2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD: Specs & Review
Let's dive deep into the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD! If you're considering this stylish SUV, you probably want to know everything about its specs, performance, features, and overall value. Well, you've come to the right place. This review will provide a comprehensive look at what the 2018 Murano SL AWD has to offer, helping you decide if it’s the right vehicle for you. We’ll cover everything from its engine and drivetrain to its interior comforts and technology, ensuring you have all the details you need. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-informed and ready to make a confident decision. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
The 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is designed to blend comfort, style, and functionality. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey. The Murano SL AWD offers a smooth ride, a luxurious interior, and a host of features that make every drive a pleasure. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a road trip, this SUV aims to provide a premium experience. Nissan has packed the Murano SL AWD with a range of technologies to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. This includes advanced driver-assistance systems, a user-friendly infotainment system, and comfortable seating for all passengers. Plus, with its all-wheel-drive capability, you can confidently tackle various road conditions.
But what truly sets the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD apart from its competitors? It’s the combination of these factors, all wrapped up in a sleek and modern design. The Murano stands out with its distinctive exterior styling, featuring flowing lines and a bold front grille. Inside, the cabin is thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials and a focus on ergonomics. The seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for long drives. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to navigate, putting all the essential controls within reach. And with ample cargo space, the Murano is practical for families and individuals alike. Overall, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD offers a compelling package that's hard to ignore. It’s a vehicle that’s both stylish and functional, comfortable and capable, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. So, let's explore the specifics and see if it lives up to the hype.
Performance and Engine Specs
When it comes to performance, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine delivers a solid 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving. The V6 engine is paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel efficiency and provide smooth acceleration. The combination of the V6 engine and CVT makes the Murano SL AWD responsive and enjoyable to drive. Whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating city streets, you'll find that the Murano has plenty of pep. The CVT is designed to mimic the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, so you won't experience the rubber-band effect that some CVTs are known for. Instead, you'll enjoy seamless and linear acceleration. This powertrain is well-suited to the Murano's size and weight, providing a good balance of power and efficiency.
Beyond the engine, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD features an all-wheel-drive system that enhances traction and stability. This system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, depending on the driving conditions. In normal conditions, the system primarily sends power to the front wheels to maximize fuel efficiency. However, when it detects slippage or loss of traction, it can quickly transfer power to the rear wheels to improve grip. This makes the Murano SL AWD a capable performer in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice. The all-wheel-drive system is seamless and transparent, so you won't even notice it working. It simply provides added confidence and control, especially in challenging driving situations. This is a significant advantage for drivers who live in areas with unpredictable weather.
Furthermore, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD offers a comfortable and refined ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable experience. The steering is light and responsive, making the Murano easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the Murano SL AWD is designed to provide a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience. It's not a sports car, but it's not meant to be. Instead, it's a comfortable and capable SUV that's well-suited to everyday driving. The combination of a powerful V6 engine, smooth CVT, and all-wheel-drive system makes the Murano SL AWD a versatile and practical choice for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle a variety of conditions.
Interior and Technology Features
Stepping inside the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD, you'll find a well-appointed and comfortable cabin. The interior is designed with high-quality materials and a focus on ergonomics. The seats are upholstered in leather and offer plenty of support, making them ideal for long drives. The front seats are also heated, providing added comfort in cold weather. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, ensuring that passengers in the back are comfortable as well. The cabin is also relatively quiet, thanks to Nissan's efforts to reduce road noise and wind noise. This creates a relaxing and pleasant environment for both the driver and passengers. The overall design of the interior is modern and stylish, with a clean and uncluttered look.
In terms of technology, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is equipped with a range of features to enhance convenience and entertainment. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is used to control the infotainment system. The system includes features such as navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. The system is also intuitive and easy to use, with clear graphics and a responsive touch interface. In addition to the touchscreen display, the Murano SL AWD also features a premium Bose audio system, which delivers excellent sound quality. The system includes 11 speakers, including subwoofers, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, you'll appreciate the clarity and detail of the Bose system.
Moreover, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards. They can also automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision. In addition to these advanced features, the Murano SL AWD also includes standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. Overall, the Murano SL AWD is well-equipped with technology to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. The combination of a comfortable interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and advanced safety features makes it a compelling choice for drivers who value technology.
Safety Ratings and Features
When it comes to safety, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD performs admirably. It has received excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the Murano a 4-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick. These ratings reflect the Murano's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The Murano is designed with a strong and rigid body structure, which helps to absorb and distribute impact forces. It also includes a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in a variety of collision scenarios. These safety ratings provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Beyond its crashworthiness, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is also equipped with a range of advanced safety features that help to prevent accidents. As mentioned earlier, these include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alerts the driver with a visual warning. Rear cross-traffic alert uses sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the side when the driver is backing up. Automatic emergency braking uses sensors and cameras to detect potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time. These features can help to prevent accidents and reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. They are especially helpful in busy urban environments where there is a lot of traffic.
In addition to these advanced features, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD also includes standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. Anti-lock brakes prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. Stability control helps to prevent skidding by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels. Traction control helps to prevent wheel spin by limiting the amount of power that is sent to the wheels. These features work together to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in a variety of driving conditions. Overall, the Murano SL AWD is a safe and reliable vehicle that is well-equipped to protect its occupants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of style, comfort, performance, and safety. Its powerful V6 engine, smooth CVT, and all-wheel-drive system provide a confident and enjoyable driving experience. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seating and a range of technology features. The Murano SL AWD also boasts excellent safety ratings and a suite of advanced safety features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers. While it may not be the sportiest or most fuel-efficient SUV in its class, the Murano SL AWD offers a good balance of features and value. If you're looking for a comfortable and capable SUV that's well-suited to everyday driving, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, if you value style, comfort, performance, and safety, the Murano SL AWD is a strong contender. It's a vehicle that's designed to provide a premium driving experience, and it delivers on that promise. So, if you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, be sure to give the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD a closer look. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for you.
