Nissan Murano

Expert Rating:

Introduction

Nissan's second generation Murano continues with the same formula as the original. That means a very generous level of equipment, V6 petrol engine and distinctive looks. Is this enough to keep the Murano in the hunt in a hugely talented sector of the market?

What are its rivals?

The Nissan's price means it comes into conflict with virtually every large SUV on sale in the UK. Priced well below the Nissan, but by no means outgunned, is the Mazda CX-7, which offers a drive that truly warrants the 'sport' part of sports utility vehicle tag. BMW fields two rivals with its X3 and X5, with the larger X5 costing more than the Nissan but setting the class benchmark for on-road driving. If you want more off-road ability, then the Land Rover Discovery shows the way and is also a great car to drive on-road. Audi's A6 Allroad is more of a pumped-up estate but no less desirable for that, while the Mercedes ML is a highly competent all-round SUV. Jeep's Grand Cherokee has the off-road credentials, though falls short when it comes to driving on terra firma, while the Lexus RX reverses that equation to be much better on-road and there's the option of a hybrid-powered RX. Volvo gives buyers plenty of choice with its XC60, XC70 and XC90 ranges and all are fine cars to own and drive. On top of this, with the exception of Lexus, all of these rivals offer turbodiesel engines for strong performance and economy, while Nissan only has a petrol engine on offer.

How does it drive?

The looks and image might say sporty 4x4, but the reality says the Murano is some way short of the class leaders. On normal roads, the suspension is too jarring and firm, picking up on every dimple in the black top. Head on to rougher roads or away from the kerbside and into the countryside and the Murano will rattle your teeth, bones and nerves. Strangely, this firm ride does not translate into lean-free cornering as the Murano displays a fair degree of roll in the bends. Add in steering that refuses to communicate between driver and front wheels and you have a large SUV that disappoints every time you sit in the driver's chair. Refinement is good, however, and the Murano is at its happiest when cruising on longer motorway journeys.

What's impressive?

Take a look at the equipment list of the Murano and you could easily be forgiven for thinking Nissan has added everything imaginable as standard. The only missing item we could spot from the standard spec is a DVD player, and even this is a fairly affordable option. Otherwise, Murano buyers are treated to climate and cruise control, alloy wheels, electrically adjusted front and rear seats, electric sunroof and windows, rear privacy glass, CD stereo, reverse parking camera, satellite navigation, leather seats, automatic gearbox... The lot.

What's not?

We can forgive the Murano its petrol V6 that doesn't quite deliver the performance goods (0-62mph in 8.1 seconds), but we cannot overlook the CVT (continuously variable transmission) that undermines the car at every opportunity. It's sluggish to respond when the driver is in the mood to press on, yet it constantly flits up and down its ratios when all you want to do is mosey along. Unlike a standard automatic gearbox with set ratios, the CVT is infinitely variable and looking for the best balance when all you want is for it to stop interrupting the driver's flow. It also has an impact on the Murano's economy, which is not great at 25.9mpg combined, and during our time with the car it struggled to better a 23mpg average.

Should I buy one?

There's much to like about the Murano: its equipment list, cabin space and quality, and its distinctive looks. However, the plot is spoiled by the way the Nissan deals with typical British road surfaces and corners, and it does not offer buyers a diesel option. Until this last point is resolved, the Murano can only remain on the fringes of large SUV society and makes it tricky for us to recommend it.

Alisdair Suttie