SUVs are the go-to family vehicles of our modern day. They come in different sizes and offer a vast range of features. While they’re one of the most sought after types of vehicles on the market, they’re also pretty expensive if you buy new, especially midsized or full-size. 

So many buyers, who can’t afford to spend the $30,000-$50,000 it takes to own one turn to the used SUV listings. But even buying a used one can be expensive. Kelley Blue Book came up with a list of used SUVs you could find, with a little searching, for under $12,000. The 2013 Nissan Murano was one of them on the list. 

Why the 2013 Nissan Murano?

The Nissan Murano isn’t always the first choice for many people to buy an SUV. Even the fact that it’s a Nissan makes people a little cautious. To find any model year of this sports utility vehicle on the list is a bit of a surprise. 

But, when you look at the specs of a 2013 Nissan Murano, things fall into place. The estimated price for one of these runs around $12,000. But there’s much more to the Murano than just the affordable price. 

For a used SUV, the 2013 model had more than enough power under the hood. Nissan put a 3.5-liter V6 engine that runs 260 hp. Paired with it is a smooth, continuously variable transmission. Add to that a prime suspension system, and you’ve got a vehicle that drives like a dream. 

The interior cabin has plenty of leg and headroom, making for a comfortable ride even on lengthy trips. The cargo area is vast, measuring 31.6 cubic feet. Braking power is also exceptional, with short stopping distances on various types of road surfaces. 

Where does the 2013 Nissan Murano lack?

As with any vehicle, there are good points and bad ones. The Murano is no exception. While there are not many problems with it, there are still a few that may break the deal for some. 

One issue is the fuel economy ratings the Murano pulled. They rated it for only 24 mpg on the highway, which isn’t much compared to other used SUVs on the market. Even city driving is lacking, with only a rating of 18 mpg. 

Another disappointment comes from one of the higher trim levels. The CrossCabriolet trim style has a soft, retractable top, but it has minimal legroom with the rear seats. Also, it doesn’t have a sizable cargo area, either. It only measures 12.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up. That’s disconcerting since it’s the highest trim available and the most expensive. 

How does the Murano compare to other SUVs on the list?

The list contains mostly three-row SUVs, but there are a couple of other two-row ones like the Murano. One of them is the 2013 Honda CR-V, which has a four-cylinder that runs 185 hp. Coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission and the SUV rides smooth. The fuel economy on this vehicle is an impressive 31 mpg. 

Another contender is the Toyota RAV4, which also gets 31 mpg. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine running 176 hp. Mated to it is a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The last two-row choice is the 2012 Volvo XC60. This one runs on a six-cylinder engine, running at 240 hp. It’s combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, which gives it plenty of power to propel down the road. 

The Nissan Murano matches the XC60 for mileage ratings but falls short of the Honda CR-V and the RAV4, which are from the same model year. Its six-cylinder engine outshines the others on the list, running at 260 hp. 

If you’re in the market for a used midsize SUV, don’t cross off the Nissan Murano. Like 2013, some models prove to be a great choice, especially at the $12,000 price range.