2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD: A Comprehensive Review

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2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD: A Comprehensive Review

Hey car enthusiasts, are you guys ready to dive deep into a review of the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD? This SUV has been a popular choice for many, offering a blend of style, comfort, and practicality. In this detailed review, we'll explore everything from its engine and performance to its interior features and overall value proposition. So, buckle up, because we're about to take a virtual test drive!

Overview of the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD

First off, let's get acquainted with the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD. This model year marked a significant update for the Murano, boasting a fresh design and improved features compared to its predecessors. The SL trim, in particular, sits in a sweet spot, offering a balance of luxury and affordability. The addition of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) enhances its capabilities, making it a reliable choice for various weather conditions and terrains. The 2015 Murano was part of the third generation and was completely redesigned, showcasing a more modern and sleek aesthetic. It's designed to appeal to a broad audience, from families to individuals who prioritize comfort and style. The Murano SL AWD aims to provide a premium driving experience without breaking the bank. Nissan really tried to make this car a standout in the mid-size SUV category.

One of the first things that catch your eye is the Murano's distinctive design. The exterior features flowing lines, a sculpted body, and a signature V-motion grille. It's a car that looks good whether it's parked in front of a fancy restaurant or navigating through a bustling city. The SL trim comes with a host of features, including stylish alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and a power liftgate for added convenience. The AWD system further enhances its versatility, ensuring confident handling in various driving conditions. Nissan has clearly put a lot of thought into the Murano's design, aiming to create a vehicle that is both visually appealing and functional. Inside, the Murano boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin. High-quality materials and thoughtful design elements create a premium feel. The SL trim takes it up a notch with leather-appointed seats, a premium audio system, and a host of technology features. From the driver's seat, you'll find a comfortable and ergonomic layout, with easy-to-reach controls and a clear instrument panel. The Murano's interior is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers. With its mix of style, comfort, and practicality, the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. It is certainly a solid choice!

Performance and Engine Specs

Now, let's talk about what's under the hood. The 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces a healthy 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed to provide smooth and efficient power delivery. The combination of the V6 engine and CVT offers a balanced performance profile, making the Murano capable of both spirited acceleration and fuel-efficient cruising. The AWD system enhances traction and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions, giving you peace of mind on the road. The engine's responsiveness ensures that you'll have plenty of power for everyday driving, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The CVT transmission is a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it thing, some people are really into it and other are not. It works by keeping the engine at its optimal power band for smooth and consistent acceleration. The Murano's performance is further enhanced by its well-tuned suspension, which provides a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. Nissan has clearly focused on delivering a driving experience that is both enjoyable and practical.

When it comes to fuel economy, the 2015 Murano SL AWD is pretty decent for its class. You can expect to get around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This is thanks to the efficiency of the CVT transmission and the engine's design. This fuel efficiency makes the Murano a practical choice for daily commutes and longer road trips, reducing the burden on your wallet. The engine is designed to deliver a smooth and refined performance, with minimal noise and vibration. This makes the driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable, particularly on longer journeys. Nissan has put a lot of effort into ensuring that the Murano provides a pleasant driving experience, with a focus on both performance and fuel efficiency. So, the car gives you what you need!

Interior Comfort and Features

Alright, let's move inside, where the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD truly shines. The interior is designed to be a comfortable and inviting space, with high-quality materials and a host of features that enhance the driving experience. The SL trim comes standard with leather-appointed seats, which are both comfortable and stylish. The front seats are heated, providing extra warmth on those chilly days. The driver's seat also features power adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The cabin is spacious, offering ample room for both front and rear passengers. The seats are well-padded, and the ride quality is smooth, making it ideal for long journeys.

The interior design is modern and elegant, with soft-touch materials and thoughtful details throughout. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. The center console features a touchscreen infotainment system, which controls a range of functions, including audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. The SL trim also includes a premium audio system, which delivers high-quality sound throughout the cabin. Other notable features include a power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo, and a panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light. The Murano also offers a range of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, providing added peace of mind on the road.

The Murano's interior is a testament to Nissan's commitment to providing a premium driving experience. It's a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped SUV that's sure to impress both drivers and passengers. The cabin feels well-built, with attention to detail evident throughout. The materials feel high quality, and the overall design is modern and appealing. The combination of comfort, style, and technology makes the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD a great choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience. It's a great car to take the family on a road trip with!

Technology and Infotainment

Let's talk tech, guys! The 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD comes equipped with a decent array of technology and infotainment features, keeping you connected and entertained on the go. The centerpiece is the touchscreen infotainment system, which allows you to control various functions, including audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. The system is relatively easy to use, with a user-friendly interface. It's not the most advanced system out there, but it gets the job done. The SL trim also comes with a premium audio system, which delivers clear and crisp sound throughout the cabin. This makes listening to music or podcasts a truly enjoyable experience.

Other notable tech features include a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering easier, and a navigation system, which helps you find your way. The Murano also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to make hands-free calls and stream audio from your smartphone. Some models may also include features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which enhance safety. The technology in the Murano is well-integrated, and it enhances the overall driving experience. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the audio system delivers great sound quality. The Murano is not the most tech-heavy SUV in its class, but it offers a good balance of features and functionality. This is important to note since some cars are super techy, and others are simple.

The Murano also offers a range of convenience features, such as keyless entry and push-button start, making it easy to get in and go. The technology in the 2015 Murano SL AWD is designed to enhance the driving experience, providing you with the features you need to stay connected, entertained, and safe on the road. The system works well and is pretty functional. So, the car provides what is needed.

Safety Features

Safety is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD comes equipped with a range of safety features to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). These features work together to help prevent accidents and minimize the impact of collisions. The Murano also offers a rearview camera, which makes it easier to see what's behind you when parking or backing up.

Some models may also include advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot, and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. These features add an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents. The Murano has performed well in crash tests, earning good ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings indicate that the Murano is a safe vehicle, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Nissan has clearly prioritized safety in the design of the Murano, providing a range of features to help prevent accidents and protect occupants. These cars are also known for being easy to drive.

The safety features in the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD provide peace of mind, knowing that you and your passengers are well-protected. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a road trip, the Murano is a safe and reliable choice. This is important since safety is one of the most important things when purchasing a car!

Driving Experience and Handling

The 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The ride quality is smooth, with the suspension absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. The V6 engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, with quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. The CVT transmission works well, providing smooth and efficient power transfer.

The AWD system enhances handling and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions. The Murano feels planted on the road, providing confidence in both dry and wet conditions. The cabin is well-insulated from noise, creating a quiet and comfortable environment. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The driving experience is further enhanced by the Murano's ergonomic design, with easy-to-reach controls and a clear instrument panel. Nissan has done a great job of creating a driving experience that is both enjoyable and practical.

The Murano is not designed to be a sporty SUV, but it provides a balanced driving experience that is well-suited for everyday driving. It's easy to drive, comfortable, and reliable. The AWD system provides added confidence, especially in inclement weather. The driving experience is one of the key strengths of the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD, making it a great choice for those seeking a comfortable and practical SUV. It's a great car!

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the good and the not-so-good of the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD.

Pros:

  • Stylish Design: The Murano boasts a distinctive and eye-catching design, making it stand out from the crowd.
  • Comfortable Interior: The interior is spacious, well-appointed, and comfortable, with high-quality materials.
  • Smooth Ride: The suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps in the road.
  • Powerful Engine: The V6 engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving.
  • AWD Capability: The AWD system enhances handling and stability in various weather conditions.
  • Well-Equipped: The SL trim comes with a range of features, including leather seats, a premium audio system, and a power liftgate.

Cons:

  • CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not be fans of the CVT transmission.
  • Infotainment System: The infotainment system is not the most advanced on the market.
  • Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is decent, but not the best in its class.
  • Cargo Space: Cargo space is adequate, but not as generous as some competitors.

Value for Money

When it comes to value for money, the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD presents a compelling case. Considering its features, performance, and overall quality, it offers a competitive price point in the mid-size SUV segment. The SL trim, in particular, strikes a good balance between luxury and affordability. While the Murano may not be the cheapest SUV on the market, it offers a lot of value for its price.

The features included in the SL trim, such as leather seats, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features, add to its appeal. The Murano's reliability and resale value are also factors to consider, as they contribute to its long-term value. When you factor in the Murano's comfortable interior, smooth ride, and capable AWD system, it becomes an even more attractive proposition. Overall, the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD offers good value for those seeking a premium SUV experience without breaking the bank. It's a solid investment!

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD? This SUV is a solid choice for anyone looking for a stylish, comfortable, and capable vehicle. Its attractive design, well-appointed interior, and smooth ride make it a pleasure to drive. The powerful V6 engine and AWD system provide ample performance and all-weather capability. While the CVT transmission may not be for everyone, it contributes to the Murano's overall fuel efficiency. The infotainment system is adequate, and the safety features are comprehensive. Considering its price point, the Murano SL AWD offers good value for money.

If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that prioritizes comfort, style, and practicality, the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded vehicle that's sure to impress. It's a great car! If you want a nice, smooth, and good-looking car, this is the perfect choice for you! I hope this review has helped you. Happy car hunting, guys!