The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum has a lounge-like interior that is designed to get folks together. The center console is wide to enhance comfort while not destroying the feeling of closeness. Technology is within easy reach, making for an all-inclusive experience.
The 3.5-liter, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), 24-valve V6 engine delivers 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Xtronic CVT contributes to a quiet, smooth transition through the gears.
The 2017 Nissan Murano earned an EPA mileage rating of 24 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway, for a combined 24 mpg. Features like hill-start assist and vehicle dynamic control help the vehicle stay under control.
The Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield is another feature that adds to a safer and more satisfying ride. Other advanced-technology features include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, predictive forward collision warning, driver attention alert, forward emergency braking, and around-view monitor with moving object detection.
My favorite feature was the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which proved quite handy on a recent trip down Highway No.35 south, from Dallas to Austin, Texas. Perpetual road construction and layers of late-Friday-evening traffic could have made the trip challenging, but ICC allowed me to maintain a consistent speed and pass slower traffic. At the same time, it enabled me to move over safely for fast passing cars, all while keeping a safe distance from the car in front of me.
The ICC system excelled when I needed to pass cars without even touching the accelerator, which made the trip go by so much faster. What I like about this feature is the way it ignored my wife completely as she gave driving instructions during the trip.
There are four trims to choose from: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The Platinum model will be my focus for this article.
The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum comes in eight striking exterior colors. Cayenne Red, Java Metallic, and Magnetic Black are some examples. The interior texture is either cloth or leather. The Murano I test drove was Arctic Blue Metallic with a Cashmere Leather interior.
The Murano Platinum is beautifully crafted, comfortably seats five, and offers versatility when hauling people and cargo. The headroom is 38.1 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back. In the footwells, legroom measures 40.5 inches front and 38.7 inches rear.
The LED signature daytime running lights, fog lights, LED tail lights, silver rails, power side-view mirrors, and power liftgate complement the modern aerodynamics. The 20-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels allow everyone to sit tall, making the vehicle striking in stature.
Inside, the Murano Platinum has a most attractive interior. Heated, leather-appointed seats and driver’s seat memory function, are complemented by a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seats were full and comfortable, and the 60/40-split fold-down rear seats with power return made for great passenger comfort.
The Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/CD plus MP3/WMA playback provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy good music. Meanwhile, NissanConnect with navigation on an 8-inch touchscreen with HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Traffic, and Travel Link kept every one informed and connected.
Practical technologies and well-controlled suspension combined with a powerful V6 engine help the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum provide a quality, comfortable, and quiet ride with valiant maneuverability.
The steering felt strong, and the small turning radius made for easy parking in crowded parking lots and narrow lanes such as those leading into multi-level garages.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $41,210 for the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD.
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 112.2”
Overall Length: 192.4”
Overall Width: 75.4”
Overall Height: 66.6”
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
