Nissan Murano Generations: A Complete Guide
Hey guys! Are you a fan of the Nissan Murano? Or maybe you're just curious about its history? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into the world of Nissan Murano generations! From its stylish beginnings to its modern-day upgrades, we'll cover everything you need to know about this popular crossover SUV. So, let's get started!
First Generation (2003-2007)
The first generation of the Nissan Murano, introduced in 2003 as a 2003 model, marked Nissan's entry into the crossover SUV market. It was a bold move, and boy, did it pay off! The Murano was designed to blend the comfort and practicality of an SUV with the sleek styling and driving dynamics of a car. This generation, often referred to as the Z50, was available from 2003 to 2007, and it quickly gained popularity for its distinctive design and comfortable ride.
Design and Features
The Murano's design was definitely eye-catching. It featured a distinctive front grille, sleek headlights, and a sloping roofline that gave it a sporty appearance. Inside, the cabin was designed with comfort in mind, offering plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making it a great choice for long road trips. The dashboard layout was intuitive and easy to use, with all the essential controls within easy reach. Plus, the Murano came with a range of features that were considered advanced for its time, including a touchscreen navigation system, a Bose audio system, and a rearview camera.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the first-generation Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced around 245 horsepower. This engine provided plenty of power for everyday driving, and it was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helped to maximize fuel efficiency. The Murano was available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, giving buyers the option to choose the setup that best suited their needs. On the road, the Murano offered a comfortable and composed ride, with responsive steering and good handling. It wasn't the sportiest SUV on the market, but it was definitely one of the most comfortable and refined.
Updates and Changes
During its production run, the first-generation Murano received a few updates and changes. In 2006, Nissan gave the Murano a mild refresh, with updated headlights, taillights, and a revised front grille. Inside, the dashboard was updated with new materials and a slightly different layout. Nissan also added some new features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. These updates helped to keep the Murano fresh and competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Overall, the first-generation Nissan Murano was a huge success, paving the way for future generations of this popular crossover SUV.
Second Generation (2008-2014)
The second generation of the Nissan Murano, known as the Z51, was introduced in 2008 and ran until 2014. This generation brought a more refined and sophisticated design, along with improved performance and new technology. Nissan aimed to build upon the success of the first generation while addressing some of its shortcomings. The result was a crossover that was both stylish and practical, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Design and Features
The second-generation Murano featured a more sculpted and aerodynamic design than its predecessor. The front end was more aggressive, with a bolder grille and sharper headlights. The rear end was also updated, with new taillights and a more streamlined bumper. Inside, the cabin was redesigned with higher-quality materials and a more modern layout. The seats were even more comfortable than before, and the dashboard was packed with new technology, including a larger touchscreen display, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features. One of the standout features of this generation was the available panoramic sunroof, which gave the cabin an open and airy feel.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the second-generation Murano retained the 3.5-liter V6 engine from the previous generation, but it was updated to produce slightly more power, around 265 horsepower. This engine was paired with an improved CVT that offered smoother and more responsive performance. Like the first generation, the second-generation Murano was available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. On the road, the Murano offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with improved handling and more responsive steering. It was a great choice for families and anyone looking for a comfortable and refined crossover SUV.
Updates and Changes
During its production run, the second-generation Murano received a few updates and changes. In 2011, Nissan gave the Murano a mid-cycle refresh, with updated front and rear fascias, as well as some minor interior tweaks. Nissan also added some new features, such as a blind-spot monitoring system and a rearview camera with parking sensors. These updates helped to keep the Murano competitive in a crowded market. One of the more unusual variants of this generation was the Murano CrossCabriolet, a convertible version of the Murano that was introduced in 2011. While it wasn't a huge success, it was definitely a unique and memorable vehicle. Overall, the second-generation Nissan Murano was a significant improvement over the first generation, offering more style, performance, and technology.
Third Generation (2015-2022)
The third generation of the Nissan Murano, known as the Z52, was introduced in 2015 and continued until 2022. This generation brought a bold new design language, along with even more advanced technology and safety features. Nissan aimed to create a crossover that was both stylish and sophisticated, appealing to a more upscale audience.
Design and Features
The third-generation Murano featured a radical new design that was inspired by Nissan's Resonance concept car. The front end was dominated by a large V-motion grille, flanked by sleek boomerang-shaped headlights. The roofline was lower and more streamlined than before, giving the Murano a more coupe-like appearance. Inside, the cabin was redesigned with premium materials and a minimalist layout. The seats were incredibly comfortable, and the dashboard was packed with technology, including a large touchscreen display, a Bose audio system, and a suite of advanced safety features. One of the standout features of this generation was the available NissanConnect infotainment system, which offered smartphone integration and a range of online services.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the third-generation Murano retained the 3.5-liter V6 engine from the previous generation, but it was updated to produce around 260 horsepower. This engine was paired with an improved CVT that offered even smoother and more responsive performance. Like the previous generations, the third-generation Murano was available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. On the road, the Murano offered a comfortable and refined ride, with improved handling and more precise steering. It was a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and sophisticated crossover SUV.
Updates and Changes
During its production run, the third-generation Murano received a few updates and changes. In 2019, Nissan gave the Murano a mid-cycle refresh, with updated front and rear fascias, as well as some minor interior tweaks. Nissan also added some new safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. These updates helped to keep the Murano competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Overall, the third-generation Nissan Murano was a bold and stylish crossover that offered a great combination of comfort, technology, and performance.
Fourth Generation (2023-Present)
The fourth generation of the Nissan Murano arrived in 2023, continuing the model's evolution with further refinements and modernizations. While it maintains the core strengths of its predecessors, this latest iteration focuses on enhancing technology, comfort, and overall driving experience.
Design and Features
The fourth-generation Murano carries forward Nissan's contemporary design language, featuring an evolved V-motion grille and sharper lines for a more assertive stance. The interior sees upgrades in material quality and a more intuitive layout, emphasizing ease of use and driver-centric design. Standard features include a larger touchscreen infotainment system with seamless smartphone integration, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and enhanced connectivity options. Higher trims offer premium amenities such as leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and Bose audio system, catering to those seeking a more luxurious experience.
Performance and Handling
The powertrain of the fourth-generation Murano remains consistent with previous models, utilizing a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup provides smooth and efficient power delivery, suitable for daily commuting and long-distance travels. The Murano is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, offering versatility for different driving conditions. Suspension tuning prioritizes comfort, ensuring a composed ride quality even on rough roads.
Updates and Changes
As a relatively new generation, the fourth-generation Murano is expected to receive updates and enhancements in the coming years. These may include styling tweaks, technology upgrades, and the addition of new features to stay competitive in the crossover SUV segment. Nissan's commitment to innovation suggests that future iterations of the Murano will continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of consumers. Overall, the fourth-generation Nissan Murano represents a modern and refined option in the mid-size crossover market, offering a blend of style, comfort, and technology.
So, there you have it, guys! A complete guide to the Nissan Murano generations. Whether you're a longtime fan or just starting to explore this popular crossover SUV, I hope this article has been informative and helpful. Thanks for reading, and happy driving!