.
Did this Murano have the AWD that can lock into solely FWD/AWD/Both? I've always liked those selectable drivetrain settings
02-26-15, 11:24 AM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
seems this is all that is needed to qualify for 'odd road' these days. 
this is more like it (pathfinders need not apply
)
this is more like it (pathfinders need not apply
)
02-26-15, 11:37 AM
#29
Lexus Test Driver
As I see it, though, while there is some validity to your point, it's not always a question of who a certain vehicle is aimed at, but who actually buys it. In that sense, The Murano, even with two-row seating, is probably the closest thing that Nissan has to compare with the Highlander and Pilot. The sister Pathfinder, though not a hard-core off-roader, is more off-road-oriented than the Murano/Highlander/Pilot, the hard-core of-roader XTerra is much more aimed at the 4-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the rogues in a smaller and less-expensive class than the Murano, and the gargantuan Armada is much larger and more expensive. So, by simple process of elimination, I felt that the Murano was the closest Nissan Highlander/Pilot equivalent. However, I respect the opinion of those who disagree.
02-26-15, 11:38 AM
#30
Driver
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: iowa
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
briefly sat in one earlier this week, and thought it has great seats and some nice touches but the back was much smaller than i thought. i was hitting my head on the liner, and i'm only 6' ft. also for bragging about cargo room my outback has much more cuft. also noticed the headliner on the drivers side was flawed to the point i wouldn't even except the car if i was looking to buy.
Last edited by airgas1998; 02-26-15 at 11:42 AM.