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Murano's equally distinctive rear end features a unique rear glass shape, integrated rear roof spoiler and large rear LED taillights (with new revised design) that accents the body side character lines. Dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers provide an appropriate final accent.

Other available exterior features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate and a large, dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight that provides an open-air experience for Murano passengers without compromising headroom. Seven exterior colors are offered: Merlot, Tinted Bronze, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Super Black, Glacier Pearl and new-for-2011 Graphite Blue.

A Comfortable "Mobile Suite" Interior

Inside the stylish Murano body is an advanced "mobile suite" interior, embodying warmth and modern style. From the sweep of the instrument panel to the wide console and ambient lighting, Murano owners feel a sense of warmth and security from the first time they open the doors. For 2011, Murano features new center stack colors and a new wood grain hue on Murano LE models.

Murano's front seats have been designed for enhanced support, offering a rich, supple feel and excellent riding comfort. The 60/40 fold-flat rear seat is available with a convenient power return feature (the seat returns to the upright position with the touch of a button), while heated seats are available for both front and rear passengers.

Also offered are double-stitched leather-appointed seating surfaces (standard on SL and LE models) for an inviting, luxurious feeling, available 8-way power driver's and 4-way power front passenger's seats and a driver's memory system (seats, steering wheel and mirrors). Two interior colors are offered: Beige and Black.

The 2011 Murano also offers a variety of convenient cargo storage areas throughout the interior, including standard dual-level center console; pockets for mobile phones, coins, maps and more; numerous cupholders; an extra large glove compartment; and dual seatback pockets; as well as a large rear cargo area. Other standard interior features include an auto door lock feature, dual zone climate controls; Fine Vision gauges; and an AM/FM/CD6/six-speaker audio system with AUX-in jack, VTR jack and MP3/WMA capability.

A variety of advanced technology features are available, including standard Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start; standard Interface System for iPod, a Bose premium 11-speaker audio system (up from an 8-speaker system) with an in-dash CD changer, Radio Data System (RDS), and speed-sensitive volume control; XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately); and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System. The Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System includes a user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Restaurant Survey.

Also available is an iPod connector that integrates into the Murano's standard audio system controls (SV, SL and LE); steering wheel controls for cruise control and audio system; and Voice Recognition for audio, HVAC, Bluetooth and navigation system.

Murano again offers a long list of standard safety features, with six standard air bags, including a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, along with a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and driver/passenger seat belt warning lamps.

Also standard are front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system, front seats with active head restraints and Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones to help dissipate crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

Responsive Power and Control

All 2011 Muranos feature a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series. The engine incorporates a Twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated valve lifters, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads.

Engine power is transferred to an advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that provides a sporty driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers.

Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an advanced all-wheel drive system that automatically adjusts to road conditions. The intuitive all-wheel drive system connects the Murano VDC system's yaw sensors, wheel slip sensors and steering angle sensors with the AWD system. The system helps provide increased traction in a variety of driving conditions by distributing engine torque depending on the driver's steered direction and the actual direction of the vehicle. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) is again standard on all Murano models.

Nissan's advanced "D" platform provides a solid foundation for family adventure-style crossover duties. This platform, which is similar to that used in the 2011 Altima, has been optimized for Murano. Every Murano offers a standard four-wheel independent suspension with extensive use of lightweight aluminum for a reduction in sprung weight. The suspension design features cradle-type front subframe and multi-link rear design with improved geometry and large front and rear stabilizer bars, provides increased stiffness. The suspension, in combination with high performance dual flow path shock absorbers, helps provide sure footing and increased ride comfort on rough surfaces.

A twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system provides the proper levels of assistance in both around-town and high-speed driving. The system provides a direct steering feel, inspiring driver confidence. Braking is provided by large 4-wheel vented disc brakes (12.6-inch front, 12.1-inch rear) with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Murano S, SV and SL models are equipped with 18x7.5-inch 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/65R18 tires, while 20x7.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/55R20 tires come standard on Murano LE models.

Eight Well-Equipped Models

The 2011 Nissan Murano is available in eight models - S FWD, S AWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, LE FWD and LE AWD. All Murano AWD models (S, SV, SL, LE) include an advanced all-wheel drive system.

Murano S models include the 3.5-liter 260-horsepower V6; Xtronic CVT; 18-inch alloy wheels; halogen headlights and LED taillights; 6-way manual driver's and 4-way manual passenger's seats; manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel; power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry system; a 6-speaker audio system; Interface System for iPod; Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start; rear privacy glass and more.

Murano SV models add Dual Panel Moonroof with one-touch open/close, auto reverse, sliding shade and privacy glass; roof rails; integrated halogen front fog lights; 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support; Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System; RearView Monitor; Vehicle Security System; and XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately).

Murano SL models add leather-appointed seats; heated front seats; driver's seat and outside mirror position memory; 60/40 fold-flat rear seat back with power return; power liftgate with hatch closure assist; heated steering wheel; 2GB Music Box; Bose premium audio system with 11-speaker (9 speakers plus two subwoofers); rain-sensing front wipers, heated outside mirrors; and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink Universal Transceiver.

Finally, Murano LE models add 20-inch wheels with a special titanium-colored finish; roof rails with silver accents; rain-sensing front wipers; HID bi-functional Xenon projector headlights; heated rear seats; power tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel; wood grain interior trim; and steering wheel memory position.

Only one option package is available on the 2011 Murano - the Navigation Package. Available on SL and LE models, it offers HDD Navigation with 9.3 GB Music Box Hard Drive, Voice Recognition and touch screen with 7-inch VGA screen and Bluetooth Streaming Audio.

Nissan Murano: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications