Hey guys, let's dive deep into the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum and talk about what makes it tick under the hood! When you're looking at a vehicle like the Murano Platinum, you're not just looking for a comfortable ride; you're also curious about its horsepower (HP) and overall performance. The 2017 Murano Platinum is equipped with a robust engine designed to deliver a smooth yet capable driving experience. We'll break down the key performance aspects, giving you the lowdown on its power, handling, and what you can expect when you hit the gas. So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just trying to get a feel for this particular model, stick around as we explore the heart of the 2017 Murano Platinum.

Engine Power and Horsepower

When we talk about the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum HP, we're really talking about the heart of its performance. This beauty is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Now, for those of you who love the technical specs, this V6 is pretty impressive. It's tuned to deliver a solid 260 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. What does that mean for you, the driver? It means you've got enough grunt to get up to speed with confidence, whether you're merging onto a busy highway or just cruising around town. The V6 configuration generally offers a smoother, more refined power delivery compared to smaller engines, and the Murano Platinum definitely benefits from this. It’s not about being a sports car, mind you, but it’s more than capable for everyday driving and occasional spirited acceleration. The torque figures also tell a story – that 240 lb-ft means you have good pulling power, which is great for hauling a little extra gear or just for a responsive feel when you press the pedal.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Paired with that potent V6 engine in the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum is Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Now, CVTs sometimes get a bad rap, but Nissan has put a lot of work into refining theirs, and the one in the Murano is generally considered one of the better ones out there. The goal of a CVT is to keep the engine operating in its most efficient power band, which can lead to better fuel economy and a smoother acceleration curve. Instead of distinct gear shifts like a traditional automatic, it provides a seamless transition. For the Murano Platinum, this translates to a relaxed and comfortable driving experience, which is exactly what you want in a premium crossover. It’s designed to work with the V6 to maximize both performance and efficiency. You can opt for either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) on the Platinum trim. The AWD system is particularly noteworthy; it’s an intelligent system that can automatically distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, and even between the left and right rear wheels, to optimize traction and handling in various conditions. So, if you're in an area with inclement weather or just want that extra bit of confidence on less-than-perfect roads, the AWD option is definitely worth considering. It’s all about providing a stable and sure-footed ride, complementing the horsepower and overall refinement of the vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency

While we're talking about performance and what makes the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum tick, it’s crucial to touch upon its fuel efficiency. Given that it’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower, you might expect it to be a gas guzzler. However, Nissan has made efforts to balance power with economy, especially with the Xtronic CVT. For the 2017 model year, the Murano Platinum with the V6 engine is rated by the EPA with estimated fuel economy figures. For the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version, you're looking at an estimated 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, giving you a combined rating of around 24 MPG. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, those numbers see a slight dip, typically to around 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, for a combined rating of approximately 23 MPG. While these figures might not be class-leading for all crossovers, they are quite respectable for a vehicle in its class that offers a potent V6 engine and a comfortable, premium experience. The CVT plays a significant role here, helping to keep the engine RPMs lower during cruising, which aids in maximizing those highway miles. Remember, these are EPA estimates, and your actual mileage may vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and how often you utilize the vehicle's horsepower for spirited driving.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum really shines when it comes to its handling and ride comfort, guys. Nissan has clearly put a lot of effort into making this crossover feel refined and planted on the road. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections in the pavement, so you and your passengers enjoy a smooth and quiet ride. This makes it an excellent choice for long road trips or just for navigating daily commutes without feeling every little ripple. Despite its focus on comfort, the Murano Platinum doesn't feel wallowy or disconnected. The steering is responsive, providing decent feedback, and the vehicle maintains a stable posture through turns. The Platinum trim often comes with larger alloy wheels, which can sometimes impact ride comfort, but Nissan has done a good job of balancing the aesthetics with a compliant ride. The intelligent AWD system, when equipped, further enhances stability, particularly in challenging weather conditions, giving you extra confidence. It’s this blend of a plush ride and composed handling that really elevates the Murano Platinum experience, making it feel more upscale than many of its competitors. You get a feeling of security and control, which is exactly what you want from a premium family vehicle.

Braking System

When you're talking about the performance of any vehicle, including the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum, the braking system is a critical component often overlooked until you really need it. The Murano Platinum is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, along with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. These technologies work together to provide confident and controlled stopping power. The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control. EBD optimizes the braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels based on load and braking conditions, while Brake Assist detects emergency braking situations and applies maximum braking force. For a crossover of this size and weight, the braking system is tuned to provide ample stopping power for everyday driving scenarios. While it’s not designed for track performance, the brakes in the Murano Platinum are more than adequate for safely bringing the vehicle to a halt, even when loaded with passengers or cargo. The smooth operation of the brakes complements the overall refined driving experience, ensuring that stopping is as effortless as accelerating.

Interior Features and Technology

Moving inside the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum, you'll find an interior that lives up to the "Platinum" designation. This is where Nissan really aims to impress, guys. The cabin is designed to be a comfortable and luxurious sanctuary. You'll find premium leather-appointed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel – perfect for those chilly mornings or hot afternoons. The driver's seat often features power adjustments with memory settings, so you can easily find your perfect driving position and have it saved. The attention to detail in the materials is noticeable, with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality finishes throughout. It feels more like a premium sedan than a typical crossover. In terms of technology, the Murano Platinum comes well-equipped. You'll find a user-friendly infotainment system, typically featuring a color touchscreen display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a rearview camera. The Platinum trim often gets an upgraded Bose® premium audio system, which provides fantastic sound quality – great for enjoying your favorite tunes on the go. There's also a host of driver-assistance features available or standard, depending on the specific package, such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and moving object detection. These technologies add both convenience and a layer of safety, making your driving experience more relaxed and secure. The spaciousness of the cabin, combined with the comfortable seating and advanced tech, makes the Murano Platinum a great choice for families or anyone who appreciates a refined and feature-rich interior.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Let's talk about the infotainment and connectivity in the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum, because this is a huge part of the modern driving experience, right? The Murano Platinum typically comes with an 8-inch color touchscreen display that serves as the hub for most of your audio, navigation, and connectivity functions. It's pretty intuitive to use, with logical menus and responsive touch inputs. Standard features usually include AM/FM/SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback capability, USB and auxiliary input jacks, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone system and streaming audio. For those who love their music, the Platinum trim often boasts a premium Bose® 11-speaker audio system. Seriously, this sound system is no joke – it really fills the cabin with rich, clear sound, making every drive more enjoyable. Navigation is also typically part of the package, which is super handy for finding your way around unfamiliar territory without needing your phone constantly. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ support weren't standard across the board in 2017 for all trims, so it's worth double-checking the specific vehicle's options, but the overall connectivity suite is robust. You've got everything you need to stay entertained and informed on the road, from making calls safely to finding the best route and enjoying your playlists in high fidelity.

Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority, especially when you're looking at a family-oriented vehicle like the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum. Nissan has packed this crossover with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. It comes standard with a good array of airbags, including front, side-impact, and roof-mounted curtain airbags, providing multi-directional protection in the event of a collision. Beyond the passive safety measures, the Murano Platinum also offers a significant number of active safety technologies, particularly on the higher trims like the Platinum. These can include features like: Blind Spot Warning (BSW), which alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot; Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space; and Moving Object Detection (MOD), which works in conjunction with the rearview camera to alert you if something is moving behind the vehicle. Higher trim levels might also offer Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent frontal collision, and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. These advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) work together to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place, offering an extra layer of security and peace of mind. The combination of robust structural integrity and advanced technology makes the Murano Platinum a very safe choice for your daily drives.

Driver Assistance Technology

Digging a bit deeper into the driver assistance technology available on the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum, you'll find features that really make driving easier and safer. As mentioned, the Platinum trim is where you'll see most of these goodies. You've got your standard rearview camera, which is a lifesaver for parking and reversing. Then there's the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). This isn't your grandpa's cruise control; it can actually adjust your speed to maintain a set following distance from the car in front of you. This is a game-changer on longer highway journeys, reducing driver fatigue. Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) is another big one. It uses sensors to detect if a collision is imminent and can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid the impact. This technology alone can be a lifesaver. We also talked about Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which are incredibly useful for navigating busy parking lots and changing lanes safely. Some models might even come with a 360-degree Intelligent Around View® Monitor, giving you a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, which is fantastic for parking in tight spots. These systems aren't meant to replace attentive driving, of course, but they act as excellent co-pilots, enhancing awareness and reducing the risk of accidents. It's all about making your drive smoother, less stressful, and significantly safer, leveraging the vehicle's horsepower and capability with intelligent systems.

Exterior Design and Features

Let's talk about how the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum looks, because Nissan definitely made a statement with its design. The Murano has always been known for its distinctive, almost futuristic styling, and the 2017 model is no exception. The exterior boasts a bold V-motion grille, sleek, sweeping lines, and a floating roof effect created by the blacked-out pillars. This gives it a really dynamic and upscale appearance that stands out in the crossover segment. The Platinum trim often comes with 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, depending on the specific options, which add to its premium look. Standard exterior features typically include LED daytime running lights, fog lights, power-heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a power liftgate, which is super convenient when your hands are full. The overall silhouette is athletic yet elegant, managing to look both rugged enough for a crossover and refined enough for a luxury vehicle. It’s a design that’s meant to turn heads, and for the most part, it succeeds. The attention to detail, like the way the headlights flow into the body lines, creates a cohesive and attractive package. It’s a crossover that doesn’t just blend in; it makes a statement about your taste.

Lighting and Visibility

When you're out on the road, especially at night or in less-than-ideal weather, lighting and visibility are absolutely key. The 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum is well-equipped in this regard. It typically features LED daytime running lights, which not only enhance the vehicle's distinctive look but also make it more visible to other drivers during the day. At night, you'll find automatic headlights, usually halogen or sometimes HID (High-Intensity Discharge) on higher trims, which provide excellent illumination of the road ahead. Fog lights are also commonly included, cutting through mist and fog to improve visibility. The side mirrors are usually heated and feature integrated turn signals, adding to both safety and convenience. For rear visibility, you've got the standard rearview camera, and as we discussed, the available Around View® Monitor can give you an almost 360-degree view, which is a massive help when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. The overall design of the Murano, with its large windows and relatively low beltline, also contributes to good outward visibility from the driver's seat, allowing you to better perceive your surroundings. It’s this combination of effective lighting systems and good natural visibility that contributes significantly to the Murano Platinum's overall safety and driving confidence.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! We've taken a comprehensive look at the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum, focusing on its horsepower, performance, and all the little details that make it a compelling package. With its 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and smooth Xtronic CVT, it offers a refined and capable driving experience. The handling is comfortable yet composed, and the availability of intelligent AWD adds confidence in various conditions. Inside, the Platinum trim truly shines with its premium materials, comfortable seating, and advanced technology like the Bose® audio system and intuitive infotainment. Safety is also a strong suit, with a host of standard and available driver-assistance features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. While fuel economy is respectable for its class and power output, it's the overall blend of luxury, comfort, technology, and smooth performance that defines the 2017 Murano Platinum. It’s a crossover that prioritizes a premium feel and a pleasant journey, making it a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and well-equipped vehicle.