2018 Nissan Murano SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

There is only one type of engine powering up the different models of the 2018 Nissan Murano. A 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine propels the SUV. The unit has an output of 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The power of the Murano is distributed via Nissan's Xtronic CVT. That means gearless, shifting for the car. The auto is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. We tried the AWD Platinum trim of the Murano and it accelerated from zero to 62 mph in 9 seconds. We found out that the CVT system of the SUV was a drag during that ordeal. The auto has a fuel tank capacity of 16 gallons. It has 28 mpg fuel efficiency on the highway and 21 mpg on city drives.

Technology

The Nissan Murano S has LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, power side mirrors with LED signaling, push button ignition, 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist display, Nissan Navigation System with 8-inch multi-touch screen and voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB port, HD Radio, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as rearview camera. In addition, it has the Vehicle Dynamic Control that monitors driving habits, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Vehicle Immobilizer System that only lets the Murano operate when using a registered key, and Electronic Brake force Distribution that applies extra force to the brakes depending on the additional weight of the auto. The SV adds the fog lights, auto dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start system with intelligent climate control, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The SL takes it up with the Motion Activated Liftgate, heated seats and steering wheel, Intelligent Cruise Control, 11-speaker audio, ambient lighting, 360-degree view from four cameras, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, seat presets control, and Intelligent Driver Alertness. The Platinum trim takes all the features of the lower trims and adds climate controlled front seats, NissanConnect services, side mirror and driver seat position memory, button-operated power-return rear seats, and power panoramic moonroof. The optional tech in the Murano include the Nissan WiFi & Apps system, wireless charging, and impact sensor. Some of the elements in the Platinum trim can be installed in the SV and SE trims.

Safety

Aside from the driver assistance systems like the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Around View Monitor and onboard cameras of the Murano, it has Nissan's Advanced front airbag as well as knee air bags and supplemental side-impact airbags. IIHS rated the crossover -Good- in Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection and Head Restraint, Small Overlap Front Test Results, and Moderate Overlap Test Results. With that, it is definitely built for the safety of its occupants.

Appearance

The Murano has a four-door design with a rear hatch. The auto has a five-seating capacity. The unit has a sharp-looking exterior styling letting it live up to its SUV identity. The vehicle's curves from its hood and all the way to the rear makes its very sexy, which gives it a coupe-like appeal. The auto is made more attractive by its strategically-placed body lines that truly accentuate its athletic form. The auto has Nissan's latest version of its V-motion grille with refreshed boomerang-shaped headlamps. The rear lighting has been updated too with its narrow design. Roof rails are factory-installed starting in the SV trim. The 2018 Murano has 18-inch wheels as a standard fit in the S, SV and SL trims. The range-topping Platinum trim is fitted with 20-inch wheels as a standard.

Comfort

The suede fabric within the 2018 Murano is pretty basic so we can't say much about it. Those who wish to get a better quality of surface coverings should go for the SL and Platinum levels, but we found that these still lack luxurious feel in them. Nissan claimed though that the SUV is fitted with neutral-posture seats that aim to reduce fatigue especially in long trips. Our backs sure felt comfortable with them but the thigh support on the seats seemed lacking.

Cargo

When it comes to space, the new Murano has 38.7 inches of legroom at the rear seats. The SUV can fit up to 32.1 cu-ft of cargo with the rear seats up and 67 cu-ft with the rear backrests folded down.