Nissan has redesigned the Murano interior for 2009, starting over with a much more inviting, better organized, and much more modern and user-friendly package of instrumentation and controls, including a new center console and new graphics.
In terms of comfort, we found the new seats more comfortable and supportive than those in the previous version. Every model has a tilt/telescope steering column (manual or power) to accommodate more body types and leg lengths.
Everything on the instrument panel is well marked, and easy to use. The instruments are large, graphically clean and clear, and bathed in red-orange lighting day or night. The multi-function steering wheel is beefier, with better function buttons. The multi-controller knob at the top center of the dash has been redesigned for ease of use. The base AM/FM/CD sound system has been modernized, with a total of six speakers and the inclusion of an AUX plug on lower models and full iPod integration on the LE version, with full control and track information displayed on the central screen. The same deeply hooded screen is used for navigation, backup camera, telephone, HVAC, and radio displays. Pushbutton ignition and an iPod interface are standard.
The interior and exterior dimensions are all within an inch of the previous-generation model, which means it's as roomy and comfortable in the front and second seats as any five-seater on the market, and holds about the same volume of cargo. Many of the midsize crossover SUVs that compete with the Murano, such as the Toyota Highlander, were designed to accommodate three rows of seats. The Murano was designed for just two rows, so the second row in the Murano tends to be roomier than the second row of seats on other vehicles in this class. Bottom line: The back seats of a Murano are comfortable and very roomy for two adults.
For maximum cargo space, the back seats power up and flip down quickly and easily, and there are two different cargo storage systems available, depending on model.
The 2009 Nissan Murano lineup comes in three trim levels. (The SE version has been dropped.)
Murano S is available with front-wheel drive ($26,330) or all-wheel drive ($27,930).
Murano SL models with front-wheel drive ($27,880) or all-wheel drive ($29,480) add rear privacy glass, front fog lights, steering wheel audio switches, leather wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power driver seat and 60/40 split fold-flat rear seatback with power return.
Murano LE all-wheel-drive ($35,910) adds 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-functional xenon headlights, Bose audio system with 11 speakers, XM Satellite Radio, an interface for iPod, seven-inch color display, intelligent key, Bluetooth, driver position memory (seat, mirrors, and steering wheel), leather-appointed seats, heated front and rear seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, interior wood trim, power liftgate, and RearView Monitor.
Option packages include the Convenience package ($550), Premium package ($1000), Leather package ($1600), Moonroof package ($1170), Navigation package ($1850), Technology package ($1900), and DVD package ($1600). Standalone options range from heated seats and leather seating to Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, touch-screen navigation, an intelligent key system, XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic, a Bose 11-speaker sound system, and a 9.3-gagibyte music storage hard drive.
Safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags (for torso protection), roof-mounted curtain air bags (for head protection), active head restraints in the front row (for whiplash protection), antilock brakes (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control. It also comes with seatbelts; be sure to use them because seatbelts are your first line of defense in a crash.