Used 2018 Audi A5

Roomy, comfortable and refined, the 2018 Nissan Murano fits in the center of Nissan’s extensive lineup of SUVs. Larger than the Rogue, but smaller than the Pathfinder, the new Nissan Murano is a 5-passenger midsize SUV with daring design, a luxurious interior and a powerful V6. A Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Murano competes with the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport as well as many 3-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9. Nissan offers the Murano in four trim levels, S, SV, SL and Platinum. Each is powered by a Nissan’s tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6, which makes 260 horsepower, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard across the line, but all-wheel drive is offered for an additional $1,600.

First, you’ll appreciate the Murano’s smooth ride. This SUV feels solid and its suspension soaks up rough roads without knocking you around or spilling your half-caf non-fat mochachino. Then the Nissan’s precise steering, and the satisfying pull and off-the-line power of its big V6 engine will reveal themselves. The 3.5-liter V6 pumps out a healthy 260 horsepower and it works well the SUV’s Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission with D-Step Logic, a technology that mimics the shift points of a traditional stepped automatic while delivering the efficiency only a CVT can attain. Around town the Murano is athletic and maneuverable, with stable handling, but it’s also a great road-tripper with a quiet interior and wonderfully shaped seats, which feel good even after an 800-mile run through three states. While the Murano is not set up for off-road adventuring, its AWD system and nearly seven inches of ground clearance make it ideal for tackling deep snow.

The men and women who created the new Nissan Murano’s cabin are a bunch of talented individuals, as it’s one of the best interiors in a very crowded class. Fit/finish is excellent and the materials are rich and upscale. The seats are large and perfectly shaped and supportive. Choose the optional and expansive panoramic sunroof, and the interior is washed in natural light as if it were a back-porch sunroom. Behind the rear seat is over 30 cubic feet of space, and flipping the rear seat flat offers over 65 cubic feet, which is less than you get in the Ford Edge.

You won’t miss the 2018 Nissan Murano in the strip-mall parking lot. Up top is a “floating roof,” leading the way is the “V-Motion” front end, at both front and rear are “boomerang” lights that wrap into the fenders, along the sides are curves so pronounced they presented engineering challenges in forming the stamping tools that make them. Aerodynamic details include a lower shutter grille, front and rear spoilers, rear-tire air deflectors, rear-suspension fairings and even a fuel-tank shape optimized for efficient airflow. There isn’t one square inch that isn’t artfully folded and molded.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
This important safety system is now standard on every new Nissan Murano. It monitors the road ahead for vehicles or objects blocking your path. If a potential collision is detected, it will alert the driver with audible and visual warnings. If the driver fails to respond, the system can apply the brakes to reduce the speed of impact or hopefully avoid the collision.

AROUND VIEW MONITOR
Nissan’s 360-degree Around View Monitor is nothing short of ingenious. It’s like a rearview camera on growth hormone. It uses cameras mounted around the vehicle to give you a bird’s-eye view of the SUV and its surroundings, helping you negotiate tight places, parallel park and avoid backing over or into objects.

Standard equipment for the new 2018 Murano base S trim level includes Advanced Drive-Assist Display with a 7-inch screen, navigation, an 8-inch touch screen, Automatic Emergency Braking, Bluetooth, RearView Monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt/telescoping steering column, three 12-volt outlets, cloth seating surfaces and reclining rear seatbacks with center armrest. The AM/FM/CD audio has MP3/WMZ CD capability and six speakers, and there are SiriusXM Satellite Radio, speed-sensitive volume control, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls. Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), plus 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, a full complement of occupant-protection features and NissanConnect with Mobile Apps.

We think the mid-trim Premium Plus A5 is worth the extra $3,000 as it adds safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic, and will even alert you of a coming vehicle when exiting the vehicle. Also included are full LED headlights, heated front seats and hands-free trunk/tailgate release. Prestige trims add the Virtual Cockpit, 8.3-inch display with navigation, and a superb 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system. Other options include a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, head-up display and Driver Assistance package with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and traffic-sign recognition. Audi Connect Prime grants 4G LTE connectivity.

A 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque powers the 2018 Nissan Murano. The transmission is Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable automatic, with D-Step Logic. The result is a smoothness common to CVTs, but with the feel of a traditional stepped automatic. In operation, the 2018 Murano is smooth, quiet and silky and has plenty of ready response and power for any reasonable driving situation. The Murano is also available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) for those who must occasionally deal with bad weather and slick roads. Fuel consumption is remarkably thrifty, with both the FWD and AWD Murano models EPA-rated at 21-mpg city and 28-mpg highway.

3.5-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
240 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg