Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Murano

New diesel allows SUV to finally fulfil potential

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Nissan Murano
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Finally, the Murano is the car it always should have been. With a punchy yet quiet diesel engine and a proper six-speed auto box, the big Nissan is good to drive and costs much less to run than the thirsty petrol version. Add in distinctive looks and a well equipped interior, and you’ve got an attractive SUV. Lacking the premium and sporty feel of Audi and BMW-badged products, it will remain a rare sight on UK roads, but buyers will be getting a lot of car and kit for the money.

Advertisement - Article continues below

HAS the Murano turned over a new leaf? Since its launch back in 2005, the big Nissan SUV hasn’t felt at home in the UK. While rival manufacturers have increased sales by offering efficient diesels, the Murano has soldiered on with a thirsty 3.5-litre V6 petrol, saddled with an unrefined CVT box. As a result, it’s been hard to like.

But this 187bhp 2.5-litre diesel changes that. Hooked up to a slick six-speed automatic, it’s fast yet economical. And it’s quiet, too. Ignore the quoted 0-62mph time of 10.5 seconds, because with 450Nm of torque there’s plenty of shove for overtaking, while it’s easy to return 35mpg too – some 10mpg up on the petrol version, even if it lags behind the smaller 2.0-litre diesels of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, which return more than 40mpg.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Octavia Estate

2022 Skoda

Octavia Estate

42,909 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,537
View Octavia Estate
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

31,458 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,573
View Focus
C1

2021 Citroen

C1

16,012 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,300
View C1
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

20,995 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,800
View Range Rover Evoque

The new six-speed automatic gearbox is a huge improvement as well, offering a fine blend of responsiveness and refinement. What’s more, the whole drivetrain is very relaxing on the motorway.

In fact, relaxing is a good way to describe the rest of the driving experience. Nissan’s ALL MODE 4x4 system gives the flagship SUV solid stability in wet weather, while the ride is smooth, the handling tidy and the steering accurate, if rather numb. Plus, with decent soundproofing, the Murano insulates occupants from the outside world, even if it’s not particularly fun to drive.

Inside and out, Nissan has done a good job updating the Murano’s appearance. It still looks distinctive, but the new grille is far easier on the eye than the previous model’s rather garish affair, while the cabin is classy, with soft leather for the supportive seats.

Priced at £37,795, the Murano is not cheap, but you do get a lot of equipment –  an 11-speaker Bose audio system, sat-nav with a seven-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and two parking cameras – one for the side and one for the rear – as standard.

All in all, the Murano may not be challenging for class honours, but it’s a better car than ever before.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,733 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025