Hey guys! Let's dive into a review of the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum, specifically focusing on what really gets the engine going: horsepower (HP). This mid-size crossover SUV has been a popular choice for families and individuals alike, offering a blend of style, comfort, and technology. The Platinum trim sits at the top of the Murano lineup, so you know you're getting the best of what Nissan has to offer. We'll explore the engine specs, performance characteristics, and what makes the Murano Platinum a standout in its class. So, buckle up, and let's get into the details!

Under the Hood: Engine Specs and Horsepower

Alright, let's pop the hood and see what makes this baby purr. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine is a workhorse, delivering a respectable amount of power for everyday driving and even some spirited adventures. But what about the horsepower? The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the 2017 Murano Platinum cranks out a solid 260 horsepower. That's enough to get you moving with confidence, whether you're merging onto the highway or cruising through city streets. This horsepower figure is paired with 240 lb-ft of torque, which contributes to the SUV's responsiveness and overall driving experience. The Murano Platinum comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While some folks might have mixed feelings about CVTs, Nissan's implementation is generally well-regarded for its smoothness and efficiency. The CVT helps the Murano achieve decent fuel economy while still providing a peppy feel. The combination of the V6 engine and the CVT provides a balanced performance profile, making the Murano Platinum a practical and enjoyable vehicle for a wide range of drivers. This engine setup isn't just about raw power; it's about providing a refined and comfortable driving experience. The Murano Platinum is designed to be a comfortable cruiser, so the engine is tuned to deliver power smoothly and efficiently, making it a great choice for both daily commutes and long road trips. This carefully crafted balance ensures that the driving experience is always pleasant, offering enough power without compromising on fuel efficiency or smoothness.

Horsepower and Performance: What Does It Mean?

So, what does that 260 horsepower actually mean in the real world? Well, it translates to a vehicle that feels capable and responsive. It allows for brisk acceleration when needed, making passing other vehicles on the highway a breeze. You'll find that the Murano Platinum has plenty of power for everyday driving situations, from navigating city traffic to tackling hills and inclines. It's not a sports car, of course, but it offers a satisfying level of performance that most drivers will appreciate. The Murano Platinum's horsepower contributes to its overall versatility. It's a vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks, from carrying passengers and cargo to towing light loads. The horsepower also influences the SUV's ability to maintain a comfortable cruising speed on the highway, ensuring that you can cover long distances with ease. Furthermore, the horsepower contributes to the vehicle's overall driving dynamics, making it feel stable and planted on the road. This feeling of stability is especially important in a vehicle designed for families and everyday use. The Murano Platinum provides a sense of confidence and control, making it a safe and reliable choice for drivers of all skill levels. With the right amount of horsepower, the Murano Platinum provides an excellent driving experience. This blend of power and efficiency makes the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum a well-rounded SUV. The horsepower, combined with other factors like the transmission and suspension, contributes to the overall driving dynamics. It makes the Murano Platinum a comfortable and capable vehicle for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.

Driving Experience and Handling

Now that we've covered the engine and horsepower, let's talk about the driving experience. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum is known for its comfortable ride and composed handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and relaxing ride for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around city streets. The Platinum trim comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option, which enhances traction and stability in various weather conditions. AWD is particularly beneficial in snowy or icy conditions, providing extra grip and control. Even with its focus on comfort, the Murano Platinum doesn't sacrifice handling entirely. It remains relatively composed around corners, and the brakes provide confident stopping power. Overall, the driving experience in the Murano Platinum is designed to be user-friendly and enjoyable. The focus is on providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for the occupants. This makes it an ideal choice for long road trips or daily commutes. The ease of driving, combined with the refined interior, makes the Murano Platinum a pleasure to own and operate. It offers a balance between performance, comfort, and convenience, making it a popular choice in the mid-size SUV segment. The driving experience is enhanced by the available technology features, such as the advanced driver-assistance systems, which add to the overall sense of safety and security on the road. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum is designed to be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle that offers a comfortable and practical driving experience for a variety of drivers.

Transmission and Acceleration

As mentioned earlier, the 2017 Murano Platinum comes standard with a CVT. While some drivers may have reservations about CVTs, Nissan's implementation in the Murano is generally well-regarded. The CVT helps the engine operate in its most efficient power band, contributing to good fuel economy. The CVT provides smooth and seamless acceleration, without the traditional gear changes of a conventional automatic transmission. This contributes to the overall comfortable driving experience. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is around 7.0 to 8.0 seconds, which is competitive for the class. The CVT also contributes to the vehicle's fuel efficiency, helping to reduce the overall running costs. The combination of the V6 engine and the CVT provides a balanced performance profile, making the Murano Platinum a practical and enjoyable vehicle for a wide range of drivers. The CVT also contributes to the vehicle's quiet operation, enhancing the overall comfort of the cabin. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum offers a well-rounded package that balances performance, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable driving experience.

Interior and Features

Alright, let's step inside and see what the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum has to offer in terms of comfort and technology. The Platinum trim is the top-of-the-line, so you can expect a premium experience. The interior is known for its high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces. The seats are designed to be comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The Platinum trim also comes with a host of features, including a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display and intuitive controls. The Murano Platinum provides a spacious and comfortable cabin, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats offer ample legroom, and the cargo area is generous enough to accommodate luggage, groceries, or other gear. The interior is designed to be a relaxing and inviting space, with a focus on both comfort and convenience. The Platinum trim is packed with features, offering a luxurious and well-equipped driving experience. The combination of high-quality materials, advanced technology, and a spacious cabin makes the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum a standout in its class. From the premium audio system to the advanced driver-assistance systems, the Platinum trim offers a truly luxurious experience. It's designed to make every drive a pleasure, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a family road trip. The interior also features a variety of storage compartments and convenient features, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum combines luxury, practicality, and advanced technology to create a truly exceptional driving experience.

Technology and Safety Features

The 2017 Murano Platinum is loaded with technology and safety features. Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a premium Bose audio system, and a surround-view camera system. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features are designed to enhance the driving experience and provide added peace of mind. The advanced driver-assistance systems help to prevent accidents and protect the occupants in the event of a collision. The technology features are user-friendly and intuitive, making them easy to use and enjoy. The infotainment system provides a seamless connection to your smartphone, allowing you to access your favorite apps and services. The premium Bose audio system delivers high-quality sound, enhancing the overall driving experience. The surround-view camera system makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, while the advanced safety features provide added protection. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum offers a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. These features are designed to enhance the driving experience and provide added peace of mind. The combination of advanced technology, safety features, and a premium interior makes the Murano Platinum a standout choice in its class.

Fuel Efficiency

Let's talk about the all-important topic of fuel efficiency. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum, with its V6 engine and CVT, achieves respectable fuel economy figures. You can expect around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) models. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) models will see slightly lower figures, typically around 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for the mid-size SUV segment, making the Murano Platinum a practical choice for daily driving and longer trips. While it might not be the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, it offers a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The Murano Platinum is designed to be a practical and efficient vehicle, making it a suitable choice for a variety of drivers. The fuel efficiency figures also depend on driving habits, road conditions, and other factors. However, the Murano Platinum offers a good balance between power, performance, and fuel economy, making it a well-rounded SUV. The fuel economy figures are an important consideration for many buyers, and the Murano Platinum delivers in this regard, offering a competitive package that combines performance with reasonable fuel costs. The CVT contributes to the overall fuel efficiency, helping to keep the engine operating at its most efficient speed. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum offers an efficient and practical driving experience for a wide range of drivers. This makes the Murano Platinum an economical option for your everyday driving needs.

Conclusion: Is the Murano Platinum Right for You?

So, is the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a mid-size SUV that offers a comfortable ride, a refined interior, and a decent amount of power, the answer is likely yes! The 260 horsepower from its V6 engine provides a satisfying driving experience, while the Platinum trim offers a luxurious and well-equipped interior. The Murano Platinum is a great choice for families, individuals, and anyone who values comfort, style, and technology. It's a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks, from daily commutes to weekend getaways. However, it's always a good idea to test drive the vehicle and compare it to other options in its class. Consider your specific needs and preferences, such as cargo space, fuel efficiency, and available features. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. Its blend of comfort, style, and technology makes it a popular choice in the mid-size SUV segment. The horsepower and the other features, make the Murano Platinum a fantastic choice for those seeking a stylish, comfortable, and capable SUV. If you value a smooth ride, a luxurious interior, and a user-friendly driving experience, the Murano Platinum is definitely worth considering. Happy driving, guys!