The 2019 Nissan Murano is very similar to the 2018 model. It still has the 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that makes 240 lb-ft of torque. Yes, Indeed, it still comes connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). And, yes, it still looks the same internally and externally with the swoopy V-Motion aesthetic still dominant.
I applaud Nissan for their aim to look different, at least externally.
The interior is still the same, which is to say, not as exciting to experience as the exterior. It still has large blind spots at the rear corners, but the ergonomics are still quite good. The seats are outstandingly comfortable.
The Nissan 360 Safety Shield is now standard and it includes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist along with (front and rear) Automatic Emergency Braking. This, in addition to front and rear LED lights, represent the most significant updates to the 2019 model.
Pricing in at about $44,000, the 2019 Nissan Murano SL is a good deal for a loaded, all-wheel drive crossover in this class.
Driving Impressions
I wish the 2019 Nissan Murano drove as fast as it looks. Still, the AWD system is excellent on wet surfaces. I know this because during one of the slowest Super Bowls in recent history, I used the Murano to rush a huge order of buffalo wings and pizza to my place.
Ice and snow from a recent storm were still caked on my neighborhood streets. My neighborhood sits adjacent to a highway on ramp that takes some effort to get to when the road surfaces are good. Also, when the driver is not in a hurry.
Guests were arriving and only snacks were laid out. No pizza, no wings. I completely forgot the order and stared at “She-who-must-be-obeyed” waiting for her to produce the goods. Then it dawned on me that I was an idiot and now had to fight the Super Bowl rush to get to my food.
Good show, little go?
While the ice and snow were easy enough to deal with, the plodding traffic was maddening. I opted to take back roads and pushed the Murano hard. It did well with one exception: it was slow.
Yep, in the several days I used to test the 2019 Nissan Murano, I was only disappointed by its lack of gusto. It had a great ride, handled like a tall station wagon, had a great stereo system and it was comfy. My efforts to pass people in slow traffic was inadequate.
Fortunately, the loading surface was very flat and the 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row was plenty. Fold the rear seats and you get 67 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s not too shabby; however, the roof and loading opening are on the tight side.
All-in-all, it did well enough and I made it before any additional points were scored. Turns out, the way this game went, I could have walked and made it in time. Still, at least the tunes were rockin’, the ride was smooth and I didn’t slide into anything.
In this video, Michael and Nathan test the 2019 Nissan Murano vs the 2019 Ford Edge and 2019 Honda Passport!
