2012 Nissan Murano Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Very little is set to change for the 2012 Murano, and it's a surprise Nissan released a new version at all. In the previous, first...

Very little is set to change for the 2012 Murano, and it's a surprise Nissan released a new version at all. In the previous, first generation, Nissan gave the Murano a vacation for its fifth production year. This time around there is nowhere near as much to fix - indeed, drivers have very little to complain about - so next to nothing changed, and enthusiasts look forward to the regularly scheduled redesign next year.

The only complaints actually stem from professional reviewer's inaccuracies. Some websites still to this day report that the Murano features a 6-CD changer and bi-xenon headlights, when in fact they were removed in the 2010 version. The new additions do not re-include these "missing" features either, and some drivers are especially sour about this fact.

Instead, the new Platinum Package offers 20-inch wheels, a Sapphire Black exterior and a standard navigation system, while the base S gains a 7-inch monochrome screen for 2012. Some interior refinements are also in store, and if you trust the professionals, they say the new instrument panel is much easier to use.

That said, like its Rogue little brother the Murano suffers from poor rearward visibility and has slightly less cargo capacity than some of its competition. The rear-view camera available in all trims but the S is touted as a kind of necessary safety feature, and maximum cargo capacity with the seats folded is 64 cubic feet - or just over 31 cubes otherwise.

There are sufficient workarounds, it's just a question of whether the Murano's silken ride, user-friendly controls, upscale interior and fun demeanor are worth those workarounds to you. Drivers consistently praise the Murano's cozy seats, ample elbow and legroom, well-appointed interior, sharp steering and smart aesthetic over every other able competitor, and Nissan didn't put chopped liver under the hood, either.

The Murano's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is acclaimed as one of the best on the market, with quick response times and quiet operation - a perfect mate for its 260-hp, 240-lb-ft 3.5-liter V6 power plant. All-wheel drive is available, but front-wheel drive is standard, and either way you can expect 18 mpg city/23 highway. As for safety, the Murano has not been tested under the latest, more stringent system but managed only a 4 out of 5 in the old system, despite coming standard with the expected buffet of safety features up to and including active front head restraints.

All in all the Murano offers an excellent value. Even the base S comes well-equipped with features like keyless ignition/entry and alloy wheels. Moving up to the SV will fetch features like a panoramic sunroof, and the SL ups the ante with all sorts of heated comforts and leather touches. At the top of the line, the LE offers the luxuries of a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and wood accents, and all that alongside the other available options, like a rear entertainment system, make the Murano a must-see.