A dozen years ago, Nissan introduced the first-generation Murano crossover and, in the process, captured lightning in a bottle.
Consumers loved the swoopy five-seater, which proved that a crossover didn’t have to be shaped like a boxcar to get the job done. The Murano was not just visually interesting, it was downright dapper. Nissan is trying to recapture that magic with the introduction of the third-generation Murano, which shares some styling cues with the jaunty little Juke, the company’s break-out compact crossover.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2015 Nissan Murano * Exterior color: Pacific Sunset * Interior color: Beige * Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 * Horsepower: 260 * Transmission: continuously variable * Fuel economy: 28 mpg highway, 21 mpg city * Dealer: Nissan of Chattanooga East * Price (as tested): $40,305
The 2015 Nissan Murano has bold new sheet metal and a smooth, composed ride.Danny McVay, general manager at Nissan of Chattanooga East, set us up this week with a 2015 Murano dressed in Pacific Sunset paint — bronze to you and me. The unorthodox color accentuates the Murano’s shapely sheet metal. There’s almost nowhere your eyes can land on the exterior of the Murano where’s there’s not an interesting line or bold curve to behold.
The new Muranos have been on the ground here for only about a month, so if you snap up one today you’ll probably be the coolest soccer parents on the block. From the bold “V-Motion” grille — accented with shapely LED head-lamp clusters — to the sculpted rear hatch, the Murano has lines that work together to turn heads and win hearts.