Nissan took a major bet with the release of the third generation Murano back in 2014. The car had a unique design, inside and out, which allowed it to stand out in an overcrowded market. Despite that, it still only sold nearly 70,000 units in 2016 while its main competitor sold north of 200,000. This is still a really good number for the US market, especially with a bold design like it. In order to keep it fresh it seems that they might prepare an update for the car. So far rumors suggest that the 2018 Nissan Murano will trade some of its bold design traits for a bulkier look without having to trade its uniqueness. This would likely create the perfect package which may have what it takes to take down its main rivals.
Release date of 2018 Nissan Murano
New Murano will come with a slight update so looking at the matter from today’s point of view we won’t have to wait for long for its introduction. The 2018 Nissan Murano release date is set for the late months of 2017. According to sources from auto industry, the vehicle will enter production in autumn months while the sales will probably start in December. Some claims say that the early months of 2018 are a possibility for Murano release and that the vehicle in question could actually come as a 2019 MY. Despite this, we are quite confident that 2018 Murano will hit the streets before the year ends.
2017 My Shown – Source: nissanusa.com
2018 Nissan Murano Changes
The car is actually going to be an update and not a completely new model. This is quite clear, especially since the current car has been around for roughly 3 years now. The update will mostly change the exterior design with some intrusions inside the cabin. Even though it will still look like a Murano, the new model will definitely have an edge. So far not much is official about the car but it is safe to assume the price won’t move much. The base of $30,500 will likely remain the same as before.
The current Murano is tweaked to offer the most amount of comfort to its passengers, so it doesn’t really handle all that great. It seems that some industry experts think the 2018 Nissan Murano will change that. In fact the new car might offer roughly the same level of comfort while also being able to keep itself straight through corners. This might be achieved with the help of better shocks and springs or Nissan might surprise us and install an optional air-suspension system, a feature usually seen on some of its rivals. This will increase the cost but it may give the car the refinement it needs to shine.
Price and Competitors
As far as the price is concerned, it will go a bit astray to the north end which means that it will be, with updates that it comes with, bringing the slight increase in price. To spare you of math on this one we counted in the increase and destination fees so that the new Murano will cost $30,000 for the S trim, $33,000 for the SV, and $38,000 for the SL. Top tier trim the platinum will come at a price of $40,000.
Moving onto the competition, well you know it, it is a tough crowd in this segment. And how it wouldn’t be when Murano has to go against the models such as Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Ford Edge, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Jeep Wrangler, and Volkswagen Touareg.
2017 My Shown – Source: nissanusa.com
The engine and Transmission
We are quite sure at this point the 2018 Nissan Murano is still going to use a naturally aspirated engine. This will offer a good level of refinement and power without using too much fuel. The only real drawback over a turbocharged engine would be the less than ideal amount of torque. Even though a V6 will still be used, don’t expect it to be the same as before. It seems that the car will receive the same powertrain found in the current Maxima. Here the 3.5 liter naturally aspirated direct injected V6 is capable of delivering as much as 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque.
This would be a definitive improvement over the 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque of the current car. Front wheel drive will remain standard with an optional all wheel drive system still being available as an option. So far the only transmission in the Murano has been a CVT and it seems this won’t change. The car will likely receive the revised version in the Maxima which is capable to withstand more torque while remaining as smooth as possible.
2017 My Shown – Source: nissanusa.com
2018 Murano Interior and Exterior
The current car looks like a concept car that has been released on the market and that is not a bad thing. However, it can be improved and it seems it will. The 2018 Nissan Murano is expected to get through a slight facelift which will change some of the car’s current traits. The grille will likely grow while the massive amount of chrome on the car will be reduced. The headlights could lose the “eyebrows” and instead be slimmed down and elongated in order to create a much more aggressive design than before. The car’s rear end is expected to receive a larger roof spoiler and possibly new tail lights to go with the new headlights up front.
The interior of the current model is well appointed with plenty of features, nice materials and a decent amount of technology. The 2018 version of the car will likely be improved in every way. We expect Nissan’s new 3-spoke steering wheel to be added into the mix while the center stack might be revised in order to better suit a crossover. They might also add more safety features as standard such as a frontal collision avoidance system and possibly an active lane keep assist system as well.
