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

2008

2017 Peugeot

2008

33,435 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £8,951
View 2008
C5 Aircross

2023 Citroen

C5 Aircross

9,932 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £21,490
View C5 Aircross
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

48,280 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £15,495
View Model 3
A4

2025 Audi

A4

32,290 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,495
View A4

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,568
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,700
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025
New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025