Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD, a crossover SUV that seamlessly blends comfort, style, and all-weather capability. This isn't just your average family hauler; it’s a vehicle designed with a touch of luxury and a focus on a smooth, enjoyable driving experience. So, if you’re thinking about getting one, or you're just curious about what this model year offers, keep reading!

Overview of the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD

The 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD stands out in the crowded crossover SUV market with its distinctive design and a host of features that prioritize comfort and convenience. This model year refines the Murano's already appealing formula, offering a sophisticated driving experience without sacrificing practicality. The SL trim adds a touch of luxury with leather upholstery, advanced safety features, and enhanced technology, making it a compelling choice for those who want a little extra. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system provides added confidence and traction in various weather conditions, ensuring that you're ready to tackle snow, rain, or slick roads with ease.

Under the hood, the 2018 Murano SL AWD typically features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a smooth and responsive driving experience. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Murano prioritizes fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The exterior design is both modern and aerodynamic, with signature LED lighting and a bold front grille that make a statement on the road. Inside, the cabin is spacious and well-appointed, offering ample room for passengers and cargo alike. The intuitive infotainment system, comfortable seating, and a range of driver-assistance features contribute to a refined and enjoyable driving experience. Overall, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is a well-rounded SUV that combines style, comfort, and capability in a compelling package.

Detailed Specs of the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD

Alright, let's break down the nitty-gritty details of the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD. Knowing the specs is super important, whether you're comparing it to other SUVs or just want to understand what makes it tick. We're talking engine details, dimensions, and all those numbers that really matter.

Engine and Performance

The heart of the 2018 Murano SL AWD is its 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. It cranks out around 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of oomph for daily driving, merging onto highways, and even tackling some light off-road situations. The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which helps maximize fuel efficiency. The CVT provides seamless gear changes, making for a comfortable and refined driving experience. The All-Wheel Drive system enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Fuel economy is estimated at around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for its class.

Dimensions and Capacity

The 2018 Murano SL AWD offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it suitable for families and those who need extra cargo space. Here are some key dimensions:

• Wheelbase: Approximately 111.2 inches
• Length: Around 192.4 inches
• Width: Roughly 75.4 inches
• Height: About 68.5 inches
• Cargo Capacity: Around 32.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and up to 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is more than enough for groceries, luggage, or weekend getaway gear.

Interior and Exterior Features

The SL trim adds a touch of luxury to the Murano, with features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium Bose audio system. The exterior boasts LED headlights and taillights, a power liftgate, and stylish alloy wheels. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, making it easy to stay connected on the go.

Key Features of the SL Trim

The SL trim is where the 2018 Nissan Murano really starts to shine. It's like Nissan took the base model and sprinkled some extra magic dust on it. Let's explore what makes the SL trim a step above the rest. We're talking about everything from the interior comforts to the advanced tech features that make driving a pleasure.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the SL, you're greeted with leather-appointed seats that are both comfortable and stylish. The front seats are heated, which is a godsend on chilly mornings. A Bose premium audio system delivers crystal-clear sound, making your daily commute or long road trips more enjoyable. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. This allows you to easily access your favorite apps, make calls, and get directions. Other convenient features include a power liftgate, remote start, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The SL trim comes with a suite of advanced safety features that help keep you and your passengers safe. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if you don't react in time. Other safety features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera. These features work together to provide a safer and more confident driving experience.

Exterior Enhancements

On the outside, the SL trim adds some visual flair to the Murano. It features LED headlights and taillights, which not only look stylish but also provide better visibility. The power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo, while the stylish alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication. Chrome accents and roof rails further enhance the Murano's exterior appearance. Overall, the SL trim offers a compelling combination of comfort, technology, and safety features, making it a great choice for those who want a little extra luxury in their SUV.

Driving Experience and Performance

Okay, so you know all the specs and features, but what's it really like to drive the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD? Let’s get into the driving experience and performance of this SUV. It's not just about the numbers; it's about how it feels on the road.

On the Road

Behind the wheel, the 2018 Murano SL AWD delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power for most driving situations. Acceleration is brisk, and the CVT provides seamless gear changes. The suspension soaks up bumps and road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic. The All-Wheel Drive system provides added confidence in slippery conditions, ensuring that you maintain traction and control. Overall, the Murano is a pleasant and refined SUV to drive.

Handling and Braking

The Murano handles well for its size, with minimal body roll in corners. The steering is precise and provides good feedback, allowing you to confidently navigate winding roads. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing ample stopping power. The Murano also features electronic stability control and traction control, which help to prevent skidding and maintain control in challenging situations. These systems work together to provide a safe and stable driving experience.

Overall Impression

The 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is a well-rounded SUV that offers a comfortable ride, ample power, and a range of advanced features. It's a great choice for families, commuters, and anyone who wants a stylish and capable SUV. The SL trim adds a touch of luxury with its leather upholstery, premium audio system, and advanced safety features. While it may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it excels in providing a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Pros and Cons of the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD

Like any vehicle, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. No car is perfect, so it's essential to know what you're getting into.

Pros

• Comfortable Ride: The Murano is known for its smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long road trips and daily commutes.
• Stylish Design: The Murano's distinctive exterior design sets it apart from other SUVs in its class.
• Spacious Interior: The Murano offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.
• Advanced Features: The SL trim comes with a range of advanced features, including leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and advanced safety technologies.
• All-Wheel Drive: The AWD system provides added traction and stability in various weather conditions.

Cons

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the CVT, which can sometimes feel unresponsive.
• Limited Off-Road Capability: The Murano is not designed for serious off-roading.
• Infotainment System: While the infotainment system is functional, it may not be as intuitive as some competitors.
• Fuel Economy: While the fuel economy is decent, it's not class-leading.

Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD Right for You?

So, after all that, is the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD the right SUV for you? It really depends on your needs and priorities. If you value comfort, style, and a range of advanced features, the Murano is definitely worth considering.

If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish SUV that can handle various weather conditions, the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD is a great choice. It offers a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and a range of advanced features. However, if you need serious off-road capability or prefer a more traditional transmission, you may want to consider other options. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Murano is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels on the road.

I hope this comprehensive review has helped you better understand the 2018 Nissan Murano SL AWD. Happy car shopping, guys!