2016 Nissan Murano

The 2016 Nissan Murano is a midsize, two-row crossover with seating for five. Among its benefits are premium appointments and expressive design that set it apart from many of its mainstream competitors.

The four trims offered for the 2016 Murano are S, SV, SL and Platinum. In all grades, front-wheel drive and a V6 engine are standard, with all-wheel drive available.

After introducing the current-generation Murano as an all-new model in 2015, Nissan made no significant changes to the vehicle for 2016.

Exterior

The 2016 Murano’s dramatic exterior takes advantage of Nissan’s newest design language to show off a bold, V-shaped grille bar up front and blacked-out roof pillars at the rear. Those are designed to make the roof seem to be “floating” at the back. Standard LED taillights and distinctive LED daytime running lights can be complemented by available fog lights and LED headlights in the Murano’s up-level grades. Also available to enhance the vehicle’s exterior are heated exterior mirrors with built-in turn-signal lights.

The Murano rolls on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels as standard equipment, then supplies 20-inch wheels as an option. Moving beyond design elements are such exterior features as standard active grille shutters – for enhanced aerodynamics and efficiency – and both a power rear liftgate and power panoramic moonroof.

Interior

A sophisticated interior is a highlight for the Murano, which provides standard dual-zone automatic temperature control, keyless access, push-button start and premium seating. The front-row and outboard rear positions benefit from Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seats, while the second row also introduces a three-cushion seat design for the first time. For added luxury, Nissan furnishes options like leather seating with available heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats. A leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel also is available.

The Murano cabin additionally meets customer demand for versatility. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats is 32.1 cubic feet, and the second row can be folded for 67 cubic feet of rear storage. An available power-folding rear seat makes it easier for folks to leverage that space; however, the Murano’s available moonroof does slightly reduce rear cargo capacity, by 1 cubic foot with the rear seats up and by 2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Performance

With its relatively upscale positioning, the 2016 Murano has a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque for confident performance. Drivers manage that output with a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT), though it does incorporate Nissan technology for the same sort of “shifting” feel as a traditional automatic.

EPA ratings for the Murano, at 21/28 mpg city/highway, are identical for front- and all-wheel-drive models. Owners looking for SUV-style towing capability will find the Murano with a 1,500 pound maximum trailer rating.

Technology

The 2016 Murano comes standard with a NissanConnect infotainment system that bundles together a 7-inch color display, the brand’s app-access interface, six-speaker audio, Bluetooth and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The same display also doubles as the screen for the Murano’s standard rearview camera system. In all Murano models above the S grade, Nissan ups the infotainment ante with navigation, an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, a rear USB port, and SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic. A Bose premium audio system with 9 speakers is standard for SL and Platinum trims. Those models further feature standard driver-assistance measures like an around-view camera system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, moving object detection and an alert system that can detect and warn against drowsy-driving behaviors.

Optional for safety-minded owners are adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking and a forward collision-warning system that can track two vehicles ahead of the Murano.