2005 Nissan Murano Trims and Specs

A new trim arrives in 2005, the Nissan Murano S. This is the new base model of the crossover SUV, yet still well equipped and just as roomy. With only two rows of seats, the 2005 Murano S has plenty of cargo room (up to 82 cubic feet), rear seats fold down and recline. An optional roof rack adds more space, and an optional trailer hitch lets you tow up to 3500 pounds. A 3.5-liter, 245-hp, 24-valve DOHC V6 engine is matched to a CVT (continuously variable transmission), and 18-inch alloy wheels keep the 2005 Murano S glued to the road. Dual front-side and rear side airbags and ABS brakes are standard, and in 2005, the SUV gets rollover sensors.

The front-wheel drive 2005 Murano S comes with a full power setup and a power driver's seat. Cruise control, automatic climate control, a CD player, and intermittent front and rear wipers are other standard conveniences. A leather and alloy trim on the wheel and shifter lends an upscale air to the interior. A rear spoiler is standard above the rear window, which does not open independently of the liftgate. Some other options include satellite radio and power-adjustable pedals. Owners like the style, interior layout and room, and powerful engine, but dislike the 20/24 mpg and complain about blind spots.

More convenience and safety features come with the 2005 Nissan Murano SL, the "luxury" trim for the small front-wheel drive crossover SUV. Powered by a 3.5-liter, 245-hp V6 engine and CVT continuously variable transmission, the 2005 Murano SL rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and features six airbags (dual front and side impact for both rows), 4-wheel ABS brakes, and a new rollover sensor. The SL adds automatic headlights, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, helping the SUV to achieve 4 and 5-star crash ratings. Traction and stability control, a tire monitor, and xenon headlights can be added.

Upgrading from the S, the 2005 Murano SL adds a security system and wheel-mounted audio controls for the CD player/radio. This is in addition to the power setup, power driver's seat, leather and alloy trim, automatic climate control, cruise control, tachometer, and a rear spoiler. There are intermittent wipers for both the front and rear windows, but the rear window does not open separately from the liftgate. The cargo space holds up to 82 cubic feet with the rear seats down, and a roof rack and towing package can be added. A lot more options come with the 2005 Murano SL, including a new remote start feature. Other add-ons are leather seats, heated seats and mirrors, memory settings, a power passenger seat, a sunroof, navigation system, DVD player, and satellite radio. Power, pickup, and the overall handling are what please owners of the 2005 Murano SL. Low 20/25 mpg, premium gas, and blind spots tend to aggravate them.

All-wheel drive performance is what distinguishes the 2005 Nissan Murano S AWD from the front-wheel drive version. Otherwise it is pretty similar, sporting a 245-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and CVT, and featuring 4-wheel ABS brakes, a new rollover sensor, and dual front-side and rear side airbags. The crossover SUV has two rows of seats and fits four passengers, providing cupholders and storage compartments to meet a small family's needs. Rear seats split-fold to expand the 32 cubic foot cargo area to 82 cubic feet, and an optional roof rack and towing package is available.

Standard equipment includes front and rear intermittent wipers, a tachometer, cruise control, a power driver's seat, full power features, a CD player, and automatic climate control. The interior is adorned in leather and alloy trim on the shifter and steering wheel. Outside is a rear spoiler. The 2005 Murano S AWD can also be outfitted with power adjustable pedals and a satellite radio. Drivers like the car-like handling, yet high ride height of the stylish SUV, and the horsepower and pickup (same engine from the 350Z) are impressive. Low fuel economy and the need for premium gas are downsides.

2005 is the last year for the front-wheel drive Nissan Murano SE (it will be AWD only in 2006), the performance-oriented offering in the crossover SUV lineup, featuring a stiffer sport suspension. Otherwise, it is much the same as the other trims, with a 3.5-liter, 245-hp DOHC V6 engine and seamless-shift CVT transmission. 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, and automatic headlights decorate the exterior like the other trims, but the 2005 Murano SE adds standard xenon lamps as well. Also new this year is a rollover sensor and optional keyless start.

Dual front-side and rear side airbags and ABS brakes are standard, but traction and stability control and a tire monitor are add-ons. Like the SL, the 2005 Murano SE features a power driver's seat, power windows, locks, and mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, security system, cruise control, wheel-mounted CD player controls, a tachometer, and leather and alloy accents. A roof rack and trailer package add extra storage space to the 82 cubic foot cargo area. The 2005 Murano SE offers similar options to the SL, including heated leather seats and mirrors, a rearview camera, upgraded audio system, memory settings, satellite radio, a DVD player, CD changer, and a navigation system. Owners feel the sporty SUV offers a comfortable ride, with plenty of confident power and ample passenger room. The CVT was smooth and easy, and the long list of features is an advantage. Lousy cupholders, blind spots, and pricey gas fill-ups are the major gripes.

Though no off-roader, the 2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD adds all-wheel drive performance to handle tough roads or rough weather, and with its 245-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine and CVT transmission that puts out 246 lb-ft of torque, riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, the 2005 Murano SL AWD packs plenty of power and pickup as well. Reclining rear seats add extra comfort, and the cargo space can be expanded from 32 to 82 cubic feet when the seats fold flat. A roof rack, trailer hitch, and towing package can be added for more versatility.

Additions to the 2000 Murano SL AWD this year include rollover sensors for the side impact airbags in both rows and an optional remote start. The long list of standard features include six airbags, auto headlights, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ABS brakes, a power driver's seat, wheel-mounted CD/radio controls, cruise control, and intermittent front and rear wipers. To beef up the luxury, features like leather seats, heated seats and mirrors, a rearview camera, sunroof, DVD player, navigation system, satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals, and wood interior trim can be added. Extra safety features include stability and traction control and xenon headlights. Complaints mention the useless cupholders, cheap plastic dash, and poor fuel economy. But drivers appreciate the power and handling, the smooth ride, and roominess of the 2005 Murano SL AWD.

The 2005 Nissan Murano SE AWD offers the maximum sports-oriented performance, with a combination of all-wheel drive capability and a stiffer sports suspension. Powered by a 245-hp, 24-valve, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and smooth continuously variable transmission, with 246 lb-ft of torque, the crossover SUV offers great pickup and road feel, while simultaneously offering easy car-like handling thanks to its car platform. Two rows of seat fit four, with the rear seats reclining and folding flat for more cargo space. Cupholders and storage compartments abound, and families feel safe with the dual front-side and rear side impact bags. New this year are rollover sensors.

Other safety features include automatic headlights, xenon lamps, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 4-wheel ABS. Traction and stability control and a tire monitor can be added. Intermittent front and rear wipers, cruise control, wheel-mounted CD player control, full power features and a power driver's seat, a garage opener, and leather and alloy trim offer plenty of convenience. Options boost the luxury by including the new remote start feature, a rearview camera, heated leather seats and mirrors, a DVD system, CD changer, satellite radio, and navigation system. A roof rack is not standard, but can be added, along with a towing package. Excellent acceleration, 5-star crash test ratings, exterior styling, precise handling, and reclining rear seats are highlights for drivers of the 2005 Muran SE AWD. Criticisms go to a cheap-looking interior, the 20/25 fuel economy and premium gas requirement, and the shallow cupholders.