Overview:
This is the 2016 Nissan Murano SL FWD SUV (Station Wagon). Overall it is, to me, a lovely quality mid-size wagon. It was a nice ride for the week with a lot of comfort and all the bells and whistles I consider to be important.
When I began driving seat belts were not even standard equipment, helmets were not required while riding my motorcycle. Some did install seat belts they bought at Pep Boys or Allied Auto Parts or even Sears. Some also wore helmets and I simply didn’t want to. I stopped riding my Harley and sold it when the law was passed that made my decision not to wear a helmet unholy and illegal. We all have choices. Guess I could have moved to Arizona where it was still ok to permit freedom and liberty of its citizens.
Opinion:
It is my opinion that ALL cars should be required to have Smart Cruise Control as standard equipment. Further if you entered a freeway you would be required to turn it on and set it for the speed of traffic to move in concert with all other cars on the road, or more specifically at the speed of traffic in each lane traveling in. I submit to you that it would provide as much as 50% more cars on the highway. Surely on those times where there is bumper to bumper traffic, or 100% saturation of the highway, the theory doesn’t apply. The reason why “Smart Cruise Control” would better utilize the roadway is that when all cars are on cruise with safe distances set into the computer the flow of traffic is far more efficient. I realize there are other considerations but those could be worked out.
With the advent of higher technology it changes the dynamics of driving on our higher speed highways. But it would eliminate those drivers who tend to be distracted and leave a hundred car lengths between them and the next car ahead of them. That inattentive driver is what causes road rage and radical maneuvering of the frustrated drivers who ARE paying attention. Thus the speed and distances between cars are safer in all respects. It eliminates erratic and dangerous and unnecessary lane changing.
I’d be interested in your comments, so please feel free to share. joe@atthewheel.com
General Information: It is assembled in // n/a. Classification is Mid-size Station Wagon. Cars from Nissan: Altima, Altima Sedan, Armada, Cube, Frontier, GT-R, Juke, LEAF, Maxima, Murano, Murano Cross Cabriolet, NV Cargo, NV Passenger, NV 200, Pathfinder, Pathfinder Hybrid, Quest, 370 Z Coupe, 370 Z Roadster.
Handling & Performance:
I like the mid-size in this segment. They are easier to maneuver around town and park. It has good power with its 260 horsepower V-6 engine.
Styling:
Some have told me they don’t like all the sharp angles and the rear end looks like it was in a rear collision. I don’t share their concern about that but let’s face it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. . . a very personal view of design.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Competitive pricing in this segment with features I believe covers everything that is most important in today’s world.
Conveniences and comfort:
Wow – huge list of standard equipment. Most importantly, to me, is that the high tech features I consider most important are included. I look at it this way. We all get distracted and it only takes seconds to ruin your day. Smart things like “Crash Avoidance” are so advanced it will prevent large numbers of accidents. Coupled with “Blind Spot” alerts that work to prevent side collisions.
Consumer Recommendations:
The list is made up of all very nice automobiles that are priced much the same. I didn’t look at the features included in all in the list but it was clear to me that Nissan has included nearly every new and useful feature available.
Recognized Competition:
Nissan Murano $38,000, Cadillac SRX $39,000, Nissan Pathfinder $37,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $37,000, Honda Pilot $38,000, Kia Sorento $39,000, Lincoln MKX $39,000.
Good News:
Fair fuel economy and the same as all in class, nice ride and a quality build vehicle.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter V6 engine, continuously variable transmission, front wheel drive, 18” Aluminum alloy wheels, front, side and curtain airbags, driver knee air bag, LATCH system, 4-wheel ABS braking system, dynamic control, traction control, tire pressure monitor, security system, hill start assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, around view monitor, 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, 4-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split fold down rear seats, leather seating and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, driver side memory for seat and mirrors, auto dimming inside mirror, 9-speaker BOSE audio system, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA in dash changer, Ambient lighting, cruse control, Nissan Connect with Navigation and mobile apps,8” multi-Touch color monitor, SiriusXM satellite radio, with traffic and travel link, HD radio, front and rear USB connection ports, Bluetooth hands free phone system, streaming audio via Bluetooth, aux audio input jack, voice recognition for Nav and Audio, hands free text messaging assistant, 7” drive assist display, climate control with front and rear vents, intelligent key with push button ignition, remote engine start power windows with auto up / down and auto reverse feature, three 12 volt DC power outlets, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, heated mirrors with turn indicators and reverse tilt down, silver roof rails and power liftgate.
Gas Stats:
$2.65/ Gal avg. February 15, 2016
for more information.
21 City and 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $36,950