2011 Nissan Murano LE SUV

The 2011 Nissan Murano ranks 8 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 38 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Murano, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Nissan Murano is an affordable midsize SUV that is actually fun to drive.  With good power, fuel economy and nimble handling, reviewers have no trouble recommending the Murano.

For many buyers, a midsize SUV is the car you need – to haul kids, dogs and family gear – but not necessarily the car you want.  It’s tough to give up a sporty sedan for stogy looks and performance that’s typically geared for comfort.  However, reviewers say that with the 2011 Nissan Murano, you can have your family car and still scratch your performance itch.

 The Murano is no slouch when it comes to practicality. While it doesn’t offer a third-row seat, reviewers say the five-seat SUV is comfortable and accommodating.  Plus, it has some handy optional cargo features that make corralling your stuff easy. Good safety ratings and strong fuel economy numbers make it a credible contender as a family crossover. "Murano is a likable SUV that offers secure handling, a comfortable interior, versatile cargo utility, and a strong, refined powertrain,” saysConsumer Guide. “Midsize SUV shoppers should add it to their test-drive list."

The one complaint that reviewers have about the Murano is that while its base price is affordable, the upper trims can get pricey. For 2011, Nissan has introduced a new SV trim that attempts to balance the price/feature equation.  Just know that if you want a basic, fun family hauler, the base Murano is a good value.  But, if you need lots of gadgets to keep your brood happy, you should save some money by shopping the competition.

Other SUVs to Consider

When it comes to matching the Murano in terms of performance and affordability, the Mazda CX-7 is the only SUV that comes close.  Not only does it have a lower starting price than the Murano, but reviewers say it’s just as fun to drive.  Plus, it gets better fuel economy.

If your main priority is practicality, check out the Honda Pilot. It’s larger than the Murano and can’t offer the same level of sporty performance, but its bigger size means more cargo room, seating for seven (and more LATCH connectors), and it has a lower base price. Although the Pilot is larger than the Murano, it only give up one miles per gallon in city driving.

Details: Nissan Murano

For 2011, the 2011 Nissan Murano gets some styling changes and a new SV trim.  The Murano is available in the base S, SV, SL and top-of-the-line LE. All models have a V6 engine and are available in front- or all-wheel drive. Be sure to check out this month's Nissan Deals for incentives.

2011 Nissan Armada

An imposing stance and rugged, macho styling cues separate the 2011 Nissan Armada from the rest of the full-size SUV crowd, but the Armada fails to stand out for interior space, comfort, or practicality.

The 5.6-liter V-8 engine in the Armada makes 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, and it starts with the rumble of a muscle car. Its torque-monster character works well with the five-speed automatic transmission, allowing smooth, quick takeoffs, even with a full load, as well as impressive passing ability (thanks to quick, responsive downshifting), while it can tow up to 9,100 pounds. The Armada, by some gauges, can get to 60 mph in less than seven seconds—good for such a large vehicle. But while brakes are good, steering, handling, and maneuverability are sore spots for this mammoth truck; try to make any quick change in direction, and you're woefully aware of this vehicle's tremendous heft.

What you see from the outside is essentially what you get inside the 2011 Nissan Armada. This big ute has seats that are a little hard to get up into, but once you're there, if it's in the first two rows, it's comfortable. And if you're wondering how there's a third row with space for cargo, it comes down to either passengers or cargo back there, really, and the load floor is awkwardly high.

The seating position of the Armada is pleasant and upright in the first and second rows, with the front seats especially quite comfortable and supportive—and it's easy to find a good position with the available adjustable pedals. Second-row captain's chairs are also very comfortable but reduce capacity from eight to seven, replacing the bench seat. In back, the third-row bench is just passable for smaller adults, but it leaves almost no cargo space and headroom is tighter back there.

Refinement isn't so top-notch, and its an area where the Armada is showing its age. Nissan has moved to dress up the Armada's interior in recent years, but overall, there are too many dull plastics in this interior, and trims still look on the cheap side. Ride quality in the Armada is firm but smooth, soaking up most major bumps, but it isn't the most refined experience. In multiple test vehicles over the years our editors have noted a fair amount of wind noise, and engine noise in these vehicles is cranked up to an almost ever-present level. While the V-8 sounds good, it can get wear on you on long mountain passes, or when towing.