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2015 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD: responsive handling with lounge vibe

Published 12:41 pm Monday, November 9, 2015

Nissan’s Murano was a game-changer when first introduced in 2003. The midsize crossover vehicle – which was inspired by the elegance of famed Italian Murano glassware from which the model took its name – was a tour de force that quickly attracted a loyal, enthusiastic group of owners.

Twelve years and two generations later, the Murano design is still leading the way. My 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD receives a V-Motion front end, boomerang lights and a floating roof treatment that create efficient aerodynamics and eye-popping sculptural design.

Nissan’s Murano is offered in four grade levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Each is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It seats five adults with ease and receives a 24 mpg rating in combined city/highway driving by the EPA.

Better yet, the interior is so comfortable and visually appealing, you might think you’re relaxing at a local Starbucks. The leather seats are well bolstered, and the driver’s seat comes with lumbar support. Ambient lighting and rich, supple accents create a lounge vibe.

Keeping with the idea of “beauty with simplicity,” the number of audio and navigation switches has been

reduced by 60 percent – from 25 to 10 – for a more user-friendly experience.

“We’ve learned from personal electronics that consumers aren’t always looking for devices that do more,

they just want it done better,” said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “People rarely read the directions for their smartphone because they know intuitively how to operate them. We believe vehicles should behave the same way – it’s a new and better way to travel.”

The 2015 Murano is powered by a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Also standard is an advanced Xtronic transmission tuned for quick response and smoothness.

The new Murano offers responsive handling and a comfortable ride through use of a four-wheel independent suspension featuring a front strut/rear multi-link design. Also standard are four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking (ABS) and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Sporty 18-inch, machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels and intuitive all-wheel drive add to its visual appeal and versatility.

Murano’s cargo area has been reconfigured to provide ample storage space even with the seats up. The rear cargo area is large and wide enough to accommodate four full-size golf bags. The rear seats fold flat for greater cargo convenience. I was able to transport a load of 2x4x8s and 20 1x4x8s for a recent fence repair with plenty of room to spare.

With the easy rear-seat release and available power rear seat return, Murano converts from people hauler to cargo ship and back within seconds. All configurations can be done from the back, with no walking to each door. And the power lift-gate delivers hands-free convenience.

My tester included dual-zone automatic temperature control, push button ignition, heated steering wheel, steering wheel position memory, driver’s seat and outside mirror memory, power folding rear seats, remote engine start and an panoramic moonroof that creates an open, airy feeling even on otherwise gloomy fall days.

2015 NISSAN MURANO PLATINUM AWD

BASE PRICE: $40,600

AS TESTED: $43,745

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.