Murano AWD vs FWD? How AWD really works in Murano 2015?

dushash

Can someone explain how AWD in Murano works? I've heard it engages rear wheels when you start moving and up to 15miles/per hour speed when it becomes FWD again. Then during the drive it may engage again when turning or braking and when front wheels slippage is detected. Is this algorithm?

I also wonder why in some youtube videos rear wheels stay motionless when front wheels are spinning in snow/dirt/mud? Aren't they (rear wheels) supposed to help in this case or there is not enough torque transferred to rear wheels so they don't move?

What I'm trying to ultimately decide is if I need to go for AWD (if it's basically useless for when you really need some real torque so that rear wheels would spin and help car keep moving) or skip it altogether and go for FWD (cheaper, less weight, more fuel efficient, better acceleration on dry surfaces). I know that AWD adds around 130lbs of weight and in addition there's an extra friction from AWD transfer case etc. for engine to overcome. Thus better real world MPGs. Moreover I know that Nissan removed Lock button - so now AWD became even more useless.

Thank you.

kyfdx

I don't have the answer for you..

But, where I live, a FWD Murano would be sale-proof, when you try to get rid of it. Given my experience with other crossovers, the mileage/repair penalty is very small.. but, the resale penalty is large.

If you live in Atlanta, this may not apply to you...

dushash

I agree with you, resale may be a pain, but we plan to keep the car for 6 years at least and resale value will be small anyway (so the difference AWD vs FWD will be small too). On the other hand FWD accelerates 0.4sec faster. MPG difference is small, but is still present (reportedly combined MPG is 25 vs 23 in real world), as is transfer case maintenance and possible issues.

Still this would be a non issue and we would gladly go for AWD, but it turns out Muranos AWD is only AWD at moments when you start moving and up to 15miles per hour only. Then its usual FWD anyway and you are just towing extra dead weight all the time. In situations when cars front wheels slip, it is supposed to send torque to rear wheels - but in reality, given that there is no lock differential - it's basically useless - its just simply is not helping: rear wheels stay motionless while front wheels continue to slip like crazy. So I ask myself do I really need such a "pseudo" AWD to haul it permanently or I would rather be FWD? Yes, in terms of marketing point - I agree AWD badge will help resale. People in the most part don't know what kind of AWD system is there. We still have time to change order for AWD, but so far I haven't found a single video on the web where it shows how new 2015 Murano's AWD helps driver. Moreover, I think Nissan would have been touting it like crazy if it was really something useful. In reality they don't even say anything except a few words on their website, because they know better than anyone that it's a gimmick basically.

P.S. Also notice how there is not a single review that praises AWD or shows its usefulness. They all choose to mention it for a 1 sec very briefly - to state the AWD badge basically. There was a single off-road review on everyday driver and it clearly shows that rear wheels never help Murano to get out of tricky situations - its always front wheels spin while rear wheels stay motionless.

kyfdx

I had a couple of CR-Vs, and IMO, "pseudo-AWD" is exactly what is needed in most applications. Just that little boost to get you unstuck in a snowy parking lot, or extra traction getting up a hill.

Most consider it an advantage that it's not working all the time. Rather than consider it towing dead weight, look at it as not having to waste power driving wheels when the extra traction isn't needed.

I agree though... zero off-road capabilities, most likely. And, it does seem strange that rear wheels aren't kicking in when the fronts are spinning. That seems the opposite of what should happen.

ray80

kyfdx said:

And, it does seem strange that rear wheels aren't kicking in when the fronts are spinning. That seems the opposite of what should happen.

I have a vague recollection of this kind of complaint on some vehicle with this general type of AWD and rear wheels not kicking in when front ones were spinning. I believe it was working as designed though and rear wheels actually HAD to be turning before power would kick in.

kyfdx

ray80 said:

kyfdx said:

And, it does seem strange that rear wheels aren't kicking in when the fronts are spinning. That seems the opposite of what should happen.

I have a vague recollection of this kind of complaint on some vehicle with this general type of AWD and rear wheels not kicking in when front ones were spinning. I believe it was working as designed though and rear wheels actually HAD to be turning before power would kick in.

So... when it starts to bog, put your foot in it? Okay... I changed my mind. That's useless..

dushash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkiv-bWbLIo

this video shows it clearly for Honda CR-V. It's same if not worse for Murano, as Murano doesn't even have a lock button anymore. So I'm still on a fence - but so far it looks like AWD is a gimmick for which you pay $2000 (here in Canada) and get zero help in slippery situations, but get more weight and more fuel consumption. I'm trying hard to convince myself into going for AWD, but Nissan isn't helping at all. I sent them an email - asking to explain how AWD works - there should be some set algorithm, but so far no answer from them.

gugulin

dushash said:

There was a single off-road review on everyday driver and it clearly shows that rear wheels never help Murano to get out of tricky situations - its always front wheels spin while rear wheels stay motionless.

Are you saying this Youtube "Off-Road Review: 2015 Nissan Murano AWD on Everyman Driver"?

I also watched that and mostly agreed with you. But if you watch it very carefully from 6:14~6:17. It seems to me that rear tire is off-ground but it's still running.....which means power did send to rear wheel..... Not sure if I see it wrong.

dushash

You are right! But the thing in situations when rear tires are on ground and they really have to turn to help car move - they don't. Or simply can't, because transfer case will limit torque to the rear wheels to save AWD from breaking apart. The hardware is fragile, not like true AWD systems in some cars. It's not made to move you, it's basically made to just help you stay on your trajectory on the road when turning or when accelerating. Something along these lines. So it is basically useless in the grand scheme. Maybe it's better to save some $$$ and buy FWD which gets better 0-60 acceleration and lower weight and slightly more real world MPG. I'm not persuading anyone, but I personally opted for FWD in this case. Simply because Murano is not the car that needs to be bought in AWD - it's useless in this case.

gugulin

My humble opinion. I won't go off-road and agree that Murano's AWD seems useless in tough situation, but in case you are under heavy rain in highway, it could still better help your car on track. With a such big car, honestly I don't care those slighly MPG or weight difference. Who knows what kind of situation you will meet when you drive? But at least I still have AWD with me, better than nothing (FWD). Also, if some day you regret, you cannot install AWD from after-market.

dushash

I agree with your points. I just wish Nissan could better explain how its AWD works and in what situations it will be really helpful. It would be good to know.

gugulin

Certainly, we all wish that. I was 2012 Murano owner and I love it. Then I changed to Toyota hybrid car. Now I am potentially a 2015 Murano buyer (again!) I am asking the comparision between Murano and BMW X3 in another topic. Not yet decided. But if Murano is the choice, I defintely will get Platinum AWD.