2011 Nissan Murano
2011 Nissan Murano
2011 Nissan Murano
2011 Nissan Murano
2011 Nissan Murano
2011 Nissan Murano
2011 Nissan Murano
The 2011 Nissan Murano’s minor styling changes constitute a mid-cycle facelift for a basic design introduced in model-year 2009. The grille, front bumper, and taillight lenses are slightly revised, and Murano’s 18-inch alloy wheels have a new look. Inside, the instrument panel dumps gimmicky orange backlighting for more sophisticated and easier-to-read white illumination.
The 2011 Nissan Murano repeats the powertrain formula this crossover has used since its inception. That spells a V-6 engine linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The V-6 is Nissan’s capable 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam VQ-series engine with 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Nissan’s a leader in use of CVTs and mating its Xtronic CVT to this strong V-6 creates an impressive combination.
The 2011 Nissan Murano bolsters an already competitive array of features by adding the thoughtfully equipped SV model and beefing up the SL version’s standard-equipment list. The 2011 Murano SV essentially combines the best of last year’s SL standard and optional equipment to create a tempting new model. Among its standard features are a cabin-brightening dual-panel glass roof with opening pane over the front seats.
Interior enhancements for 2011 include a new white meter color, new center stack colors and added equipment to various trim levels - driver's seat with power lumbar support (SV), RearView Monitor (SV), 7.0-inch color monitor (SV), auto dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (SL) and heated steering wheel (SL). New audio and entertainment features range from the addition of standard iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System to SV models to a Bose® audio system with nine speakers plus dual subwoofers for SL models. Other available technology includes an advanced touch screen Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box™ hard drive.
The 2011 Nissan Murano is offered in eight well-equipped models: S FWD, S AWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, LE FWD and LE AWD.
Prices for the 2011 Nissan Murano were not released in time for this review, but expect a base price range of roughly $29,900-$40,900.(Base-price estimates in this review include the manufacturer’s destination fee; Nissan’s fee for the 2010 Murano was $800.)
With front-wheel drive, estimated base prices are $29,900 for the 2011 Nissan Murano S, $33,000 for the 2011 Murano SV, $36,000 for the 2011 Murano SL, and $38,600 for the 2011 Murano LE. Add about $1,600 to any of these prices for AWD.
