Initial Quality – In the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures owner satisfaction with vehicle quality after the first 90 days of ownership, the Nissan Murano received 3 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings.

Performance and Design – In the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL), which measures owner satisfaction with performance and design attributes of a vehicle, the Nissan Murano received 3 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings.

Predicted Reliability – The 2009 Nissan Murano is a redesigned model that has not yet been included in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Based on the historical performance of the previous generation Murano in the Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, the 2009 Nissan Murano receives a Predicted Reliability rating of 3 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings.

Fuel Economy – The 2009 Nissan Murano is equipped with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine making 265 horsepower, driving the front or all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Regardless of drive system, the Murano is estimated by the EPA to achieve 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Our review vehicle, a Murano LE AWD, averaged 19.2 mpg in primarily highway travel with a full load of passengers and gear. Combined with the Murano’s standard 21.7-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 415-mile range between fill-ups of regular unleaded.

Safety – According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Nissan Murano receives 4-star crash test ratings for front seat occupants in a frontal impact, 5-star ratings for front and rear occupants in a side impact, and 4-star rollover ratings for both front- and all-wheel-drive models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the 2009 Nissan Murano a “Top Safety Pick” because it comes with standard stability control and receives a “Good” rating in the offset frontal impact test, a “Good” rating in the side impact test, and a “Good” rating in the rear impact test.

Environment – According to the EPA, the 2009 Nissan Murano consumes 17.1 barrels of petroleum annually, with a resulting carbon footprint rating of 9.2 tons of air pollution per year. The Murano’s national air pollution score is a 6 out of 10, and in the California and New England regions, it receives an air pollution score of 7 out of 10.