2017 Nissan Murano

The 2017 Nissan Murano's acceleration is good for the average commute. Its handling, like that of most midsize SUVs, is adequate but far from sporty when turning a corner. If you're interested in an SUV with a comfortable, smooth ride, however, the Murano is an excellent choice.

• "… it's the way this midsize SUV rides and handles that sealed the deal with our editors. From its precise steering to its assured brakes to the ease in which it would get up and go at just the slightest throttle input, the Murano fulfills the promise made by its seductive outer skin." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Mostly, the Murano is at home just swallowing up miles on the interstate, and we suspect most car buyers will find its laidback personality easy to like." -- Edmunds (2016)
• "The ride is very quiet, handling is confident but not sporty and the 3.5-liter V6 is perfectly matched to the continuously variable transmission (CVT)." -- Autotrader (2015)

Acceleration and Power

The 2017 Nissan Murano's power is delivered by a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is a type of automatic, is standard.

With either its standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, the Murano gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Those are some of the highest estimates in the class.

While most critics are unimpressed with the Murano's horsepower, they agree that its engine has sufficient power for the average driver. CVTs are often criticized for their noisiness, but the Murano's is one of the better systems available, and it makes good use of the engine's power.

• The 3.5-liter V6 pumps out a healthy 260 horsepower, which can be directed to all four wheels if so desired." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "It's not going to feel like a firecracker off the line, but the power is nicely metered-out by the CVT, and while I'm generally not a fan of ever-spinning continuously variable units, Nissan continues to have one of the best setups out there." -- Autoblog (2015)
• Although the power rating is hardly impressive for a 3.5-liter engine today, it's certainly adequate for the Murano, which lost 146 power-sapping (and fuel-sucking) pounds in the redesign." -- Consumer Guide (2015)

Handling and Braking

The 2017 Murano offers a cushy, smooth ride – unless you opt for the Platinum trim, which has 20-inch wheels that harshen its ride quality. Around corners, the Murano maintains its composure for the most part, but it does produce some body roll, and steering could be sharper. Its brake are strong and the pedals provide continuous feedback.

Front-wheel drive is standard in the Nissan Murano. While it's by no means an off-road SUV, when equipped with optional all-wheel drive, the Murano performs admirably in snowy conditions.

• "While the Murano is not set up for off-road adventuring, its AWD system and nearly seven inches of ground clearance make it ideal for tackling deep snow." -- Kelley Blue Book
• The ride is luxurious in the 2016 Nissan Murano, although the large 20-inch wheels on the Platinum trim make for a choppy experience when driving on poorly maintained roads. While the Murano doesn't necessarily embarrass itself around turns, body roll is more noticeable and steering responses are slower than in other crossovers." -- Edmunds (2016)
• Corners aren't really the Murano's forte, but it held its own when pushed. Brake feel was solid, with linear pedal feel. The steering was light, but there was enough feedback through the wheel to let me know what the front tires were doing." -- Autoblog (2015)