2009 Nissan Murano Fuel Economy: What Owners Report
The 2009 Nissan Murano's fuel economy is about 20 mpg combined by EPA rating for the AWD model, with an EPA estimate of 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway; real-world owner data trends slightly lower, around 19 mpg combined overall.
What the numbers mean
The official EPA figures are the baseline most buyers use when comparing vehicles, and the 2009 Murano's 3.5-liter V6 and CVT setup were tuned more for smooth power than maximum efficiency. In practice, that means the Murano is not a fuel-sipping crossover, but it is fairly typical for a midsize V6 SUV from that era.
Owner-reported results give a better sense of everyday use, and Fuelly's 2009 Murano data shows a combined average of 19.08 mpg from 73 vehicles and more than 2.49 million miles of driving. TrueDelta's 2009 front-wheel-drive V6/CVT sample is higher at 22.66 mpg, which suggests driving style, route mix, and drivetrain choice can move the result noticeably.
| Metric | 2009 Murano AWD | Real-world owner data |
|---|---|---|
| City MPG | 18 | Varies by driver and route |
| Highway MPG | 23 | Often near low 20s |
| Combined MPG | 20 | About 19.1 average in Fuelly data |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 260 hp reported in user data |
Why the Murano uses more fuel
The 2009 Murano was built around a strong V6 and a comfortable, near-luxury driving feel, not around ultra-low consumption. Its size, weight, and all-wheel-drive availability all work against efficiency, especially in stop-and-go city driving where the Murano's larger engine has to work harder.
That tradeoff was common in 2009: buyers of midsize crossovers often accepted mid-teens to low-20s mpg in exchange for power, cabin space, and all-weather confidence. The Murano fit that market well, which is why its fuel economy was respectable for the class even if it was not standout.
Real-world expectations
Most drivers should expect something close to 18 to 21 mpg combined if the vehicle is in normal condition and used for mixed commuting. Highway-heavy driving can push results a bit higher, while short trips, winter weather, aggressive acceleration, and AWD use can pull them lower.
- Best case: Highway-oriented FWD use can reach the low-20s mpg.
- Typical use: Mixed driving usually lands around 19 to 20 mpg combined.
- Worst case: Heavy city traffic and AWD can reduce mileage into the high teens.
Historical context
When the 2009 Murano was on sale, its fuel economy was competitive but not exceptional among V6 crossovers. The EPA's 18/23 mpg rating placed it in a familiar middle ground for shoppers who wanted a refined, car-like SUV without moving down to a smaller four-cylinder model.
For shoppers in 2009, the Murano was less about squeezing every mile from a gallon and more about balancing performance, comfort, and crossover practicality.
How to improve mpg
Owners can usually recover a small amount of fuel economy through simple habits, especially in a vehicle like the Murano where driving behavior matters a lot. Smooth throttle input, properly inflated tires, and avoiding unnecessary idling can all help.
- Keep tire pressure at the recommended level.
- Avoid hard launches and rapid braking.
- Reduce roof rack drag and excess cargo weight.
- Use gentle highway speeds when possible.
- Stay current on maintenance, especially filters and spark plugs.
Buyer takeaway
If you are evaluating a 2009 Nissan Murano today, the safest expectation is roughly 19 to 20 mpg combined in mixed driving, with EPA-rated figures of 18 city and 23 highway for the AWD model. That makes it a solid choice for comfort and V6 performance, but not for buyers whose top priority is fuel savings.
Everything you need to know about 2009 Nissan Murano Fuel Economy What Owners Report
What is the EPA fuel economy for the 2009 Nissan Murano?
The EPA lists the 2009 Nissan Murano AWD at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined on premium gasoline.
What MPG do owners actually get?
Real-world owner data from Fuelly shows about 19.08 mpg combined across 73 vehicles, while TrueDelta's front-wheel-drive sample averaged 22.66 mpg.
Is the 2009 Murano good on gas?
It is average for a V6 midsize crossover of its time, but it is not especially fuel-efficient by modern standards.
Does AWD hurt fuel economy?
Yes, AWD usually lowers mpg compared with front-wheel drive because it adds weight and drivetrain drag.