Nissan drops 2009 Murano MSRP $1,500 in face of new competition
By Zach Gale
Nissan is releasing the 2009 Murano into a market that has become overstuffed with crossover choices since the first-generation model debuted in 2003. Not looking to get creamed by the crossover competition, Nissan has smartly dropped the base price on all carryover trim levels by $1,500 -- an amount equaled by the current incentive offered on the 2007 model.
A 2009 Murano S FWD will start at $26,330 and an SL FWD at $27,880 compared to the 2007 model's $27,830 and $29,380, respectively. All prices, including the $35,910 for the new top-of-the-line LE AWD model, do not include the $745 destination and handling charge.
Pushing a "mobile suite" theme for its interior, Nissan is offering a dual panel moonroof, 11-speaker Bose audio system, and the 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive/touch screen navigation system combination finding its way onto an increasing number of Nissan and Infiniti models. Curiously, iPod connectivity is standard only on the LE model.
Will a lower price, gently evolved styling, and a nudge to 265 horsepower be enough to sustain sales in the face of so many new competitors? We think so.
To learn more about the 2009 Nissan Murano, CLICK HERE for our first test.