>>Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	2003-present
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Wheelbase	2825 mm (111.2 in)

The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Nissan since the 2003 model year. Nissan introduced the Murano as its first crossover SUV for the United States and Canada. Known as the "Maxima of SUVs", it slotted above the Pathfinder as Nissan's top-of-the-line SUV until the launch of the Armada in 2004. Designed at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, California, it is based on the Nissan FF-L platform used by the Maxima and the third-generation Altima.

As of 2006, the Murano slots between the Xterra and Pathfinder (which surpassed the Murano in size since its 2005 redesign), where it became Nissan's best-selling SUV, knocking the Pathfinder off the top spot. Despite being similar in length to the Pathfinder, it is more expensive than a Pathfinder. Also, the Murano was Nissan's only crossover SUV until 2004, when Canada got the smaller X-Trail, which has been replaced by the Rogue for 2008.

The Murano was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003. It was also named the best premium mid-size SUV by AutoPacific.

First generation (2003-2007)

First generation
Production	2003-2007
Assembly	Kanda, Fukuoka, Japan
Platform	Nissan FF-L platform
Engine(s)	3.5L 245 hp V6
Transmission(s)	CVT 6-speed manual
Length	4770 mm (187.6 in)
Width	1880 mm (74.0 in)
Height	2003-05: 1705 mm (66.5 in) 2006-07: 67.3 in (1709 mm)
Related	Nissan Altima Nissan Maxima Nissan Quest Nissan Teana

The vehicle itself is notable for being one of the largest vehicles available with a continuously variable transmission. Most luxuries expected in a car are standard kit in the Murano. The engine, a 3.5 litre 245 bhp V6, comes straight out of the Maxima and is specially tuned for the Murano. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with VDC is a form of traction control embedded into the car's onboard computer and is designed to provide 'joy' to drive. The car is all-wheel drive and has 4-wheel independent suspension. A luxury feature of the car is a rear-view camera in addition to a rear-view mirror. A full set of airbags, steel reinforced cabin, and head restraints are safety features designed to protect the interior whilst VDC, ABS, EBD and brake assist are mechanical safety features.

The 2006 model year Murano received some updates in the form of LED tailamps and turn signals, standard color screen, available back-up camera (standard in Canada for all models), GPS and a restyled front end with some minor trim updates.

Second generation (2009-)

Second generation
Production	2009-
Assembly	Kyushu, Japan
Platform	Nissan D platform
Engine(s)	3.5L 265 hp V6
Transmission(s)	CVT
Length	188.5 in (4788 mm)
Width	74.1 in (1882 mm)
Height	66.9 in (1699 mm)
Related	Nissan Altima

Sources have been told that the Murano will skip the 2008 model year, with the new generation arriving at dealerships sometime during the first quarter of 2008 – as a 2009 model. Nissan has come with a new 2009 model and it can be seen on their website. Like the first-generation model, there is no third-row seat, although most mid-size crossover SUVs are beginning to have that configuration. The 2009 Nissan Murano debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2007.