Murano is not for heavy duty off roading!
If you expect a jeep like performance where there are 3 lockable differential, murano is NOT for you.
My dad has the older model Grand Cherokee. He uses it mostly to ship yard / container inspection site, where there are many muds and unpaved roads. While it is no match to murano in terms of smoothness, HP, and comfort, a Jeep is what he need for his job.
When i purchased the murano, i know the following:
1. It will only be driven on paved road 99% of the time.
2. It must have AWD, but no need for off roading through sands, desert, rivers, mt everest, and woodlands.
3. It must have light snow capability. If the snow get really bad, I will stop and wait it out.
4. I need the mpg of a car based suv.
5. I want the smooth ride of a sedan.
If i had wanted to go beaches/creek beds/and the like, i will not buy a murano. An exterra or a jeep is a better choice.
Furthermore, I feel bad off roading a $35K+ vehicle like the murano :4: