2018 Nissan Murano Platinum: Luxury SUV Review

Hey guys, let's dive into the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum. If you're on the hunt for a mid-size SUV that oozes a bit of luxury without completely breaking the bank, this Murano Platinum trim might just be your jam. Nissan really stepped up their game with this generation, aiming for a more upscale feel, and let me tell you, they pretty much nailed it with the Platinum trim. It's got that sleek, distinctive styling that turns heads, and inside, it’s where the Platinum really shines. We're talking premium materials, comfortable seating, and a whole host of tech features that make every drive a pleasure. So, buckle up, because we're going to take a deep dive into what makes the 2018 Murano Platinum a solid contender in its segment. We'll cover everything from its stylish exterior to its surprisingly plush interior, its performance on the road, and all the goodies you get for your hard-earned cash. If you're considering a stylish and comfortable family hauler or just want something a bit more refined than your average SUV, stick around. This review is for you!

Exterior Elegance: A Stylish Statement

Let's kick things off with the exterior of the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum. Seriously, Nissan designed this thing to stand out from the crowd, and they did a bang-up job. The Murano has always had a bit of a unique look, but this generation took it to a whole new level with its V-Motion grille, which is now a signature Nissan element, flowing seamlessly into those sharp, boomerang-shaped headlights. It gives the front end a really distinctive and premium appearance. The body lines are smooth and sculpted, creating a silhouette that's more like a stylish crossover coupe than a boxy SUV. This is a car that looks good parked in the valet line just as much as it does pulling up to the grocery store. The Platinum trim, in particular, gets some extra love to amp up that luxurious vibe. We're talking about gorgeous 20-inch alloy wheels that fill out the wheel wells perfectly, giving it a planted and confident stance. Plus, you get features like LED daytime running lights and fog lights, adding to its sophisticated look, especially at night. The panoramic moonroof, standard on the Platinum, is another huge plus, letting in tons of natural light and making the cabin feel even more airy and spacious. Even the rear end has a stylish flair with its distinctive taillights and integrated spoiler. It’s a cohesive design that looks modern and upscale from every angle. Nissan clearly aimed for a more emotional design with the Murano, moving away from the purely utilitarian look that some of its rivals sport, and for the most part, they succeeded. It's a vehicle that prioritizes aesthetics, and when you see it on the road, you’ll understand why it’s often described as one of the best-looking vehicles in its class. The attention to detail, from the chrome accents to the sculpted surfaces, really elevates its presence. It’s not just another SUV; it's a design statement.

Interior Comfort and Premium Touches

Now, let's talk about the interior of the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum, because honestly, this is where this trim level truly justifies its name. Step inside, and you're greeted by a cabin that feels a class above. Nissan went all out with high-quality materials, and it shows. The seats are upholstered in soft, supple leather, and the front seats are not just heated but also ventilated, which is a godsend during those hot summer months or even just for added comfort on long drives. And get this, the driver's seat is power-adjustable with memory settings, so you can set it and forget it, and it remembers your perfect driving position every single time you hop in. The Platinum trim also boasts heated rear seats, making it a win-win for everyone inside. The overall design of the cabin is clean, modern, and driver-focused. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with all the controls within easy reach. The materials used throughout the cabin – soft-touch plastics, tasteful wood or metallic trim accents depending on the color scheme – all contribute to a genuinely premium feel. It doesn't feel cheap or plasticky anywhere you touch. The ride is exceptionally quiet, too. Nissan did a fantastic job with sound deadening, so road noise, wind noise, and engine noise are kept to a minimum, allowing you to have conversations or enjoy your music without shouting. This quietness, combined with the plush seating, makes the Murano Platinum an incredibly comfortable place to be, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a cross-country road trip. The spaciousness is also noteworthy. While it's a mid-size SUV, it offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo space is generous enough for most daily needs and weekend getaways, though it might not be the absolute largest in its class, it’s certainly competitive. The rear seats fold down, expanding that cargo capacity when you need to haul larger items. Everything about the interior screams comfort and refinement, making the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum a true sanctuary on wheels.

Technology and Infotainment Features

When you're looking at a higher trim level like the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum, you expect a robust suite of technology, and this SUV doesn't disappoint. Nissan packed it with features to keep you connected, entertained, and safe. The centerpiece is the 8-inch color touchscreen display, which houses the NissanConnect infotainment system. This system is your gateway to navigation, music, hands-free calling, and more. It’s generally user-friendly, and the screen is responsive to touch. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, which is a huge win for anyone who relies on their smartphone for navigation and entertainment. Being able to seamlessly mirror your phone’s interface on the car’s screen makes using apps like Waze or Spotify a breeze. For your audio pleasure, you get a fantastic Bose premium audio system with 11 speakers, including a subwoofer. It delivers crisp, clear sound that really immerses you in your music. It’s one of those features that really elevates the driving experience, especially on longer journeys. Beyond the infotainment, the Platinum trim is loaded with convenience features. You’ve got remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area, and a surround-view camera system. That last one is a game-changer for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. It gives you a bird's-eye view of your vehicle and its surroundings, making those parallel parking attempts or navigating busy parking lots significantly less stressful. The 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum also includes advanced driver-assistance systems. While not always standard across the board in 2018, many came equipped or were available. You'll often find features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These systems are designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue, making your journeys smoother and more secure. The steering wheel also typically features controls for the audio system, cruise control, and phone, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Overall, the tech package in the Murano Platinum is comprehensive and modern, offering a blend of entertainment, navigation, and safety that rivals many competitors.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This is a tried-and-true powerplant that delivers a healthy 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), this setup provides smooth and responsive acceleration, making it feel more potent than some might expect for a family SUV. The CVT is tuned to keep the engine in its sweet spot for optimal power delivery and fuel efficiency, and Nissan has done a good job refining their CVTs over the years to minimize that sometimes-dreaded "rubber band" effect. You'll find that the Murano Platinum offers a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its independent suspension and the Platinum trim's larger 20-inch wheels. It handles bumps and rough patches in the road with grace, absorbing imperfections without jarring the occupants. While it's not a sports car, its handling is predictable and secure. The steering is well-weighted, providing decent feedback, and the car feels stable through corners. The focus here is definitely on comfort and refinement, rather than sporty agility. This makes it an excellent choice for long highway cruises where you want a relaxed and effortless driving experience. The V6 engine provides ample power for merging onto highways, overtaking slower traffic, or carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. You won’t feel underpowered. For those who need it, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available, which adds an extra layer of confidence and capability, especially in inclement weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. The AWD system can intelligently distribute power to the wheels that have the most traction, enhancing stability and control. Fuel economy is respectable for a V6-powered SUV, typically rated in the mid-20s MPG on the highway, which is quite good considering the power and comfort it offers. The 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum strikes a great balance between a smooth, quiet ride, sufficient power, and decent efficiency, making it a very pleasant vehicle to drive day in and day out. It’s designed for comfort and ease, and it delivers on that promise.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

When you're considering a vehicle like the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum, safety is undoubtedly a top priority for most buyers, especially if you're thinking about transporting family. Nissan equipped this SUV with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. In terms of passive safety, it comes standard with a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control are also standard, working together to help you maintain control of the vehicle in challenging situations. But where the Platinum trim really shines is in its advanced active safety technologies. While exact configurations could vary slightly, this top-tier model typically includes features like Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. This is a fantastic feature for reducing fatigue on long highway drives. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is another crucial safety system that can help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions by applying the brakes if the system detects an imminent impact and the driver doesn't react. Blind Spot Warning (BSW) is incredibly useful for highway driving and changing lanes, alerting you if a vehicle is detected in your blind spot. Complementing this is Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which is a lifesaver when backing out of parking spots, warning you of approaching vehicles from either side. The Intelligent Around View Monitor (part of the surround-view camera system mentioned earlier) not only aids in parking but also contributes to safety by providing a clear, 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping to spot pedestrians or other obstacles. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) can also be found on some configurations, further enhancing the vehicle's ability to alert the driver to potential hazards. These advanced safety features aren't just buzzwords; they work together to create a more secure driving environment and provide an added layer of confidence for the driver. The 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum aims to offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the road ahead knowing that the vehicle is actively working to keep you safe. It's a significant advantage when comparing it to less equipped vehicles.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2018 Murano Platinum Right for You?

So, guys, after breaking down the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum, what's the final verdict? If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that prioritizes style, comfort, and a touch of luxury, this Murano Platinum is definitely worth a serious look. It stands out with its bold, distinctive exterior design that doesn't blend into the background like so many other SUVs. Inside, it offers a truly premium experience, with plush leather seating (heated and ventilated up front, heated in the rear), high-quality materials, and a hushed cabin that makes every drive feel like a retreat. The technology suite is impressive, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fantastic Bose sound system, and that super-helpful surround-view camera. On the road, the V6 engine provides more than enough power for daily driving and highway cruising, while the suspension is tuned for a comfortable and smooth ride. Plus, the array of advanced safety features on the Platinum trim offers significant peace of mind. Now, is it for everyone? Maybe not. If your absolute top priority is maximum cargo space or extreme off-road capability, there might be other options out there that cater specifically to those needs. The Murano leans more towards a car-like driving experience and upscale comfort. However, for those who appreciate a vehicle that looks as good as it feels, offers a serene and comfortable cabin, and is packed with modern tech and safety, the 2018 Nissan Murano Platinum is a compelling package. It offers a distinct alternative to the more mainstream SUVs, providing a more refined and engaging ownership experience. It's a vehicle that blends practicality with a sense of occasion, making everyday journeys feel a little bit special. If you value design and comfort, you'll likely fall in love with this Murano.