What's New For the 2020 Nissan Murano?

This model focuses on comfort and user-friendliness rather than utility prowess. Its cargo capacity is rather small, and its cabin has a rather tight roofline.

However, these shortcomings are easily overlooked by the shopper more interested in refined interior design, seat comfort, appealing outward appearance, and fuel efficiency. The 2020 Nissan Murano now gets the whole slew of advanced safety systems as standard on the higher trims, and these are also now available as options on the base model.

What are the Murano Trims & Features?

Four trims are offered for 2020. These are the S, SV, SL, and Platinum. All trims feature an 8-inch screen display, one or more USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration. The S trim has 18-inch wheels, a manually adjustable driver's seat, a USB port in the front, and a charge-only USB port in the rear.

The SV trim is a bit more luxurious in terms of interior design. The front seats are power-adjustable, and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped. Wheel size is the same as the base trim, but the SV adds roof rails.

The SL trim rides on 20-inch wheels have silver roof rails and boast LED foglights. On the inside, one enjoys full leather upholstery and heated seats. Also standard are ambient interior lighting, navigation, and an 11-speaker Bose stereo. This trim also comes with a power liftgate. The Platinum trim is the range-topping model, and it comes with a dual-panel moonroof, upgraded leather upholstery with diamond-quilted inserts on the seats, dark wood interior accents, and seat ventilation.

Raw Power and Stellar Performance

All trims are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine. The output is 260 horsepower, and the front-wheel-drive is standard. All-wheel drive is optional regardless of the trim level. The Murano has the Nissan Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission.

This CVT is considered superior to most other variable automatics, and drivers experience smooth acceleration without hesitation. Gear changes are hardly noticeable except during exceptionally hard acceleration. The vehicle cruises effortlessly at highway speeds, and the speed-sensitive steering system is a top-selling point.

The 2020 Nissan Murano has a Long List of Safety Features

The base trim is nicely equipped with safety technology. Standard features include dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, stability and traction control, daytime running lights, rear door child safety locks, child seat anchors and tethers, auto delay off headlamps, and a pre-collision safety system. Emergency braking assist is also standard.

The SV and SL trims add on adaptive cruise control and the Safety Shield 360 safety package. This package includes front collision warning and mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The emergency braking system utilizes front radar monitors to detect the distance to the vehicle ahead. An around-view monitoring system is available, as well. It displays a top-down view or a selectable curbside view when performing curb parking maneuvers.

This package is now available as an option on the base trim. The 2020 Murano received a perfect five stars for overall protection from the NHTSA.

This is a nicely designed, passenger-friendly mid-size SUV that's priced below much of the competition in its segment. Test drive it today at Pinnacle Nissan.