2019 Nissan Murano Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

For more than a decade, the Nissan Murano has remained a top competitor in the midsize SUV segment. Drivers appreciate the Murano’s plush interior and smooth driving dynamics. While the Murano isn’t built to conquer a hardcore off-road trail or tow a massive load, it confidently handles the task of hauling around families.

For 2019, the Nissan Murano gets a few needed updates. On the outside, this crossover flaunts some dazzling styling tweaks. Narrower headlamps and a wider V-Motion grille help the 2019 Nissan Murano to make a powerful statement. Nissan also offers some new wheel designs for the Murano. Mocha Almond Pearl, Deep Blue Pearl, Drift Chromaflair have been added to the Murano’s list of available paint colors.

On the inside is where you’ll find the 2019 Nissan Murano’s biggest improvement. A new infotainment system replaces the old interface, which was often criticized for its dated graphics and sluggish response. Featuring a number of advanced safety technologies, Nissan’s new Safety Shield 360 package is also available on the latest Murano. Reverse automatic braking and Rear Door Alert are offered for the first time.

The 2019 Nissan Murano will satisfy a wide range of different budgets. Nissan gives you four trims to choose from: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Let’s see how these trims compare to each other.

 

Compare the 2019 Nissan Murano S vs SV Trims. What is the difference?

Don’t overlook the base Murano S. It brings a lot of great qualities to the table. Like every other trim, the Murano S comes equipped with Nissan’s proven V6 engine. Nissan rates it to churn out a delightful 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Although the Murano isn’t the quickest SUV in the segment, Nissan’s Xtronic automatic CVT helps it to easily get up to highway speeds. While front-wheel drive comes standard, an optional AWD system helps you to escape snowy conditions.

Despite being the least expensive trim, the Murano S is still high on style. LED running lights and an attractive set of 18-inch wheels come standard. Dual exhaust tips give the Murano S just a touch more sportiness.

The Murano S contains a good amount of standard equipment. Drivers will especially like the new and improved infotainment system, which provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also don’t have to pay extra for the standard 8.0-inch touch screen. A standard navigation system gives the Murano S yet another advantage over other entry-level models in the class. Some of the other highlights include a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, keyless ignition, and Bluetooth streaming.

Although Nissan’s new Safety 360 Shield is not available on the Murano S, you’ll enjoy standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. This valuable driving aid will help you to better avoid crashing into unanticipated obstacles.

For a little more than $3,000, you can step up to the Murano SV. If you desire blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and remote engine start, it may prove to be worth the extra cost. Roof rails and power-adjustable front seats are also found on the Murano SV.

Upon stepping up to the Murano SV, you’ll also have access to an optional Premium package. While music fanatics will love the 11-speaker Bose audio system’s more formidable sound, a 360-degree camera makes parking a less eventful task. Some of the other equipment found in the Premium package includes intelligent cruise control, a drowsiness detector, and a panoramic sunroof. Meanwhile, a special set of 18-inch alloy wheels enhance the Murano SV’s styling.

Compare the 2019 Murano SV vs SL Trims. What is the difference?

All of the optional equipment found in the SV trim’s Premium package come standard on the Murano SL. However, you’ll have to pay extra for a panoramic sunroof. Nissan does equip the Murano SL with luxuries like heated leather front and rear seats. A heated steering wheel and ambient interior lighting are also found on the SV trim.

If you want to bestow the SL trim with a little more flair, check out the optional Midnight Edition appearance package. It gives the Murano SL a more attention-grabbing look by adding a number of blacked-out exterior treatments. An exclusive set of 20-inch black wheels are included as well.

The biggest perk of the Murano SL is the optional Safety Shield 360 package. It bundles all of the available driving aids together. Aside from features like blind-spot monitoring, the Safety Shield 360 also adds forward and reverse automatic braking. Pedestrian detection comes in handy when driving in urban areas.

Compare the Murano SL vs Platinum Trims. What is the difference?

While the Murano SL is quite luxurious on the inside, you’ll find the range-topping Platinum model to especially nice. In fact, some car reviewers compare the Murano Platinum to SUVs in a far more expensive price class. It’s lined with semi-aniline leather, which is especially soft to the touch. Diamond-stitched seat inserts and dark wood trim further separate the Platinum model from the rest of the lineup. Ventilated front seats add to the Murano SL’s plushness.

While Nissan’s new Safety Shield 360 package is optional on the Murano SL, it comes standard on the luxurious Platinum trim. Furthermore, a NissanConnect communications system is found on the Murano Platinum. You’ll enjoy around-the-clock support from emergency personnel. This system can also be used by parents to keep tabs on their teen drivers.

You won’t notice any dramatic styling changes on the Platinum trim. Nevertheless, the Murano Platinum comes equipped with its own unique set of 20-inch wheels. LED headlights help promote better visibility after dark.

 

Final Thoughts

The new 2019 Nissan Murano has a rather simple lineup. However, you must think hard about how much money you’re willing to spend. With a starting price of less than $32,000, the base Murano S is a very tempting deal. It’s the perfect choice for the drivers who are primary focused on getting a comfortable family vehicle. All of the most important features come standard on the Murano S, including automatic emergency braking and an 8.0-inch touch screen.

Because the base Murano S is so well-equipped, you may question the need to spend an extra $3,200 on the Murano SV. While the Murano SV does benefit from blind-spot monitoring, its optional Premium package results in a noticeable price jump.

While the SL Murano’s optional Midnight Edition appearance is attractive, you’ll be better off stepping up to the Platinum model. It’s has a remarkably luxurious feel on the inside. It’s an especially sweet deal for the drivers who don’t want to spend the money on a high-end BMW or Mercedes-Benz crossover.

2019 Nissan Murano Key Features

In the past, the NissanConnect infotainment system suffered from a few shortcomings. Not only was the Murano’s interface slow, but it was also criticized for having subpar graphics. Fortunately, there’s a lot of things to like about the new infotainment system. You’ll appreciate the touch screen’s better graphics and quicker response to the swipe of your finger. All trims comes equipped with an 8.0-inch display. Facebook, Pandora, and iHeartRadio are all readily accessible.

Every version of the Murano features an identical V6 engine. Although some competitors may offer more than one engine choice, you should have no issues with the Murano’s power. It pushes strong enough for you to easily merge onto a fast-moving freeway. While the Murano’s automatic CVT can be a bit loud at times, there’s a smooth feel to it. Fuel economy is definitely better than most competitors. The EPA rates the SUV to deliver 21 mpg in urban areas and up to 28 mpg on the open road.

The Murano’s safety technologies are better than ever. If you spend a lot of time in the city, the available 360-degree camera will seriously help with parking. It’s designed with Moving Object Detection, which directs your attention to potential road hazards. By including automatic emergency braking as a standard feature, Nissan has made the base S model an even better option. Upgraded safety features, like pedestrian detection and rear automatic braking, come in the new Safety Shield 360 package.

All models now come equipped with Rear Door Alert. This feature may prove to be invaluable to parents. In the event you leave something behind in the backseat, the system will honk the horn to get your attention. When using Rear Door Alert, pets and children are far less likely to get left in a smoldering hot vehicle.

Available as an option on every trim, all-wheel drive does a good job of giving the Murano good grip in bad weather. Amazingly, adding the AWD system doesn’t result in any lost fuel economy. Because this AWD system doesn’t improve handling on dry pavement, most drivers will be able to stick with the standard front-wheel-drive system.