If you're hunting for a used midsize crossover, the 2017 Nissan Murano fuel economy is likely a top priority on your checklist because nobody wants to spend their entire weekend at the gas station. It's a stylish SUV that bridges the gap between a standard family hauler and a luxury vehicle, but since it relies on a beefy V6 engine rather than a tiny turbocharged four-cylinder, you might wonder if you're trading efficiency for power.
The Official Numbers and the V6 Factor
On paper, the 2017 Nissan Murano puts up some pretty respectable numbers for its class. The EPA rated it at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of about 24 mpg. What's actually quite interesting is that these numbers stay the same whether you choose the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version or the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. Usually, adding AWD to a vehicle drops the efficiency by at least one or two miles per gallon, but Nissan managed to keep things consistent across the board for 2017.
The heart of this vehicle is Nissan's long-running 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 260 horsepower, which gives the Murano a lot of "get up and go" compared to some of its sluggish competitors. While many modern SUVs have switched to smaller engines with turbos to save fuel, the Murano sticks to a naturally aspirated V6. This is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, you don't have to worry about turbo lag or the long-term reliability of a turbocharger. On the other hand, a V6 is simply thirsty if you have a heavy right foot.
How the CVT Plays Its Part
You can't talk about the 2017 Nissan Murano fuel economy without mentioning the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Nissan has been the biggest champion of CVTs for years, and while some driving enthusiasts find them a bit "rubbery" or weird because they don't have traditional gear shifts, they are a huge reason why this SUV hits 28 mpg on the highway.
The CVT is designed to constantly adjust to the most efficient "gear" ratio for whatever speed you're traveling. When you're cruising on a flat stretch of interstate, the transmission keeps the engine RPMs incredibly low. That's where the Murano really shines. It feels like a long-distance cruiser that's just sipping fuel. However, if you're constantly stop-and-go in city traffic, the CVT has to work harder to move the Murano's 4,000-pound weight, which is why that city number drops down to 21 mpg.
Real-World Driving vs. The EPA Estimates
Let's be real for a second: we rarely drive exactly like the EPA testing machines. In the real world, the 2017 Nissan Murano fuel economy can vary quite a bit based on how you actually use the car. If you live in a hilly area or spend most of your time idling in school pickup lines, you're probably going to see closer to 18 or 19 mpg in the city.
On the flip side, I've heard from plenty of owners who actually beat the 28 mpg highway rating during long road trips. If you set the cruise control at 65 mph and just let the car glide, it's surprisingly frugal. But the moment you jump up to 80 mph—which is the flow of traffic in many states—that aerodynamic drag kicks in and your mileage will start to dip back down into the mid-20s.
Another factor that affects your real-world mileage is the weight you're carrying. The Murano has a beautiful, spacious interior that practically begs for road trips, but if you pack it to the roof with luggage and four adults, that V6 has to burn more calories to keep everything moving.
Comparing the Murano to Its Rivals
To really understand if the 2017 Nissan Murano fuel economy is good, you have to look at what else was on the lot back in 2017. If you look at something like the Ford Edge with its 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the Edge might edge it out (pun intended) by a mile or two in the city. But when you compare the Murano to the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Toyota 4Runner of that same year, the Nissan looks like a fuel-sipping hybrid by comparison.
The Murano isn't trying to be a rugged off-roader; it's a "social" crossover. It's built for comfort and style. Because it's more aerodynamic than a boxy Jeep, it slices through the air much better, which helps those highway numbers. It basically offers the fuel economy of a smaller SUV but with the power and cabin space of a much larger one. For many people, that's the "sweet spot" of the midsize market.
Can You Improve the Mileage?
If you already own one or are looking at buying a used 2017 model, there are a few ways to ensure you're getting the best 2017 Nissan Murano fuel economy possible.
First, check the tires. The Murano often comes with 18-inch or 20-inch wheels. If the tire pressure is even just a few pounds low, your rolling resistance goes up and your fuel economy goes down. Since it's a heavier vehicle, keeping those tires aired up to the manufacturer's spec is crucial.
Second, be mindful of the "ECO" mode. The 2017 Murano doesn't have a magical button that turns it into a Prius, but it does have a gauge that shows you your instant fuel economy. If you pay attention to that green bar and try to keep your acceleration smooth rather than jerky, you'll notice a significant difference over a full tank of gas. The CVT responds really well to gradual throttle input. If you floor it, the transmission will "fake" a downshift and rev the engine high, which sounds cool but absolutely kills your MPG.
Is It Still a Good Choice Today?
Looking back at it now, the 2017 Nissan Murano fuel economy holds up surprisingly well. Even though newer SUVs have fancy mild-hybrid systems or 10-speed transmissions, the Murano's 24 mpg combined rating is still very competitive.
It's also worth noting that the Murano runs on regular 87-octane gasoline. Some of its "near-luxury" competitors, like those from Acura or Lexus, often recommend or require premium fuel to get their advertised power and efficiency. When you factor in the cost difference between regular and premium, the Murano starts to look even better for your wallet.
If you're someone who does a lot of highway commuting and wants a car that feels more expensive than it actually is, the Murano is a solid bet. You get a smooth V6, a quiet cabin, and fuel costs that won't make you regret your purchase every time you pull up to the pump.
Final Thoughts on Efficiency
At the end of the day, the 2017 Nissan Murano fuel economy is exactly what it needs to be: predictable. It's not going to win any awards for environmental friendliness, but it isn't a gas guzzler either. It's a middle-of-the-road performer that rewards sensible drivers with decent range.
If you're cross-shopping this with a smaller RAV4 or CR-V, yes, you'll spend more on gas. But if you're looking for that specific V6 smoothness and a cabin that feels like a lounge, the slight trade-off in fuel efficiency is usually worth it for most buyers. Just keep an eye on that lead foot, keep your tires inflated, and enjoy the ride—because it's one of the most comfortable ways to get 28 miles out of a gallon of gas.