From the very first glance, it’s clear that the focus of the 2015 Nissan Murano was on the design. The exterior is quite dramatic compared to any other vehicle on the market (except maybe the 2015 Nissan Juke), just like when the Murano was first released in the early 2000s. The interior of the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD is also filled with unique materials put together in a simple yet elegant layout.
The strong styling cues make a real design statement and are meant to showcase the crossover segment of Nissan SUVs. In my opinion the 2015 Murano has the sleekest exterior design of any of the comparable crossovers.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The 2015 Murano keeps the same engine as the 2014 and although leaps and bounds weren’t made on the engine specs and the way the Murano drives, I still think the focus was in the right place – design. Even without an update to the engine, the 2015 Nissan Murano drives perfectly fine with adequate power for overtaking and speeding up, a fluid steering feel, grippy traction and soft bump absorption, all encompassed by an overall smooth and quiet ride. The handling does feel a bit loose, relaxed and lacks a bit on feedback, but it does make for a smooth ride.
The 2015 Nissan Murano sports the same 3.5L six cylinder engine as the 2014, outputting 260 horsepower and paired to a continuously variable transmission. I like that the CVT has predetermined shift points to make it feel more like a conventional transmission while driving.
The intuitive AWD system is helpful in distributing power to wheels losing traction, but isn’t available on the base model S version. AWD is optional on the next step up SV and comes standard on the SL model. Although it would be nice to have as standard on a crossover SUV, I do like the option of a less expensive Murano when AWD may not be required in better climate locations.
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
The sleek lines of the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD create a pleasing and unique exterior design while giving the Murano an aggressive look. Key design elements creating the powerful exterior look include a low and wide stance with a sloped roofline, dual exhaust, full length side accent lines, flared rear tail lights, and black and chrome highlights.
Stepping into the elegant and unique interior of the 2015 Nissan Murano, you are surrounded by a distinctive combination of materials used in places not normally seen in other vehicles’ interiors. The white, marble-like wood trim surrounds the cabin, adorns the doors and center console as well as the front armrest! It really adds a sleek look to the interior. There’s also a very pleasing ambient lighting emitted by the doors and center console which is a unique and pleasant touch.
The driver enjoys a great field of view from the interior, which is brightened by all the windows and the full length sunroof, making it a pleasure sitting inside the cabin of the 2015 Murano. The dash is thoughtfully laid out with minimal use of buttons, a large touch screen to control vehicle options and a nice use of black and chrome materials.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Nissan did a great job of pushing the boundaries of design like it did when the Murano was first released and this will get them a huge new wave of buyers looking for a tasteful, sleek and unique design, wrapping passengers in bright, soft and cozy luxury. The 2015 Murano starts well equipped at $29,998, while our test drive was in the SL model which adds leather, Bose audio, around view cameras, panoramic sunroof, power lift gate and so much more for $39,398.
