Power is provided by Nissan’s venerable VQ35 V6, a stalwart engine that used to be the industry standard. It still works well, delivering decent refinement and responsiveness, though it’s no longer class leading.
In the new Murano horsepower is rated at 260 while torque peaks at 240 lb-ft. This engine pulls with decent verve, though the party doesn’t really start until she’s spinning north of 3,000 RPM.
The company’s latest Xtronic CVT routs power to either the front wheels or all four corners. As continuously variable transmissions go this one is surprisingly agreeable, making the most of the engine’s output while simultaneously maximizing efficiency. It can even simulate traditional stepped gear ratios to avoid droning, a all-too-common — and annoying — attribute of CVTs.
This transmission is also a boon for fuel economy. The Murano I tested stickered at 21 MPG city and 28 highway. Combined it should average 24 MPG. That’s impressive for a tall vehicle that weighs more than two tons.
