We won't go as far as to say there's a night-and-day difference in the leap from 2007 to 2009 in the Murano, but almost. It's much quieter in terms of mechanical, wind and road noise. The engine is much more willing, and this CVT transmission shifts properly, kicks down quickly, and lets the engine operate just above idle at freeway speeds, which is another way that it saves on fuel costs for the owner in addition to the reduced internal friction.
The new Murano's front and rear suspension is now made entirely of cast aluminum pieces, lighter and faster to reach to inputs, very well isolated from the cabin, and features a set of premium shock absorbers with built-in rebound springs to handle the big impacts. The TOPS speed-sensitive steering is relatively quick and has some feel to it, so it's not completely isolated from the cockpit and not completely numb or dead at the steering wheel. The new premium shocks with bumpers on them help the suspension keep the body flat and straight in the long sweepers and they absorb bumps and potholes very well.
All-wheel-drive versions of the Murano have a new system onboard called yaw-rate moment control, which is an enhanced version of Nissan's electronic stability control and traction control system. The optional $1200 system is set for 50/50 front-rear torque distribution, but can switch up or down to 0/100 or 100/0 depending on driving conditions. That puts the traction down to the tires with the best grip, improving traction and handling stability in slippery, inconsistent conditions, such as rain, snow and ice. Next Page