Nissan Murano History

Nissan Murano History

Nissan Murano History

Introduction

When the Nissan Murano was first introduced in 2002, it brought the Japanese carmaker into the fold of the North American crossover SUV segment. Since its introduction, it has continued to make a name for the brand in its segment.


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Early History

The Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV first introduced at the 2002 New York International Auto Show and entered production the same year at Nissan’s Kyushu, Japan, assembly plant. As the first Nissan crossover SUV sold in the United States and Canada, the Murano was joined by the likes of the Nissan Rogue in 2007, a smaller crossover option.

Recent History

Though the Murano offered three different trim levels—S, SL, and LE— when it was first introduced, Nissan decided that wasn’t enough. Now in its second generation, the Murano offers four different trim levels—S, SV, SL, and LE. Rather than the typical all-wheel-drive option, the second generation Murano now offers Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (iAWD) instead.

Nissan Murano Fun Facts

  • Named after Murano, Italy
  • Named best premium mid-size SUV by AutoPacific
  • The CrossCabriolet, a convertible variant of the Murano, premiered at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show
  • First generation shared an engine with the Altima, Maxima, and 350Z, though it was tuned specifically for the crossover
  • One of the largest vehicles to use a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
  • In Japan, Nissan markets the Murano for men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

2014 Nissan Murano Overview


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