An unsung success story in motoring is surely the Nissan Murano, which has been with us since way back in 2003, when the notion of a midsize crossover was just becoming viable. It’s been through three generations so far, previously rode on Nissan’s FF-L platform that it shared with the third-generation Altima sedan, but since 2015, has been built on the D platform that Nissan shares with Renault, now also shared by the Altima and Nissan Maxima, plus the Renault Laguna sedan. Rather than being built for the U.S. market in Smyrna, Tennessee; the Murano has its own dedicated Nissan assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi. Part of Nissan’s new-product parade that continues to roll, the Murano is freshened for 2021 with a comprehensive lineup of eight freestanding models, offering both front- and all-wheel drive.
The revised Murano makes use of Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of occupant-protection systems that comes standard, regardless of model. New for 2021 is standard Rear Automatic Braking, plus side-impact airbags, knee bags, lane departure and an around-the-vehicle monitor capability. Standard power comes from Nissan’s 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 with 24 valves and 260 horsepower. Pricing begins at $32,510 for the Murano S with front drive and ranges up to $45.610 for the Murano Platinum AWD.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 