3 Reasons the Best Midsize SUV Under $10,000 in 2023 Is the Nissan Murano
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The options are limited if you need a good SUV, but your budget is only $10,000. Have no fear because Nissan has a stellar option you might’ve heard of, the Murano. The 2014 Nissan Murano is a shining example of what a midsize SUV can offer. There are three reasons to consider this sport utility vehicle over another: the reliability, engine, and overall comfort.
What’s the best midsize SUV under $10,000?
If the 2014 Nissan Murano wasn’t on the list of best midsize SUVs, now it will be. A $10,000 budget doesn’t go as far as it used to, but U.S. News says the 2014 Murano is still a good option. There are a few things that the second-gen Murano gets right, including its reliability. While a Nissan Murano might not be the most reliable used car on the market, it actually has had a pretty good run.
According to the NHTSA, only one recall is associated with this year of the compact SUV. That recall is from March 2019 (NHTSA Campaign Number:Â 17V184000) for the power steering hose detaching. If the power steering fluid leaks onto the engine or exhaust, it could start a fire. This recall impacted 56,766 units, and it has fewer problems than some other model years.
Otherwise, the Murano received a four-star overall safety rating. It earned the same score on the front crash test but a five-star score on the side crash segment. For a 10-year-old car, the Nissan SUV has proven to be a good choice.
Why is the Nissan Murano one of the best midsize SUVs?
Nissan’s V6 engine was more powerful than you might think on this midsize SUV. Using a 3.5L V6 paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 2014 Nissan Murano was pretty quicky for how large it is. On top of that, it got 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Some midsize SUVs don’t even get that fuel economy now. Front-wheel drive was standard this year, but you might be able to find one with all-wheel drive.
Over the years, drivers have commented that the cabin is comfortable and relatively quiet. The Murano has room for five passengers with roomy seats with around 40.5 inches of legroom in the front. The back row has about 28.0 inches of legroom and 3.0 inches of headroom. Unless you opt for the convertible CrossCabriolet, a rare find nowadays. The 31 cubic feet of cargo space is pretty good, too.
What is a good economical midsize SUV?
Original pricing for this midsize SUV started at $28,530 to $41,995, but it is more economical to find a used Murano these days. There are many options under $15,000 and a bunch under $10,000. Finding a high-mileage Murano might be acceptable if you plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. Finding one with lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring might be challenging, but those are out there.
At the end of the day, finding the best midsize SUV for you depends on your priorities. The Nissan Murano is a good option for those who need to get from point A to point B without too much fuss. There are safer options out there, and 2018 is a good year to aim for if you want those additional safety systems. Also, steer clear of the CrossCabriolet if that is applicable to your situation.
