Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2015 Nissan Murano
It's because the '15 Murano is about 203 pounds lighter than the '14 Murano (3,920 this year vs. 4,123 lbs. last year). The '15 is also more aerodynamic. Nissan has lowered the overall height of the thing by 1.4 inches - so there's less wind resistance, especially at highway speeds (note the biggest mileage uptick is on the highway).
Acceleration-wise, the Murano is among the quickest available in this class with its standard engine. The FWD version can get to 60 in about 7.3 seconds - quicker than the just-redesigned Edge equipped with its standard 2.0 liter turbo four (245) hp engine (7.9-8 seconds) and nearly as quick as the Lexus RX (7.2 seconds).
Unfortunately - if you're really feeling the need for speed - there's no optional engine. The Ford can be ordered with either of two optional engines - both of them stronger than the Nissan's one-and-only engine.
You can choose a 280 hp 3.5 liter V6. Or a twin turbo 2.7 liter V6 that makes 315 hp. Equipped with this engine, the Edge gets to 60 in just over six seconds, making it the quickest vehicle in this class.
The Edge also has the edge when it comes to towing. With any of its available engines - including the base 2.0 engine - an Edge can pull up to 3,500 pounds. The Murano maxxes out at just 1,500 pounds.
ON THE ROAD
The new Murano is much more like the Lexus RX than the old Murano - which was more like the Ford Edge. Meaning, the new Murano been softened (and luxed) up.
This even includes the seats. Nissan has fitted the new Murano with what it calls "zero gravity" chairs designed to eliminate pressure points and thus act as a buffer between your butt (and back) and the cruel effects of gravity. They are fantastic. You will not find finer - if what you're after is a not-sore butt (and back) after a five-hour road trip.
The suspension is set up to complement the seats. It probably occurred to Nissan that as much as "sporty" marketing is all the rage, one of the best-selling crossovers ever has been the Lexus RX. Which sells because it is soft.
This whole "sporty" thing has become as silly as the politically correct kabuki theater over Caitlin Jenner's honorific. First of all, everything is "sporty" today. In this class, nothing comes with less than eighteen inch wheels and lateral "g" capabilities (the technical term for how fast it can be driven in a circle before the tires break grip and the thing begins to slide sideways) you won't exceed unless you are exceeding the speed limit by at least 20 MPH in a curve. You have to really be trying to get one sliding.
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