Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Murano

Nissan's luxury SUV gets given a new lease of life thanks to a gutsy 2.5-litre diesel engine and styling revamp.

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

The Murano finally has a diesel engine. The oil-burner is not only 40 per cent more economical than the V6 petrol, it’s more relaxing to drive, too. What’s more, it comes with a proper automatic gearbox rather than a CVT. The Murano is still striking to look at and well equipped, so is a leftfield alternative to European rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re after upmarket family transport, but prefer a bit less space and a bit more style, how about Nissan’s Murano?

Since it first went on sale in 2005, the flagship SUV hasn’t exactly been a big hit for the Japanese firm in the UK. While its smaller crossover brother, the Qashqai, has scored a bullseye with a great range of economical engines, the Murano hasn’t attracted many customers.

This is down to a thirsty V6 petrol unit, mated to an unrefined CVT automatic transmission. Thankfully, Nissan has addressed these areas with a revised model, and the Murano is now the car the company should have launched in the first place. In comes a new 175bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which is hooked up to a fresh six-speed automatic gearbox.

On the move, the oil-burner is smooth, reasonably quiet and capable of returning 35.3mpg. While this is hardly class-leading economy – Audi’s 170bhp 2.0-litre TDI-engined Q5 posts 45.6mpg by comparison – it’s still almost 10mpg up on the petrol, which is the important thing.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

34,200 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,995
View Puma
Kodiaq

2018 Skoda

Kodiaq

89,106 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £14,990
View Kodiaq
Fiesta

2017 Ford

Fiesta

44,340 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £6,980
View Fiesta
XE

2019 Jaguar

XE

80,880 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £8,980
View XE

Ignore Nissan’s performance statistics, though. At 10.5 seconds, the diesel is two-and-a-half seconds slower to 62mph than the V6 petrol. But in the real world it certainly doesn’t feel it.

Thanks to a storming 450Nm of torque, the diesel has better mid-range shove, while the new six-speed automatic gearbox delivers better response and refinement than the CVT transmission. Also, the new powertrain is more relaxing when you are just cruising, too.

As for the rest of the Murano? Well, with Nissan’s ALL MODE 4x4 system it feels stable in slippery conditions, and is generally good to drive with tidy body control, if not much involvement.

What’s more, the design still looks quite striking, and is backed up by a classy cabin with standard leather upholstery, satellite navigation and ambient lighting.

New features include a side and rear parking camera – thanks to the addition of a lens under the passenger door mirror. It’s still not a class leader, but the Murano has made some huge leaps forward.

Rival: Audi Q5
Brilliant diesels, superb build quality and an unrivalled image. It’s good to drive (as it’s based on the A4), but it’s slightly smaller than the Nissan and could be costly if you start adding options.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £14,495
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,576
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025