2005 Nissan Murano Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
A comfortable cabin and impressive road manners set the Murano apart from other SUVs.
SUVs are growing in popularity as the de facto family hauler. But not all buyers require three rows in their midsize SUV. For these shoppers, the 2005 Nissan Murano provides plenty of comfortable cabin space across two rows of seating. The Murano has a smooth ride and confident acceleration thanks to its standard V6 engine. There are few competitors going after this niche market, but they do exist and include the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and to a lesser extent, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
The overall silhouette is that of a textbook SUV, but closer examination reveals some truly unique styling. The upright headlights and grid-pattern grille are futuristic design choices that help the Murano stand out in a crowd. The interior of the Murano is more conventional in its layout, but also provides some forward-thinking features. The digital display is larger than any trip computer, and when properly equipped, it can host a navigation system as well.
Trims for the Murano are S, SL, and SE. No matter the trim selected, cabin quality is top-notch. The fit-and-finish is outstanding and soft-touch materials are used throughout. The base S trim comes very well equipped, including 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and power windows with one-touch up-down function.
Optional features on the Murano include a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, power sunroof, memory seating, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, and a 4-way power-adjustable front driver’s seat.
Performance
A 3.5-liter V6 engine powers the Murano. It generates 245 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque. This engine routes power to the front wheels (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). As the name suggests, the CVT replaces conventional gears with components that simulate a wide range of gear ratios. You can’t hear any gear changes when accelerating, just the CVT finding the optimal range for acceleration. In all other driving situations, the CVT will find the optimal range for fuel economy.
There are concerns that the CVT can’t manage power well, but when properly equipped, the Murano can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Acceleration is strong and cornering is rather impressive for an SUV. The Murano's wide stance helps keep it planted during turn-in, and the suspension does a very good job soaking up bumps in the road. For the driving enthusiast out there, check out the SE trim. It has a firmer sport-tuned suspension and might be a bit harsh for some.
Form & function
Technology
The Murano comes standard with an AM/FM stereo with CD player. The SL and SE trims are available with a Premium Package. It adds a more powerful stereo with automatic volume control and a hard-pounding subwoofer. A DVD-based navigation system is optional and an available Touring Package adds pre-wiring for a backseat entertainment system.
Safety
Standard safety features on the Murano include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution as well as active front head restraints. The Murano comes with a full complement of airbags, including dual-stage front airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, and front-seat side-impact airbags.
Auto leveling xenon headlights are optional on SL, standard on SE. A Dynamic Control Package adds features like tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Cost-effectiveness
The FWD Murano returns fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 23 highway, 20 combined. The AWD version also returns 18 mpg city, 23 highway, 20 combined. Apparently drive wheels do not impact fuel economy in this case.
The 2005 Nissan Murano starts at $27,150 for a FWD S trim. AWD brings that price to $28,750. A mid-range SL starts at $28,650. An SE trim starts at $29,600, and an SE AWD trim costs $31,200.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Nissan Murano are generally pleased with its looks, comfort, and reliability. Many appreciate the spacious interior and safety features, particularly in winter driving conditions due to its all-wheel drive. However, several drivers have expressed frustration with issues like leaks, the CVT transmission's performance, and some maintenance concerns. While the ride is smooth and enjoyable, acceleration can sometimes be lacking."
I love the fact it drives more like a car than a bulky SUV or truck. It has been very reliable for 9 years. Paint still looks new. Leather has cracked a little. This is a very solid vehicle that looks almost new after 9 years.
January 8, 2015Great flexablility with 60/40 split seats. Good quality leather. VERY smmoth ride with CVT transmission. Never had any problems. 18-20 mpg. Great car for going around town, easy to get around heavy traffic, and yet very comfortable on long trips.
August 6, 2009I thought the gas miles should have been better, 22 in town, 28 hi way. Handling is super responds great at any speed, AC will freeze you, and I feel safe with all the air bags, curtain seat, and dash on both sides.
October 28, 2012What owners say
I love the fact it drives more like a car than a bulky SUV or truck. It has been very reliable for 9 years. Paint still looks new. Leather has cracked a little. This is a very solid vehicle that looks almost new after 9 years.
January 8, 2015Great flexablility with 60/40 split seats. Good quality leather. VERY smmoth ride with CVT transmission. Never had any problems. 18-20 mpg. Great car for going around town, easy to get around heavy traffic, and yet very comfortable on long trips.
August 6, 2009I thought the gas miles should have been better, 22 in town, 28 hi way. Handling is super responds great at any speed, AC will freeze you, and I feel safe with all the air bags, curtain seat, and dash on both sides.
October 28, 2012I love the look and the comfort of this car. It rides smooth and the navigation system is great! The heat warmer is a great feature in the winter as well. The fold down seats in the back is great for room!
July 27, 2013I will update this later, but my impressions so far are all poitive for this vehicle. It runs great, stays clean under the hood, has had few issues and maintenance dowsnt seem to bad, except fo rthe cost of transmission fluid changes and flushes.
November 11, 2014We leased our 2005 Murano S after renting one during a trip. About three months before the lease was up, the redesigned 2009 Murano arrived. My wife and I did not like the new design, so we went to the local Nissan dealer to see how we could get out of our lease three months early and into one of the last 2007 Muranos left on the lot. No dice -- without paying a bunch of extra money to terminate the existing lease early. So we bought ours at the end of the lease. We have the base S model with front-wheel drive. Living in California, we don't need AWD, and my wife didn't want leather seats. Unfortunately, the S was not available with stability control, one safety feature we definitely wish our car had. Now, a decade after this design first debuted, and after we first drove the Murano, we still love the looks and almost everything about the way it drives. The droning CVT is awful, but otherwise this is a reasonably quick and reasonably entertaining crossover, and we like the firm ride quality and the heavy steering. We haven't re-set the trip computer in about 40,000 miles, and it reads 19.5 mpg. There is plenty of space inside of our Murano, and it serves well as a family car. The trunk is large, the rear seats are roomy, and the front seats are supportive with tall seating positions. We like the modern and minimalist dashboard design, though the digital display definitely looks its age in terms of graphics. We've taken many road trips in our Murano, which has proven to be exceptionally reliable. Owners have problems with the CVT, though, and while Nissan has extended the warranty on this component, I'm not looking forward to replacing it if it breaks. Given how little we've spent on this vehicle otherwise, I can cut it some slack. If we elected to replace our Murano today, we would not get a 2013 version. Nor would we choose a 2013 Pathfinder. Instead, we would be shopping for a Dodge Durango (!), a Ford Flex, or a Honda Pilot. The Durango, in our opinion, is much nicer in terms of design, quality, functionality, and driving dynamics than most people give it credit. But since our Murano has just 65,000 miles, we'll hang on to it for awhile.
May 30, 2013This car is reliable, comfortable, looks great, nice power, very safe. It very very clean. Has no problems and great for driving. It is safe because it is all wheel drive and one of the best cars in the snow.
April 24, 2013Love the truck. It's just hard to get it out of my wife's hands! It is a must for winter driving, verry transparent operation. Better highway fuel economie that my 95 maxima I use to have. With a lot more rear leg room, specialy at the rear.
October 1, 2009this car is so great, for me this car is so perfect. the exterior is so great, i prefer this one compare to the new murano. the interior quality n spaceness is also good. when u in driver seat, u'll have a great view to every corner of car. more bose sound system is okay, but if u want to spend more money to upgrade it with 2 amplifier n 2 sub, u'll have a great sound system. the only disapoinment came from its performance. the cvt transmission is not fun n enjoy to use. but cvt improve its gas efficiency. overall this is a one great car, i have owns it for 4 years, n will not think to sell it.
February 5, 2010mostly everthing about this suv i like and anyone that has drove it likes it also i have takin it on long trips its really comfy and rides great i really love driving it so i really have recomended my friends to get one more than once
August 30, 2012Trims & specs
Base MSRP $29,330 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 245 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 32.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,180 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 245 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 32.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $31,780 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 245 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 32.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,730 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 245 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 32.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,230 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 245 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 32.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $30,830 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 245 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 32.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
