Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Nissan is selling a 2016 Murano Hybrid, but good luck finding one

Stephen Edelstein
By

2016 Nissan Murano
Image used with permission by copyright holder
If you want a rare car, forget the Bentley or Lamborghini and try to find yourself a 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid. Nissan is quietly introducing a hybrid version of its fashion-conscious crossover in the U.S., but will only import about 600 units, according to Car and Driver. Granted, there probably won’t be much demand for the Murano Hybrid given that Nissan isn’t exactly going out of its way to promote it.

Nissan seems to be following the same strategy it did with the equally low-key Pathfinder Hybrid, which lasted just two model years. The Murano Hybrid actually uses the same powertrain as the Pathfinder, which makes sense as the two models share a platform. A 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) work with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.

Recommended Videos

Total system output is 250 horsepower, which is the same as the defunct Pathfinder Hybrid and 10 hp less than what you get from the non-hybrid Murano’s 3.5-liter V6. With front-wheel drive, the hybrid gets an EPA-rated 29 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 31 mpg highway), compared to 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) for the V6. All-wheel drive models get 28 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the hybrid and V6 powertrains, respectively.

Related

Read more: Nissan’s 2017 Pathfinder is more user friendly

That bump in fuel economy comes with a price bump as well. The hybrid powertrain is only available on the higher-level SL and Platinum models, and there’s a $3,000 premium compared to non-hybrid versions of those models. That doesn’t make the Murano Hybrid very compelling from a value standpoint but with only 600 units to move, it’s not like Nissan needed to make this green SUV appealing to a wide audience.

As with the previous Pathfinder Hybrid, the Murano Hybrid is distinguished from other Murano models only by discreet exterior badging. For the short time that it’s on sale, the Murano will be the only hybrid model in Nissan’s U.S. lineup. The carmaker’s Infiniti luxury division still offers hybrid versions of the Q50, Q70, and QX60, though.

Given its limited production run, the 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid’s impact on the market will probably be as discreet as its powertrain operating in near-silent electric mode. Nissan’s primary focus continues to be electric cars; its Leaf remains the bestselling electric car in history, and is due for a full redesign.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more