When it comes to midsize SUVs, you may feel that once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. There are so many SUVs on the market now that it may be a little hard to tell them apart unless they have features that really stand out or a price that makes them an incredible value over all the other contenders on the market. In essence, that’s exactly what the 2021 Nissan Murano is: a great value for a great price.
The Murano is equipped with a smooth, comfortable ride that can take any driver the distance, this SUV provides seating for up to five passengers, along with plenty of cargo room for all the accessories that life requires. Plus, each trim level is well-equipped with features that make it even more of an asset to any adventuresome family’s lifestyle. On top of that, the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance technology adds a sense of security to any road trip – whether you’re going across town or across the country.
Let’s take a look at some of the 2021 Nissan Murano’s many offerings to understand why it stands out from the pack in a world of SUVs tailor-made to every driver’s experience.
Performance for a New Era: The 2021 Nissan Murano
Historically speaking, midsize SUVs have been large, lumbering machines with little pep. There have been times in the evolution of the SUV when driving one seemed like a compromise for the versatility and impressive cargo room. However, the 2021 Nissan Murano is changing the way drivers think about SUVs. Engineers have given the Murano a suspension that can smooth out city streets and a responsive drivetrain that takes the white knuckles out of merging into rush hour traffic.
All Muranos are equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, which produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. According to early reviewers, driving a Murano is impressively luxurious, especially considering the use of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While many critics feel that the CVT can become noisy and clunky during long drives and periods of rapid acceleration, reviewers seem unanimous on the highly refined CVT available in the 2021 Murano. This engine and transmission combination provides the Murano with the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The standard Murano is offered with front-wheel drive; however, any trim can be updated to all-wheel drive. Drivers can anticipate a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 2021 Nissan Murano Safety Shield 360 Features
Though midsize SUVs are not strictly a family-oriented vehicle, the size and versatility of the space inside makes them ideal for group road trips or shuttling around the crew from activity to activity. And since drivers will be able to get a lot of use out of their 2021 Murano, Nissan has added a robust list of features to the Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance technology.
Features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Rear Automatic Braking make it easier for drivers to maneuver in tight spaces, such as one-way city streets or busy parking lots. Automatic Emergency Braking scans the area in front of your vehicle to avoid a frontal collision and alerts drivers when an accident is possible. If no action is taken, this technology will automatically utilize the brakes to slow the vehicle. Rear Automatic Braking, in combination with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, applies this technology while you’re in reverse, making it easy to make your way in and out of crowded town streets.
When you’re on the road, features like Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning will ensure that you stay focused and safe within your lane until it’s safe to merge or switch lanes. And for those who spend time on the road after dark, High Beam Assist will take care of keeping both you and other drivers on the road safe without distractions. When oncoming traffic is detected, this feature will automatically adjust from high beams to low beams, ensuring everyone has the ability to see the road ahead.
Trims, Features, and Options: The 2021 Nissan Murano
The 2021 Nissan Murano is available in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum.
The base S trim is well-equipped with standard features that make sense for a midsize SUV. Dual-zone climate control ensures that passengers are comfortable inside, no matter what the weather is doing outside. An 8-inch touchscreen display accesses the infotainment system, which features compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 6-speaker audio system that connects to Bluetooth as well as USB and auxiliary inputs. Additionally, push-button start is standard on the S trim.
Moving up to the SV trim adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with two lumbar adjustment settings. The passenger seat is also power-adjustable in the SV trim, and even the second-row seatbacks recline to allow comfort no matter which seat you get. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and Intelligent Cruise Control is added to the suite of safety features. Adding the Special Edition package to the SV trim includes heated front seats, a dual-pane panoramic moonroof, and the Intelligent Around View Monitor.
The SL trim increases the luxury touches, with heated front seats and outboard rear seats, along with memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors. The upholstery is upgraded to cozy leather-appointed seating, and the audio system also gets a boost, with an 11-speaker Bose sound system on board. Nissan Navigation and a power liftgate are added to the package, along with Traffic Sign Recognition technology, which reviews upcoming signs and reports the information to the driver display. An Around View camera system is also added, which provides a 360-degree view of the exterior of the vehicle. Those looking to add a little something extra to the SL trim can opt to add the Moonroof package, too.
At the top is the truly luxurious Platinum trim. Not only does this version of the 2021 Murano include all of the creature comforts of the SL trim, but it does so with style. The seats are clad in semi-aniline leather with a diamond quilted pattern, and the front seats are both heated and ventilated. A dual-pane moonroof expands the view, while NissanConnect Services expand the functionality of your vehicle with technology that allows you to remotely access your Murano.
An Enjoyable Ride
No matter which Murano you add to your life, you’ll find yourself looking forward to time spent behind the wheel. With its smooth, energetic ride, you’ll be grateful for the technology that ensures each adventure is as wonderful as the last. Furthermore, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology on board, you’ll feel confident behind the wheel, with a full suite of alerts and sensors that help take the guesswork out of blind spots and hard-to-see areas around the vehicle.
When purchasing your 2021 Nissan Murano, you also get the privilege of choosing the exact vehicle you need to suit your life and driving style. Whether it’s getting things done with the impressive array of standard features in the S trim or moving up the trims to add a little luxury and comfort to your time in the driver’s seat, there’s a Murano that’s perfect for your driving needs. While there may be plenty of midsize SUVs to choose from, only one has the distinction of being the Nissan Murano.
