Crossover Into Excellence: A Nissan Murano Buyer’s Guide
It was back in 1965 when Nissan, then known as Datsun, opened its first office in Vancouver. This was the start of the long relationship the Japanese manufacturer continues to have with Canada. While the roots of Nissan go back much further, to 1933 to be exact, its presence in our provinces has been welcomed by many drivers who revere the brand for its continuous pursuit of technological perfection. With a keen eye for innovation, Nissan has brought its drive to the SUV; case in point––the Nissan Murano. With the popularity of the SUV continuing to rise and further cementing its reputation as the ideal vehicle for family-oriented consumers, we're here today to take a deep dive into the Murano in hopes that you can find which features and options will work best for you. Finding a Nissan Murano for sale is easy, but finding out which trim suits your needs best? That's where we come in.
Cost-Effective Pricing
Because this is a buyer's guide, we'll begin our examination with the cost-effectiveness of the Murano. To Nissan's credit, it has produced an impressive midsize SUV that underbids some of its more popular rivals. With a starting MSRP of $37,498, the 2023 Murano is cheaper than both the Chevy Blazer and the Ford Edge. This is an interesting development, as both Chevy and Ford have a reputation for being cheaper than their Japanese counterparts. Spread across four different trim levels, upgrading from the starting model to a more advanced class is easier than with the convoluted lineups of some other models.
Another major part of a vehicle being cost-effective is how conservative it is with its fuel consumption. Fuel prices tend to be quite unpredictable, so any consistency in this area is always welcome news. In recent years, Nissan has begun to streamline its powertrain offerings, with many vehicles sharing the same engine and transmission across all trim levels. In the case of the Murano, its standard powertrain is a 3.5L V6 that generates 260 hp and can tow up to 680 kg, paired with a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission). This means you won't miss out no matter what trim you choose.
All-wheel drive is a standard feature on the 2022 Murano, which is ideal for those of us who have to brave the fierce Canadian winters. Even with all-wheel drive, the Murano is rated for up to 10.4 L/100km combined, thanks to its efficient CVT. This number breaks down to 12.0 L/100km in the city and 8.5 L/100km on the highway. The gearless nature of a CVT also makes the Murano perfect for drivers in an urban environment due to its smooth ride in stop-and-go traffic.
Trim Levels: What You Get & What to Expect
We begin our trim examination with the introductory S trim. Nissan is keen to provide for its customers and is more than willing to provide several standard driver-assist and safety features. Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning all come standard, as does Nissan's Intelligent Driver Alertness, which monitors steering patterns to help prevent impaired driving. For entertainment, a six-speaker stereo system compatible with SiriusXM is included, as is compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For your comfort, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats make cold weather a non-issue on any commute.
The SV trim, while having the same features as the introductory trim, has a few more luxuries that certainly make it an appealing upgrade. The SV trim and up all come standard with Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control, which monitors traffic patterns on lengthy commutes to provide plenty of space for proper reaction time. Traffic Sign Recognition and Moving Object Detection are also included. These additions to the list of driving assistance features are further accentuated by NissanConnect with navigation, SiriusXM Traffic, and Travel Link. Because, after all, everyone gets lost now and again.
It's also on the SV trim where we begin to cross the threshold into several luxury items that provide extra comfort for anyone behind the wheel or in the passenger's seat. A 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support keeps your back comfortable. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever make for a more appealing interior, which is always a good thing, depending on how much time you spend in your vehicle.
If the SV trim was when we crossed the threshold into luxury, the SL trim is what completely embraces the concept with vigour. Sitting upon alloy wheels that measure 51 cm, you'll also be sitting on leather-appointed seats that provide maximum comfort. One of the more endearing characteristics of the SL trim is its impressive sound upgrade. The six-speaker system is cast aside in favour of a high-end Bose premium sound system with eleven speakers and dual subwoofers. Some of the other additions include front and rear parking sensors, and for those who crave aesthetics in their vehicles, ambient lighting takes your interior to a bold new place.
Just as the name might suggest, the Platinum trim is the peak of perfection as far as the Nissan Murano is concerned. Perhaps the feature that best speaks to Nissan's reputation as a powerhouse of innovation and technological ambition is found in NissanConnect Services. Allowing remote start and stop, plus alerts for routine maintenance and more, all from your smartphone, is quite an impressive feature that's exclusive to the Platinum trim. Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator are in place to provide peace of mind that's priceless. Climate-controlled front seats decked out with leather maximize luxury, while the Platinum sits on a set of pristine dark hyper silver wheels. This is what luxury looks like, and if you're in the market for a serious upgrade, look no further than what a Nissan dealer has to offer.
A Safe Bet
While we've spent considerable time diving into trims, features, and cost-effectiveness, it's time to ask ourselves––is the Nissan Murano a safe vehicle? After all, safety is the most important factor when purchasing any vehicle, and Nissan has always emphasized keeping its customers safe. One of the best places to evaluate safety is by looking up crash-test results from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The IIHS is an independent agency based in the United States that performs objective crash testing and driver-assist system assessment. The 2022 Nissan Murano was named Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, which is the highest rating possible, and proved to be a fine example of a vehicle that keeps its drivers and passengers safe, even when life becomes unpredictable.
The Nissan Murano Is Ideal for Canada
With its wide variety of standard driver-assist features and a price point that underbids the competition, there's no wonder why the Nissan Murano is the ideal vehicle for Canadian drivers. No matter what trim level works best for you, there's a version of this midsize SUV that is ideal for you, your situation, and your lifestyle. Visiting LA Nissan can be the first step towards a bold new adventure in a brand-new Nissan Murano. Give us a call, contact us online, or visit us in person to get started finding your perfect SUV. We can't wait to assist you further on your car-buying adventure!