2018 Nissan Murano Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Low Running Costs

The 2018 Nissan Murano lasts around 200,000 miles with some engine noise and emergency braking issues reported. At $18,325 to $34,620, it’s a good value for a midsize SUV loaded with some excellent safety and entertainment features.

Is the 2018 Nissan Murano a Good Used SUV?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Nissan Murano since it features good technology and decent reliability ratings as it ages. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, good fuel economy, along with Apple CarPlay in the stereo system.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are high quality for a midsize SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is also okay for its size.
• Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2018 Murano. Transmission problems are very common on the 2015 model, while 2016–2022 are dependable choices.
• Performance 7/10 – The standard V6 engine offers decent performance, although it’s not very exciting or fun to drive, and focuses more on being practical.
• Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Murano earns 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera along with automatic brake assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with blind spot monitoring.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, giving 456 miles of range out of the 19 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 cheaper than average at $195 per month.
• Value 8/10 – The 2018 Nissan Murano is more affordable than other midsize SUVs from the same year with reasonable depreciation rates, making it a good overall value.

What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Murano?

• Consumer Reports says the 2018 Nissan Murano offers a decidedly premium feel for a midsize SUV, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
• Edmunds rates the Murano at 4.5/5, enjoying the balance of power and efficiency, but doesn’t like the poor visibility with the wide pillars.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the Murano a 4.6/5, praising the standard advanced safety features, but owners don’t like the limited cargo space.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Nissan Murano Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Nissan Murano include excessive engine noise, the automatic emergency braking system failing, along with some reports of exploding sunroofs. Overall, these problems are similar to some other SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as the Murano ages.

Excessive engine noise is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Murano owners, showing up at around 15,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a loose exhaust, which causes a leak. As that leak grows over time, it will start making more noise. Re-attaching the exhaust costs around $100, depending on local labor rates.

The automatic emergency brake system failing has also been reported on some Murano models within the first 20,000 miles. Owners report a warning on the dash letting them know that the automatic brake system has been disabled. Usually, this is a software problem which can be recalibrated and updated by a dealership for under $100.

Exploding sunroofs are another rare issue mentioned by some owners. There was a production run of sunroof glass which had some imperfections, making them more fragile than normal. These can shatter when a rock hits them. Replacing the sunroof if it breaks, is expensive, costing over $800.

There are no recalls on the 2018 Nissan Murano, which is better than some other SUVs on the market. Since the Murano has no recalls, it simply means that none of the issues have been widespread or affected the safety of the vehicle.

How Long Will the 2018 Nissan Murano Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Nissan Murano can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than other midsize SUVs like the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for an SUV, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $395 per year.

As a used 2018 Murano reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission oil cooler line for $150, strut bearings costing $350, along with the intake manifold gasket which costs around $600.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great with a standard 8-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system.

Standard safety technology is good for an SUV in its price range, offering a rearview camera as well as forward collision warning with brake assist.

Optional driver assistance features include:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear cross traffic alert
• 360-degree parking camera system

Is the 2018 Nissan Murano a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Nissan Murano is a good value since it’s more affordable than many of the other midsize SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,325 to $34,620, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $31,000 to $44,030. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Nissan Murano?

There are four main models of the Nissan Murano offered, from the entry-level S through to the more luxurious Platinum. Front-wheel drive is standard on all models, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

S is the entry-level model with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlights and LED running lights
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 60/40-split folding rear seat
• 8-inch touchscreen interface with a navigation system
• Six-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio jacks
• Smartphone app integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
• USB port for rear passengers
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking

SV is a step up, adding:

• Roof rails and fog lights
• Remote engine start
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Optional Premium package with unique 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and mirrors, 11-speaker Bose audio system, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking camera system, and drowsy driver warning system

SL offers some nice upgrades including:

• Standard features of the SV including Premium package
• Hands-free liftgate and heated side mirrors
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting
• Heated front and rear seats, and heated steering wheel
• Optional panoramic sunroof
• Optional Midnight Edition package with 20-inch wheels, blacked-out finish on roof rails, mirror caps, grille, lower bumper accents, sill plates, and side moldings

Platinum is the flagship model with:

• Standard features of the SL plus 20-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Power-adjustable steering wheel with memory setting
• Heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding rear seats
• NissanConnect telematics with automatic collision notification and customizable alerts

What Engines Come In the Nissan Murano?

The 2018 Nissan Murano comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. It comes paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Murano can tow up to 1,500 pounds, and achieves a 0-60 mph time in around 7.5 seconds, which is average for its size.

What Colors Does the Nissan Murano Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Nissan Murano?

The 2018 Nissan Murano has been praised for its comfortable and upscale interior that allows passengers to enjoy their journey, whether it’s a long drive or a quick run to the store. The Murano can comfortably seat five people, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. Its seats are designed with Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” technology, which was inspired by NASA research to minimize fatigue and increase comfort. This makes them particularly supportive and comfortable, especially during longer drives.

Luxury doesn’t end with seating in the Murano, as it also features a soft-touch dashboard and high-quality materials throughout the cabin, lending an upscale, premium feel. The ride quality is smooth and quiet, with the suspension effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road.

How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Murano Have?

The 2018 Nissan Murano provides ample space for both passengers and cargo, making it a popular choice among SUVs. For storage, the Murano offers 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This is a substantial amount of room, enough to comfortably accommodate larger luggage items such as several full-sized suitcases or a collection of camping equipment.

When you need additional room for bigger items or larger loads, the Murano’s rear seats fold down to significantly expand the cargo area. With the rear seats folded, the cargo space nearly doubles to 67 cubic feet. This is a lot of space that could accommodate larger items such as a bicycle, or even small pieces of furniture. It also fits multiple large boxes or storing sports equipment like a set of golf clubs, a surfboard, or skiing gear.

In addition to its generous cargo area, the 2018 Nissan Murano also offers several smaller storage compartments throughout the cabin for added convenience. There’s a spacious glove compartment, door pockets, and a center console bin to store smaller items like your smartphone, wallet, or other personal effects. Whether you’re embarking on a lengthy road trip or simply running daily errands, the Murano provides ample storage to meet a variety of needs.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Nissan Murano was launched for the 2015 model year.

2015: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, engines, and technology features.

2016: Standard USB port on all models, Premium package includes a more powerful Bose stereo system.

2017: Driver drowsiness monitoring added across the lineup, and Apple CarPlay available on the stereo system.

2018: Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking on all models.

2019: New front end with LED headlights, upgraded diamond-quilted leather seating on the Platinum model.

2020: SV and higher models have more standard safety features offered.

2021: Safety Shield 360 package is now standard on all models, an optional Special Edition package is available.

How Does the Nissan Murano Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Nissan Murano is a decent midsize SUV, offering plenty of passenger room and some of the latest technology, making it a good choice for shoppers on a budget.

The Nissan Rogue is a smaller SUV from Nissan which costs around $1,500 less. Steering is more responsive in the Nissan Rogue, while the Nissan Murano offers better passenger room. We recommend the Nissan Murano since the added practicality is worth the extra money.

The Ford Edge is another midsize SUV which can be found for about $1,000 less. Passenger room is slightly better in the Ford Edge, while standard technology is better in the Nissan Murano. We recommend the Nissan Murano since there are fewer mechanical issues reported as they age.

Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Murano?