Nissan Murano Sl 2009

So, you’re thinking about the 2009 Nissan Murano SL. Let me guess—you saw one in a parking lot and thought, “That’s aggressively stylish… like a toaster designed by a space ninja.” You’re not wrong.

First, a surprising fact: this thing has a CVT transmission. That’s a “continuously variable transmission,” which sounds like a science experiment, but it just means the car never shifts gears. It’s like driving a giant, silent golf cart—but with leather seats and a V6 that growls when you floor it. The CVT is so smooth you’ll forget you’re actually moving, until a minivan cuts you off and you remember you’re in a 3,700-pound Japanese spaceship.

The Looks: Polarizing, Like Pineapple on Pizza

The 2009 Murano SL looks like it crashed into the future from 2004. That bubbly roofline? It’s aerodynamic for absolutely no reason—you’re not in Le Mans, you’re picking up dry cleaning. But those swoopy headlights and chrome grille make it stand out like a peacock at a pigeon convention. People either love it or ask, “Is that a new model?” (It’s not. It’s 16 years old.)

Inside, you get genuine wood trim and a gigantic center console big enough to hide a small dog. Or a large sandwich. The seats are so plush they’ll forgive you for eating that sandwich while driving. Just don’t spill—the leather is nice, but it’s 2009 nice, meaning it whispers, “I’ve seen some ketchup.”

Driving It: Like a Sofa That Drinks Gas

Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6—265 horsepower, which sounds impressive until you realize it’s hauling a couch on wheels. The Murano accelerates with the enthusiasm of a lazy golden retriever: eventually, but with side-eye. Zero to sixty takes about 8 seconds, but you’ll swear it’s 12 because the CVT makes everything feel like a gentle dream.

2009 Nissan Murano SL

Here’s the punchline: fuel economy is 18 city, 23 highway. That’s not terrible, but it’s also not great—it’s “meh” in a world where a Prius sips gas like a hipster sips kombucha. The Murano drinks regular unleaded like a frat boy at a kegger. You’ll be fine, just budget for one extra fill-up a month. Or join a carpool. Or walk sometimes.

The Weird Stuff: Surprising Facts

Fun fact: the 2009 Murano was one of the first crossovers to offer a panoramic moonroof. That’s a giant glass roof that makes you feel like you’re driving in a fishbowl. It’s amazing for stargazing, terrible if you’re bald and forget sunscreen. Also, the rear seats fold flat into a “bed” mode, perfect for camping—or napping in the IKEA parking lot while your spouse assembles a bookshelf.

2009 Nissan Murano SL | Victory Motors of Colorado

And here’s a weird one: the key fob is enormous. It’s the size of a small TV remote. You’ll feel like you’re starting a spaceship, not a crossover. Losing it is a tragedy—replacement costs $200. Clip it to your life.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy One?

If you want a comfy, quirky ride that’s built like a tank (Nissan’s reliability was solid back then), go for it. It’s great for tall people, dog owners, and anyone who hates shifting gears. Just know it’s not fast, it’s not efficient, and the styling is… memorable. But hey, you’ll never get lost in a parking lot. That toaster-ninja shape is impossible to miss.

So grab a used one for under $8,000, crank up the Bose stereo, and enjoy the ride. Just don’t expect to win any drag races. Or gas mileage awards. Or, uh, compliments from your mechanic. But for a 2009? It’s weirdly awesome. And that’s the truth, with a side of good intentions.