2019 Nissan Murano | MotorWeek Road Test

It’s no secret that SUVs have been following an evolutionary path from rugged off roaders to all-weather family haulers. But that steady progression sped up a little when the unexpectedly refined and stylish Nissan Murano arrived for 2003. Now midway through its 3rd generation, does Murano still have the power to shake things up?
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[@SilverScarletSpider]

John Davis is the man. Hasn’t aged a day. Stay healthy brother

[@honestrunescaper]

John Davis is a legend.

[@dohc1067]

I remember renting the last generation Nissan Altima with a similar interior. I felt it was a little plain then, but in Murano, it works well. The exterior styling looks graceful and muscular at the same time. I love the color schemes. It's almost like a suv version of the Maxima. Not bad. I think it still looks even 4 years later.

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

155,000 trouble-free miles (and counting), on my 2007 Altima with CVT transmission. No, Nissan's CVT transmissions are not as robust as Toyota's CVT's, however, I see the way people drive, racing from traffic light to traffic light, which is not good for any transmission, plus, I suspect a lot of people aren't following the service intervals for changing the transmission fluid. I test drove a 2019 Murano. Excellent seats, driver position, and visibility. Really like it. It's a crossover, not a sports car. I had no problem passing cars on the highway. I just wish it had another inch or two of ground clearance. Several mechanics (who have worked on my vehicles over the years) have told me that CVT transmissions are the future.

[@josefermalino461]

I have 2016 murano which I bought October 2015 7 years later it has 78k miles no issues at all on cvt…not a fast nor slow suv but it’s very comfortable suv on highway and city to drive

[@foxtrot685]

I've always loved Muranos. It's one CUV that knows what it is, knows its demographic, doesnt pretend to be rugged, or overly sporty, or a hot hatch replacement. They drive nice, and this updated look is how this generation should have looked from day 1

[@craigslistseller9354]

EXACTAMUNDO!!!!

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

Oh yes they drive like a dream still loving my 2016 Murano.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

CUV or SUV?

[@TeijoKhanfan]

Love my 19 Murano! Bought brand new back in late January 2020 right before Covid and really got a good deal. Almost 60,000 miles and has not skipped a beat.

[@InvestBetter.]

This is worth buying for the interior design and materials alone. Plus a silken ride. Great seats. The issues are its love it or hate it exterior and its CVT

[@fiiv3s]

I love that people still hate on CVTs. They will learn to accept them eventually. They are the future for economy cars and really are great (as long as they have good programming). The fuel economy and smoothness are just top notch. And Nissan knows this and thats why they are like the only ones using them on the bigger cars too

[@lowKut]

SUV version of the Maxima. I love my 2017 Murano no CVT issues.

[@johnnymichael1804]

Lol. Knock on wood

[@HiPlains1]

Yet

[@different.4975]

Not a good car

[@DeeeBeee123]

@@different.4975 how would you know?

[@DeeeBeee123]

I've driven them and its heavy & sluggish. Very slow. Cool look, pretty comfortable but interior items were broken , build quality could have been a step up. But overall a sexy and comfy car. 6.5 outta 10.

[@ramoncarter6585]

The Murano is a beautiful CUV it looks better. I like the body the blue really makes it looks more upscale I would want the Platinum this would be color as beige interior. It is worth a good value even though has CVT still worth money standard in AWD etc.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

CUV?? It’s still a SUV no matter what

[@vhennysmith8559]

I don’t understand why so many complained about CVT transmission, I had been leasing Morano since they introduced it in 2000, I bought once that reaches 100k miles plus and it’s still running and I don’t have problem with it. Now my lease for the 2016 is past approaching I’ll decide to buy this time see what happen.

[@lynnrn8252]

I love my Murano, also the price of maintenance is great!

[@remyd8767]

Just carheads thinking that everyone has to treat cars like they do. Not everyone is trying to feel the road.

[@staceyjean3583]

Just bought a used 2019 Murano platinum...excited to drive it!

[@Jag-leaper]

I'm about to get one...how have you liked it?

[@NewEdgeDesigns]

@@Jag-leaper just got a 2020 today absolutely love it, it’s black the wife wants a set of black 20inch wheels to finish it off..

[@altimax9091]

Don't forget the CVT oil change every 30 k

[@DJNMTX]

My mother has owned 3 so Far! 05/10/15 still rollin!

[@Therealpeter10]

Is the murano reliable? For long term?

[@caribgenius]

​@@Therealpeter10yes, very

[@stephenhendricks103]

Apparently a number of manufacturers believe that quilted upholstery denotes luxury. Perhaps I'm alone in being reminded of the overstuffed furniture in my grandmother's living room.

[@twai8036]

Really digging the 1992 commercial vibe

[@42luke93]

Does motorweek do reviews on conversion vans anymore? This interior is making me think of them.

[@42luke93]

Really nice interior.

[@metetuncay5165]

Upgrade to 4K cameras.

[@miguelircontar]

This Murano is the sexiest yet

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

So is the second generation 🤩🤩

[@shaunp6963]

I've been watching motor week for a long time the show is awesome . To me John Davis is the star of the show cars 2nd 😉

[@byronrideaux]

I think the front Nissan emblem could have been a little bigger

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Why?

[@djgoggy5541]

This SUV looked so ahead of its time. Even Lexus copied the floating roof desugn so did the Honda Odtssey. Nissan has always been a Japanese design leader.

[@WhittyPics]

Nice looking vehicle but what about reliability? I am not a fan of CVTs

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

Love my 2016 Murano so far no Issues Knock on wood!

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Don't buy a modern Nissan.

[@dr.1956]

Muranos are the worst cars you can lay your hands,keep your money or buy a Toyota/Lexus/honda

[@joskjj3625]

Dennis W lease

[@richardwilliams5842]

They straight jacked the fog lights off the Lexus RX LoL

[@kevinwilliamson7294]

0:35 Muranic???? Editing department out to lunch?

[@DeeeBeee123]

Lol petty

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

@@DeeeBeee123 Yes, the Murano is a pretty vehicle!

[@benjaminwatson9778]

motor week do you have a full review of the e30 m3. its a fantastic car and it seems like you kinda skipped over it

[@lenwoodcruze3594]

I wanna see John do a big smokey burnout in a American muscle car before he retires or,or,or,ya know..... seriously,make it happen!

[@toronado455]

I don't know how they got 101 feet 60-0. Motor Trend got 120, and Consumer Reports got 131.

[@waseemsells5378]

They will never have the affect the original Murano had when it was introduced.

[@tylerharvey8299]

Please review a V6 dodge Durango! Not RT not SRT.... please review a V6!

[@lenwoodcruze3594]

Ewwww! Who wants the V6 other than you and 3 other people?! Ewwww!

[@tylerharvey8299]

@@lenwoodcruze3594 lmao! Got a genius in the house. Fact is the volume seller for Durango is the V6! Every reviewer ever usually reviews the RT or the SRT. Not very many V6 reviews. Especially not one with instrumented tests. Therefore it would be beneficial to see one with the V6. If you dont like the V6 dont watch reviews for it. That's your problem. 😂 have a nice day though! Thanks for sharing your opinion I appreciate it and will cherish it forever+

[@lenwoodcruze3594]

@@tylerharvey8299 my goodness twinkle thumbs,ya wrote me a small novel didn't ya.... giggle.

[@jamarward8437]

Next generation should have the updated Maxima VQ35

[@iketanikoichiro3519]

Jamar Ward maybe they should make a nismo version with a option of a manual and the same engine, and drivetrain as the 370z

[@johnhaslett6714]

@@iketanikoichiro3519 I agree

[@iketanikoichiro3519]

Wait it already has the same engine as the a 370z, they just detuned it. So they should have the same power, platform, handling suspension, and manual transmission as the Z

[@johnhaslett6714]

@@iketanikoichiro3519 that sounds good. I might go test drive one.

[@93remix]

It sad to see the Murano look sleek and fast but Nissan engineered it to move like a SLUG. THIS THING SHOULD EASILY HAVE 300+HP

[@iketanikoichiro3519]

93remix It has fast acceleration, at least my father’s 2017 Sv has nice acceleration. He never floored it, and he can easily get to 110 mph.

[@johnhaslett6714]

You want it to be below 6 seconds flat. I think 300 horsepower with 280lbs of torque would kill the gas mileage. But it would be extremely fast.

[@JokerG16]

@Iketani Koichiro I have an 18 SV and can get to 80mph+ from half throttle alone. This thing is not as slow as ppl make it out to be. Most times it feels like it has more than 260HP. Nissan’s engines are always tuned a bit higher than normal.

[@remyd8767]

It's fast enough

[@rsstrazz6261]

Had a 2017 Rogue, now a 2020 Murano. Feels like longer wheelbase, heavier Rogue. Acceleration is about the same, V6 gives the heavier Murano needed extra oomph. Different CVT "gearing" ratios results in lower engine RPM during acceleration, in turn gives smoother, quieter operation.

[@Tiki7391]

Looks good but the CVT makes it hard to accept

[@northeast8215]

My mom has one of these. She's nearly crashed it several times because she can't see out of it. This thing has the WORST outward visibility of any car/SUV I've ever driven. You literally cannot see out of this thing from any angle regardless of how many assist cameras it has. The Murano is basically a minivan with a shorter wheelbase and more ground clearance.

[@rsstrazz6261]

Agree, I have a 2020. The lower parts of the A pillars make any turning tricky, especially sharper turns into driveways. You have to lean forward to see clearance ahead of them. You also need extra caution turning when backing because the D pillars are even thicker. The backup camera does help somewhat.

[@miamiSincar]

another nissan renault junk cvt trasmission sometime last 2 years

[@paulgiulekas7127]

much better than a 4 cyl turbo

[@kevinavalos123]

It seems to really be under powered in my opinion.

[@josephmengele7804]

l I’ve driven it, it’s just fine and throaty. It’s a vq35...

[@J.Nev.]

7.4 Sec To 60mph Is Underpowered ?

[@HiPlains1]

@@josephmengele7804 they just need to put their 7-speed transmission in there to be fine I won't be so slow off the line.

[@HiPlains1]

@@J.Nev. my X3 xDrive with two litre biturbo with 8-speed ZF transmission will do 60 in about six seconds top speed about 140 miles per hour and we're talking about the same price points the CVT has to go at this price that's all there is to it. And yes initially off the line the CVT is slow they all are. They get the job done but don't belong in any premium brand as far as I'm concerned. Not for this kind of money anyway. Nissan loves them mainly cuz they're cheap and they're cheaper than a 8 speed or 9 speed.

[@J.Nev.]

HiPlains1 1st You’re Comparing A Nissan To A BMW 🤣. And What Does Nissan Putting A Cvt In Their Vehicles Have To With A Price Point? And The Murano Has Had A Cvt For Almost 20 Years , It’s Time To Quit Complaining About Cars You Don’t Own . And I DOUBT You Have A X3 Because Everyone Knows The 2 Liter Turbo Can’t Go 140 Mph

[@aayonce4]

It's looking a bit gawdy ..

[@kevinwilliamson7294]

That's the mirror your looking at.

[@greatpix]

Mr Davis, I'd skip the makeup. It's too dark looking. Just use powder to keep any shine off. (I was a professional photographer for a long time and worked with the top MUA in Los Angeles.

[@HiPlains1]

That's what I really hate about cvt they are so slow off the line. It's really a hit and miss with Nissan and Cvt as getting one that will work over time. When you start getting into the higher price points with the maxima and Murano I just think it's too cheap to be using CVT's. At the bare minimum Nissan needs to use their 7-speed. For about the same price or a little more you can get a BMW X3 xDrive with 8-speed ZF and biturbo that will destroy this in just about every category imaginable.

[@johnhaslett6714]

Turn off traction control. It takes off faster.

[@tripheath]

It's not supposed to compete with the x3.... Or any other $50k European mini suv, It's a cushy grocery getter.... And has 260 hp v6, which is more than most.... Unfortunately the cvt is built for economy not speed, but does fine in the real world for what it is... And fyi, you can pick up a brand new 2019 S for under 23k, and an SV for under $25k.... so it is a lot of bang for the buck.... After researching and diving one, I'm prob getting it for my wife, she will love it....

[@crownr0yalonice]

Y’all stay butthurt over CVTs. Let it go. They’re here to stay.

[@RomanM803]

B HM u can keep that I stick with my ZF 8 speed.

[@chriscaricato8101]

just get an electric car then you don’t have to deal with any of that crap

[@pinkflydnt]

The theory behind the CVT makes sense, I've driven a '17 Nissan Altima with a CVT and it does a great job of keeping the engine in its powerband. My issue is that the Nissan CVTs are notorious for failure yet Toyota builds a CVT that is virtually problem free. When they work right, CVTs are great; I just don't trust Nissan's CVT or I'd be driving a new Rogue right now because I like the styling, fuel economy and build quality. I currently drive a '13 Ford Edge Limited AWD with the 3.5 Litre V6 and a 6 speed tranny. Other than brakes and the blendoor actuator for the driver side, it's been problem free.

[@HiPlains1]

Except none of the German small SUVs use CVT. Still a lot of high-end transmissions are used in premium brands. When you talk about a oem using CVT across the line Nissan's about the only one that comes to mind. My BMW X3 xDrive with ZF 8-speed probably cost similar to what a fully loaded Murano cost and it will destroy a Murano in every single category imaginable and it's reliable. Nissan likes them because they're cheap that's all there is to it.

[@Lrules364]

'If you dont like it, dont buy it' Ok. Guess these companies will have to figure out the hard way that fucking up your cars by putting shitty CVTs and touchscreen garbage in them is the best way to lose customers. No skin off my back. Ill continue to drive the 'junk' you retards discard when you buy these new cvt crossovers. And in 10 years' time, ill roll past you in it, while you're on your third transmission.

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Gorgeous interior, way over styled exterior, and they still have that lousy CVT transmission which breaks.

[@RoundenBrown]

Nissan Muranic: Serbian car.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Nissan Mechanic**

[@AbdielSalas]

Dont Waste your Money

[@iketanikoichiro3519]

This Murano looks heavier than the 2017 murano

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

This generation Murano is actually lighter than the 2nd gen Muranos from 2009-2014

[@iketanikoichiro3519]

@@AKZbinChannelwithNoName yeah, but this refreshed 3rd gen is heavier than the original 3rd gen.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

@@iketanikoichiro3519 I didn’t know that. Good to know.

[@KevinNiven]

I wont buy anything with a CVT

[@AbdielSalas]

Dont Buy Nissan, I owned a Nissan Murano years ago, its the worse decision I made to buy this scrap. Not only the quality its poor, but the service. I live in Mexico and the Nissan shops are very corrupt, they steal the people by not doing the service they should. Tons of people report they don’t get the oil changes and replacement parts they charge. Problems are never solved properly and there are tons of complaints. I am glad they are sawing what they deserve. I made may complaints and never receive attention, Now I am with Honda, Ford and GM. Better quality at least for the same or better price cars.

[@kevinbarry71]

The transmission will fail within a few years, Nissan transmissions always seem to do this. Avoid this vehicle if you know what is good for you.

[@knurlgnar24]

They aren't as unreliable as you seem to think. Their failure rate is higher than most other transmissions out there but the odds that yours will fail is still extremely low. And the engine is rock solid. The transmission is a weak point but most vehicles have one - I could point out a similarly severe design weakness in nearly all vehicles it competes with.

[@jeanwong647]

I have an 2004 Murano with the CVT that failed at 100K. Cost me $6K to replace the transmission. The fit and finish, quality, and reliability just isn’t quite at the same level as Toyota or Honda that I’ve previously owned. It’s my first and last Nissan.

[@thrasherx2k1]

Blame Renault

[@HiPlains1]

@@knurlgnar24 except when you look at the Maxima and Murano you're hitting price points high enough where CVT does not make sense. Yes I can understand keeping the cost down using it on the versa and Altima and Sentra. But once you start hitting over 40,000 then using it makes no sense. It hurts performance especially off the line and comparable cars like the BMW X3 with a ZF 8 speed and biturbo engine will destroy this thing In just about every category imaginable. And unlike BMWs of the past they are pretty much bulletproof at this point. So yes CVT still have their place but not on ssuv's with higher MSRP. Not even remotely so.

[@johnhaslett6714]

They come with lifetime warranties at some dealerships.

[@filomenabernardo9303]

Looks really cool and fresh outside, yet inside looks like it is from 2006.

[@different.4975]

Even nissan officials claim that Murano is not good

[@emeyer6963]

Transmission mechanics nationwide are salivating as they wait for this turd to blow up

[@Larry-nz9pi]

$20k car with $20k of fluff

[@xadam2dudex]

According to Scotty Nissan quality has dropped like a brick since Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi joined in a partnership

[@vvvvel]

One man's opinion.

[@thelarry383]

He doesn't seem to realize the cars he works on don't represent all the cars he doesn't work on. If he works on 5 muranos in the course of a year, does that mean all muranos are junk?

[@vvvvel]

@@thelarry383 Scotty only knows broken parts.

[@BeesonsCars]

Scotty thinks any car that isn’t 100% base model with manual everything is going to be unreliable.

[@Gymnastics-h5l]

Got 100k on my 15 pathfinder. No problems. Sorry scotty!

[@letsgonow5641]

This atrocity...Stick w the The Mazda Cx-5

[@MrRanvic]

Junk.

[@ubiased23]

No apple CarPlay? This is stupid.

[@foxtrot685]

It absolutely has Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto.

[@kevinwilliamson7294]

@mrLogic23, who's the stupid one now?? It has it.

[@DeeeBeee123]

Even if it didn't thats not a deal breaker... lol that's not what you look for when purchasing a vehicle

[@tripheath]

Pay attention....

[@grabir01]

Better off with a used Toyota with 200,000 miles.

[@vvvvel]

That's an ignorant thing to say.

[@grabir01]

@@vvvvel Wisdom

[@vvvvel]

@Mike Haggar Not true, Nissan isn't gonna let a few quality issues tarnish it's reputation.

[@JKIZZLLE]

100% correct. You couldn’t pay me to drive a modern Nissan. They are pure trash, that can barely compete with a car from 20 years ago

[@vvvvel]

@@JKIZZLLE You don't have to go to the extreme to justify your stupid point.

[@Lrules364]

A CVT AND an awd system? Talk about a disaster just begging to happen. These will all be in the scrapyard in 10 years. Nothing interesting or new on it either. Just another boring, bloating, run-of-the-mill crossover with a base price of over $30k. No thanks.