2018 Nissan Murano Review
The Nissan Murano fills an unusual spot within the midsize SUV segment in that it borders between affordable and luxury. It tries to offer the same level of performance and utility of cheaper SUVs while not skimping on quality-of-life add-ons that are often only found in more expensive cars. For the most part, the Murano succeeds in this pursuit, with a powerful 260 horsepower V6 engine and a stylish, spacious, and well-appointed interior. It offers all this for the relatively competitive starting price of $31,000. This is on par with close rivals like the Ford Edge, but some smaller competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V offer comparative performance and features for less. However, with a bold design, a long list of standard features, and optional opulence that is hard to match for the same price, the Murano is definitely worth a look.
What's the Price of the 2018 Nissan Murano?
Considering the number of features that come standard on the Murano, it has a surprisingly low starting price of $31,000, while the SV-tag adds $3,300 to this. The upper-level SL will cost you $38,700, while the Platinum carries the premium sticker price of $42,430. Upgrading to all-wheel drive on any model will cost you an additional $1,600. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Nissan's destination charge of $1,045.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Murano is by no means a sporty SUV. It has the power, but it lacks the interactive handling dynamics that go with a more engaging driving experience. But while you shouldn't expect any thrills from this near-luxury vehicle, you can rely on its drivability. The engine offers enough low-end torque for easy stop-and-go driving around town, while the CVT promises a smoother, quieter ride at higher speeds.
The steering is nothing to write home about; it is light and responsive at low speeds, making this bulky SUV surprisingly maneuverable, and offers at least a little resistance at higher speeds. Still, don't expect to be able to tell much about what the wheels are doing by feel. Luckily, there are enough driver aids and safety features in place to supplement this lack of confidence. The brakes are more talkative, thankfully, and they don't lack in power, stopping the vehicle in just 123 ft from 60 mph.
Where the Murano shines is in its ride comfort. The suspension isn't as stiff as in some competitors, so the cabin absorbs bumps in the road quite well. However, this does adversely affect body roll, so any high-speed daredevil antics in this lumbering cruiser should be avoided.
Verdict: Is the 2018 Nissan Murano A Good SUV?
While we believe the Nissan Murano is definitely a good car, we do feel it is slightly overpriced for what it offers. That is not to say that it lacks in features – it certainly doesn't – but these features are a bit dated compared to newer SUVs that are offering the same for less. Still, the bold, somewhat divisive exterior design of this mid-size SUV paired with its spacious and stylish cabin is enough to win many buyers over. And this is good since the Murano isn't turning any heads with its performance.
The V6 engine provides ample power to move this heavy car, but the Nissan's handling characteristics, coupled with its larger dimensions, make maneuvering this SUV at anything above average speeds a daring endeavor. Still, it handles very well around town and on long, highway journeys.
With ample tech and safety features, and superior comfort levels in the cabin, you will enjoy leisurely cruises or even short stints around town. At the end of the day, you won't regret buying the Murano, but you may be a little envious of other SUVs that manage to do what it does a little better, for the same price.
What Nissan Murano Model Should I Buy?
Even the base Murano S comes equipped with myriad features, both infotainment and safety, so it can be hard to decide if upgrading beyond the $31,000 is worth it. If you're looking for a mid-size SUV that performs well and offers most, if not all, of the features you expect in a modern-day vehicle, then you don't need to look any further. But if you are willing to spend the extra $10k for the leather-appointed SL, equipped with all the driver assistance and safety features the range has to offer, you can rest assured you are getting the best the Murano has to offer without coughing up more on the excess of the Platinum trim.
2018 Nissan Murano Comparisons
2018 Nissan Murano vs Nissan Rogue
Although the Murano sits one tier above the Rogue in terms of vehicle size, the two SUVs bear striking similarities, not surprising considering that they are both manufactured by Nissan. Still, each SUV is aimed to meet specific needs, and those needs will determine which is the clear winner. The Murano offers significantly more raw power than the Rogue's 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it is also much thirstier, eating into your fuel budget. However, the Rogue handles better, partly thanks to its smaller dimensions. In terms of infotainment and safety features, the two SUVs are neck-and-neck, with the Murano only offering its best features on the higher trim levels. Naturally, the Murano is significantly more opulent inside, despite providing substantially less cargo space than the smaller Rogue. Lastly, the Murano costs around $6k more than the Rogue at entry-level, and a significant $10k more fully decked out. If you're looking for a safe, reliable, affordable SUV that offers everyday practicality, the Rogue will be your choice. But if you prize comfort over utility and don't mind shelling out a bit extra, the Murano trumps its little brother substantially.
2018 Nissan Murano vs Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is one of the best SUVs in the mid-size segment, and it's easy to see why. It offers a variety of engine options with the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering more torque and hauling power than the Murano, while the top-tier 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 pumps out an impressive 315 hp and 350 lb-ft, allowing the Ford to tow up to 2,000 lbs more than the Nissan. While the CVT on the Murano garners much praise, the Edge's six-speed automatic does the job just as well. Ford's SUV also handles noticeably better than its Nissan rival, with driver input and smart assistance features working in tandem rather than fighting each other. Still, neither supply a particularly thrilling experience, and only the truly brave would attempt to drive them off-road. Inside, both vehicles ooze luxury and comfort, but the Edge is just that tiny bit more refined. The seats are supremely comfortable and benefit further from an incredibly smooth riding experience, thanks to a forgiving suspension system. Ford's SUV also offers quite a bit more cargo space than the Murano. In terms of tech and safety features, both cars are on par depending on the trim level you are willing to pay for, and with near-identical price tags, it really comes down to the previously mentioned areas to determine which is the better choice. Overall, the Ford Edge comes out in the lead, but not by that much.