The 2017 Nissan Murano FWD, with its reliable 3.5L V6, gets 24 MPG combined. It’s not a hybrid aiming for hypermile status, it’s a stylish, comfortable mid-size crossover designed for a smooth ride and ample passenger space. Buyers of this generation Murano prioritize distinctive design and a premium feel over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline. They’re looking for a practical yet refined daily driver, and the Murano delivers that blend of attributes effectively, if not exceptionally thriftily.

City and highway performance

The Murano’s EPA ratings break down to 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the V6 engine naturally consumes more fuel. The 28 MPG highway number demonstrates the engine’s efficiency at consistent speeds. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), Nissan calls it AV-S7, plays an important role in helping achieve that highway rating. It effectively keeps the engine in its optimal rev range for maximizing fuel economy during steady cruising, something a traditional automatic transmission might struggle to match at similar speeds.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan Murano FWD is $1,800. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel used. The manufacturer suggests regular unleaded fuel, so there’s no need to splurge on premium.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect your mileage to fluctuate based on driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will undoubtedly lower your MPG, while maintaining a steady speed and anticipating traffic flow can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Owners who primarily drive in urban environments may find it challenging to consistently achieve the 21 MPG city rating, while those with longer commutes or frequent highway trips could potentially exceed the 28 MPG highway figure.

How it compares

The 2017 Murano sits in a competitive segment. Consider the 2017 Ford Edge FWD with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine that achieved 24 MPG combined, close to the Murano. A similarly equipped 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport also landed around 24 MPG combined. The Toyota Venza, a stylish CUV in its own right, also hovered around 22 MPG combined, showing the Murano is certainly in the middle of the pack. The Murano’s V6 offers a smooth, responsive driving experience that some buyers prioritize over squeezing out an extra mile per gallon. For those prioritizing fuel economy above all else, hybrid alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (34 MPG combined) offer significantly better numbers, though at the expense of V6 power and potentially a higher purchase price.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Murano’s CVT transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy. Avoid aggressive acceleration, as this forces the transmission to simulate lower gears, increasing engine RPM and fuel consumption. Gradual acceleration allows the CVT to smoothly adjust ratios and keep the engine in its most efficient zone.

Tire pressure plays an important role in fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy.

Minimize idling time. If you’re waiting for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly, and idling consumes fuel unnecessarily. A warm engine restarts more efficiently than a cold one, so prolonged idling is especially wasteful.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel economy. Ensure your engine is properly tuned, and that air filters are clean. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, maximizing your MPG. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. This helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking, which translates to improved fuel economy. By avoiding speed fluctuations, cruise control allows the engine to operate more efficiently over extended distances.

Find all Nissan fuel economy data or specific MURANO MPG across all years on our website.