Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2015 Nissan Murano
The Lexus RX is a really nice ride. The problem is, it's also a really expensive ride. Almost $41k to start - and over $50k fully loaded. Meanwhile, you could buy this Nissan Murano - which is very similar in terms of size, layout , what you get (and can get) features and equipment-wise - for just under $29k to start.
Or, get it loaded - AWD, 20 inch wheels, LED lights, premium audio, leather seats and brushed nickel trim - and pay about what Lexus wants for the base trim/front-wheel-drive RX. Nissan isn't saying so openly, but it's a comparison they've no doubt made internally. Maybe you should, too.
WHAT IT IS
The Murano is what they call in the car biz a "near-luxury" crossover SUV. "Near" meaning it's pretty much the same thing you'd get over at Lexus, especially when loaded with options - less the Lexus badge (and price tag). It's a mid-sized/two-row deal that - like the Lexus - emphasizes styling, technology and luxury.
Base price is $29,650 for the S trim with front-wheel-drive. You can upgrade to all-wheel-drive for $31,160. At the apex is the Platinum trim - with AWD (and 20-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, ambient interior lighting, seat heaters for both rows and available with a panorama sunroof, adaptive cruise control and "active" collision mitigation). MSRP for this one is $40,600.
The similarly laid-out Lexus RX starts at $40,970 - about the same as the Murano Platinum, but with FWD and fewer amenities than the Platinum Murano comes with. A loaded RX - "Crafted" edition - stickers for $50,700.
A closer shave, cross-shop-wise, is the Ford Edge, also just recently updated. It's about the same size on the outside - and a bit more roomy inside. The Ford also offers three engine choices, including a turbo four and a twin-turbo V6 (both the Murano and the Lexus RX come with only one engine, a 3.5 liter V6 in both cases). The Edge starts at $28,100 and runs to $40,095.
WHAT'S NEW
The Murano's got a new (longer/wider and lower) body, that's obvious. Less obvious - until you look inside -is that Nissan has re-proportioned the interior to be roughly as roomy in both the first and second rows rather than exceptionally roomy in the first row - but less so in the second, as was the case with the previous Murano.
There's also more room for cargo (almost 70 cubic feet vs. 64 last year) which brings it much closer to the class-leading Ford Edge (73.4 cubic feet).
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