24 MPG combined is an acceptable fuel economy figure, especially considering the purpose of the 2016 Nissan Murano FWD with its 3.5L V6. It’s not a hyper-efficient hybrid designed for maximum mileage; it’s a stylish and comfortable mid-size crossover built for easy cruising, transporting people and cargo, and handling daily commutes with a touch of premium style. The Murano buyer values comfort and a refined driving experience over extreme fuel savings and understands that the V6 engine provides smooth power.

City and highway performance

The 2016 Nissan Murano FWD gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go conditions of urban driving, where the Murano’s weight and the basic inefficiencies of a gasoline engine at low speeds have an effect. The highway MPG shows the engine’s ability to conserve fuel when cruising at a steady speed. The automatic transmission (AV-S7), a continuously variable design, helps keep the engine in its optimal efficiency range, significantly improving the vehicle’s fuel performance. The highway figure is more relevant for those who primarily drive long distances on the open road.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Nissan Murano FWD is $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. While individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local gas prices, $1,800 provides a useful benchmark for budgeting. This estimate uses regular unleaded fuel, and using premium fuel will increase the annual cost. This figure is also useful when considering the MURANO MPG across all years and comparing potential fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all decrease MPG. On the other hand, consistently smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and ensuring proper tire inflation can help you achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates, and maybe even slightly exceed them. The 2016 Murano’s trip computer can help monitor your fuel consumption and adjust your driving habits accordingly. Even small changes in driving style can significantly impact your fuel bill over a year.

Factors such as winter blend gasoline and colder ambient temperatures can negatively impact fuel economy, especially during winter months.

How it compares

The 2016 Nissan Murano’s fuel economy is competitive in the mid-size crossover market, but not the best. A similarly equipped Toyota Venza gets a slightly better 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, which reflects Toyota’s engineering focus on efficiency, although the Venza lacks the Murano’s distinctive style. The Honda Passport with its standard V6 achieves around 20 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Ford Edge, with its available 2.0L EcoBoost engine, offers slightly better figures, around 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway but does not have the smooth power of the Murano’s V6.

The choice often comes down to priorities: Do you want the powerful feel of a V6, even with a few MPG less, or are you willing to sacrifice some engine responsiveness for maximum fuel savings? Understanding your needs will make one of these options clearly better than the others. Comparing all Nissan fuel economy data can also provide perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for optimizing fuel economy. Make sure that your Murano’s engine is properly tuned and the air filter is clean. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes and other services.

Tire inflation is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and maintain the recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy.

Avoid excessive idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel. This is especially important in urban environments with frequent stoplights.

Use cruise control carefully. On relatively flat highways, cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy. Avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, because the system may accelerate aggressively to maintain speed, increasing fuel consumption.

Remove unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that you don’t need to carry regularly, such as sports equipment or tools. Even a slight reduction in weight can positively affect fuel consumption over time.