Automotive Reminder

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
09/17/2016 at 08:46 • Filed to: Automotive Reminder, Automotive Reminders, Nissan Murano Hybrid, Nissan Murano

There is a 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid . It uses the supercharged 2.5L I-4 engine that was in the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid (yes, there was a 4-cyl hybrid Pathfinder). You’ll find the Murano Hybrid baked into the trims of the Murano configurator. The hybrid system is only a 10hp loss compared to the 260hp 3.5L V6 equipped models but adds about 170 lbs compared to the conventional powertrain versions. That said, you can bump your 21/28 mpg with the V6 up to 28/31 mpg (FWD), or 26/30 mpg (AWD). It’s also worth noting that the Nissan Murano has been a phenomenally reliable vehicle for the past 5 years, really one of the few remaining Nissans that holds up to the “Japanese reliability” trope.

*Nissan has missed that trope, call it the Nissantrope, not to be confused with misanthrope which would be completely incorrect since all Nissans are built for the only race that matters, the Human Race.

*That tangent was technically a secant which most would say Nissan currently recants until they remember what the Human Race is like in general .

The Murano Hybrid is only offered in SL and Platinum trim levels ($40,130 and $42,180 respectively). This means they are a premium over the $39,180 Platinum trim for the conventional model, which shouldn’t be a suprise to anyone. That sticker shock does numb once you realize this variant is like a discount RX450h. Well, that is, until you find out Nissan doesn’t have any real intentions of selling these, they are just getting rid of last generation parts in order to make room for the new hybrid powertrain. But in the enthusiast world we refer to that as “building a unicorn.” Now understand your fuel economy won’t be as high as the RX450h (around 30 mpg average versus 28/29mpg in the Murano), however the Murano Hybrid is set for regular fuel instead of premium which means you’ll actually spend less over the year’s average since the fuel efficiency ratings are close enough for the pump price to be worth accounting for.

For those upset over the loss of the Pathfinder Hybrid (which you learned the existence and cease-to-existence of today) or simply need a third row and a luxury badge, feel free to checkout a 2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid. It uses the same powertrain but is nearly a $12k premium over the Murano and averages 26 mpg comined for nearly the same price as the RX450h base sticker of $53,035. In that case, you’re better off with a Highlander Hybrid which is cheaper and gets 28 mpg combined. Pretty much, the Nissan Murano Hybrid is the only time a non-Toyota SUV is a great call.

Wait a second...you mean to tell me there is a 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek AWD that’s rated at 30/34 mpg? It’s under $30k?! Well hot damn!! Why is that exciting? I’ll give you a hint, name three different models of hybrids with hatchs that aren’t SUVs.

DISCUSSION (11)

Land_Yacht_225 > Wobbles the Mind
09/17/2016 at 08:53

Oh, screw all that comparative crap and the existence of a hybrid option! The headline here is the new Nissan friggen’ Murano which is an astoundingly good car that I, as a person who absolutely despises new cars especially sedan killing crossovers, am absolutely in love with. The interior ergonomics are second to none, and that CVT does a damn impressive tiptronic impression if you want it to.

I don’t know why, but I don’t think it’s that ugly either.

Wobbles the Mind > Land_Yacht_225
09/17/2016 at 08:59

It’s one of the best looking CUVs on the market, especially outside of a luxury brand. I’d buy one in a heartbeat if given the means for something rational. All the midsize 2-row crossovers throw down for every brand and I strongly urge all shoppers to look into them.

LongbowMkII > Wobbles the Mind
09/17/2016 at 09:20

you won’t miss the extra 10hp.

bhtooefr > Wobbles the Mind
09/17/2016 at 11:55

Except 30/34 out of the XV Crosstrek is absolutely awful mileage for what it is - a lifted Impreza. (And, the EPA considers it a SUV...)

In any case, three models of hybrids with hatches that aren’t SUVs... I’ll give you more than three, in descending order of (charge sustaining, for PHEV/EREV/BEVx) fuel efficiency, using the newest model year available, for model years 2016 or 2017.

Toyota Prius (52 or 56 MPG depending on trim)

Toyota Prius c (50 MPG)

Chevrolet Volt (42 MPG, EREV)

Lexus CT 200h (42 MPG)

Toyota Prius v (41 MPG)

Ford C-Max Hybrid (40 MPG)

BMW i3 REx (39 MPG, BEVx)

Audi A3 e-tron (39 or 35 MPG depending on trim, PHEV)

Ford C-Max Energi (38 MPG, PHEV)

Honda CR-Z (37 MPG CVT, 34 MPG manual)

BMW i8 (28 MPG, PHEV - yes, it has a hatch, but almost no space)

Porsche Panamera S e-hybrid (25 MPG, PHEV)

Acura NSX (21 MPG - if the i8 gets on, it gets on too, due to having more space - never mind that it’s more of a trunk lid+engine cover in one piece, rather than a hatch)

Wobbles the Mind > bhtooefr
09/17/2016 at 12:10

Thank you for this! Now which one of those AWD alternatives do you think is a better value than the Subaru?

bhtooefr > Wobbles the Mind
09/17/2016 at 13:02

Oh, you didn’t specify AWD. (Of that list, two of them (the i8 and NSX) actually are AWD... but they ain’t good values arguably, and certainly wouldn’t be cross-shopped with the XV Crosstrek Hybrid.)

I really, really wish that Toyota would bring the Prius e-Four to the US market.

Outside of something like that, if you want an AWD hatchback, don’t need the Crosstrek’s ground clearance, and your mileage is at least 45% highway, I’d say the standard Impreza “Wagon” is a better bet - you’ll get better highway mileage, the same combined mileage, and spend much less on the car. And, if you want a spare tire, I believe the conventionally-powered Imprezas get one, whereas the hybrid cannot (thanks to the battery). (However, being a Subaru, spare tires aren’t the greatest idea, but...)

If your mileage is city-biased, the RAV4 Hybrid may be a better bet - bigger, roomier vehicle (if that’s what you want) with better city efficiency than the XV Crosstrek Hybrid (but worse highway efficiency)... although it’s a RAV4, not an Impreza, and will probably drive accordingly (I’ve not driven either though). However, unlike conventionally powered RAV4s, the AWD system is electric, and therefore can do torque vectoring. And, I’d prefer the Toyota hybrid system over the Subaru sandwich motor system. It’s more expensive than the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, though (but still, for a base model, under $30k).

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Land_Yacht_225
09/18/2016 at 23:45

I really like Nissans design language right now.

Land_Yacht_225 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/18/2016 at 23:48

I actively want a 2016 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD. Badly.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Land_Yacht_225
09/19/2016 at 00:24

Is this a reasonable S600 replacement or am I going in the wrong direction? http://windy-city-motorsports.ebizautos.mobi/detail-2001-be…

Land_Yacht_225 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/19/2016 at 00:57

I have a love-hate relationship with the Arnage. On the one hand, it is a red label so it has the right engine in it, but that “right engine” is just an unmanageable, brutish, tire eating monstrosity. It isn’t all that refined, it’s backed up to a GM 4-speed, and the fuel economy will be single digits in the city.

Going in the British direction is opposite of the S-Class. Watch any comparison video of the Maybach 62 and the Phantom and you’ll see what I mean in an exaggerated sense. You’re hemorrhaging options. All the fancy gizmos and gadgets that the S-Class is known for, trickled to the Japanese before the Brits ever thought any of it was worthwhile. Their idea of luxury is wilton wool floormats and leather on everything, which is a fine definition of luxury don’t get me wrong. But any of those reviwers who says they’d rather have the Phantom over the Maybach is either a biased British loyalist or a liar to serve popular opinion. Quantitatively, the opinion that a British car is better than a German luxury car just doesn’t make sense. Also, seeing as my family will have two Jaguars and a Mercedes in the driveway by the end of the month, that sounds weird.

Do you like having toys like massaging, ventilated seats, I guess is the real question. And if that really doesn’t bother you than yes, the Arnage would be a fine replacement. I would just never buy one over a Turbo R because there is no reason to. A Bentley is a Bentley, no matter what the outside looks like. The Six and three quarter litre V8 is still turboed and under the hood, everything is still covered in leather and wool, and the seats are still heated. Why not just save the couple grand. All you wouldn’t get is that hastily added, last minute Alpine pop-up navigation system which I’ve always thought looked cheesy as hell anyway. Oh, and the Arnage is cramped as hell inside. Classic British, huge body tiny interior problem.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Land_Yacht_225
09/19/2016 at 08:58

To be fair, my PSE pump hasn’t worked in over a year. I wouldn’t seriously consider a cheap Bentley apart from a turbo R. I definitely prefer the S600s style to the bentley’s.