Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Nissan Murano SL Sport, a ride that's been turning heads for a while now. When you're looking for a crossover that blends style, comfort, and a bit of sportiness, the Murano often pops up in conversations. The Nissan Murano SL Sport model, in particular, aimed to offer a more dynamic driving experience and a sharper look for those who wanted something a little extra from their family-friendly SUV. Let's break down what made this trim stand out and why it might still be a compelling option for savvy buyers on the used market. We'll cover its design, performance, interior features, and what you should be looking out for if you're considering one.

Exterior Elegance and Sporty Accents

The Nissan Murano SL Sport definitely made a statement with its exterior design. Nissan has always been known for pushing the envelope with its styling, and the Murano is a prime example of that. The SL Sport trim often came with specific enhancements that set it apart from the standard models. Think about the sleek, flowing lines that give the Murano its distinctive silhouette – it’s less boxy SUV and more sculpted machine. The SL Sport version typically boasted unique alloy wheel designs, often larger than those on lower trims, adding to its aggressive stance. You might also find sportier bumper designs, side skirts, and maybe even a rear spoiler, all contributing to a more athletic profile. The Nissan Murano SL Sport was designed to catch the eye, with its signature V-motion grille at the front and the boomerang-shaped headlights that give it a futuristic, almost predatory look. Chrome accents are usually present, adding a touch of premium flair, but the Sport trim often dialed this up or incorporated darker finishes for a more understated, performance-oriented vibe. The overall effect is a crossover that doesn't just blend in; it stands out. When you're cruising down the street, the Murano SL Sport commands attention, projecting an image of sophistication and dynamism. It's the kind of vehicle that looks good parked in front of a fancy restaurant just as much as it does tackling a weekend road trip. The lighting, often LED for the headlights and taillights, not only enhances visibility but also contributes significantly to the vehicle's modern aesthetic, giving it a signature look even in daylight.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the Nissan Murano SL Sport typically housed a potent V6 engine, providing ample power for both daily commuting and spirited drives. This wasn't just about raw horsepower; it was about delivering that power smoothly and efficiently. The engine choice was often a 3.5-liter V6, a powerplant known for its reliability and a pleasing, throaty sound when you put your foot down. Paired with Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Murano SL Sport aimed for a balance between responsive acceleration and fuel efficiency. While CVTs sometimes get a bad rap, Nissan's implementation in the Murano was generally well-regarded for its smoothness and ability to keep the engine in its optimal power band. For the SL Sport, Nissan likely fine-tuned the suspension to offer a firmer, more engaging ride compared to other trims. This could mean revised spring rates and damper settings, designed to reduce body roll during cornering and provide better feedback to the driver. The goal was to make the Nissan Murano SL Sport feel more connected to the road, offering a driving experience that was more car-like and less ponderous than some of its competitors. All-wheel drive (AWD) was often an option, which is a huge plus for those living in areas with challenging weather conditions, providing enhanced traction and stability. While it's not a sports car, the SL Sport trim sought to inject a dose of performance into the practical crossover segment, making it a more enjoyable vehicle to drive for those who appreciate a bit more oomph and agility. The braking system was also usually up to the task, providing confident stopping power commensurate with the engine's output, ensuring safety and control were never compromised.

Interior Comfort and Tech Features

Stepping inside the Nissan Murano SL Sport, you're greeted with an interior that prioritizes comfort and a premium feel. Nissan designers clearly put a lot of thought into creating a cabin that feels upscale and inviting. The SL trim level, by definition, sits near the top of the Murano's hierarchy, so you can expect a generous amount of features. Leather upholstery was standard, often with heated and ventilated front seats, making it comfortable no matter the weather. The seats themselves were designed with Nissan's “Zero Gravity” philosophy, aiming to reduce fatigue on long journeys – a fantastic feature for road trips! The Nissan Murano SL Sport also typically included a sophisticated infotainment system. This usually featured a touchscreen display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a premium sound system, often from Bose, delivering crisp and immersive audio. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensured that both the driver and front passenger could set their preferred temperatures. Beyond the comfort and entertainment, the SL Sport trim often came loaded with driver-assistance technologies. This could include things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera system (Intelligent Around View Monitor), which is incredibly helpful for maneuvering in tight spaces. The cabin materials were generally of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces throughout, creating an environment that felt both luxurious and durable. Storage solutions were well-integrated, and the overall layout of the dashboard and controls was intuitive and driver-focused. The spaciousness of the cabin, combined with the quiet ride, made the Murano SL Sport a very pleasant place to be, whether you were navigating city streets or embarking on a cross-country adventure. It offered a blend of practicality and luxury that appealed to a wide range of buyers.

Practicality and Safety

Beyond the sporty aesthetics and refined interior, the Nissan Murano SL Sport also delivers on practicality and safety, two crucial aspects for any crossover buyer. Despite its sleek, coupe-like profile, the Murano offers a surprisingly spacious cargo area. The rear seats typically fold down, expanding the load-carrying capacity significantly, making it suitable for hauling everything from groceries to furniture. The liftgate provides easy access to the cargo space, and the overall design makes loading and unloading straightforward. For families, the rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, ensuring comfort for passengers on even longer journeys. ISOFIX anchor points for child seats are standard, making it easy and secure to install car seats. When it comes to safety, the Nissan Murano SL Sport was generally well-equipped. Higher trims like the SL often came with a suite of active and passive safety features. Standard airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and traction control systems were, of course, expected. As mentioned earlier, the SL Sport trim often included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These can significantly enhance safety by helping the driver avoid accidents or mitigate their severity. Features like forward collision warning and emergency braking were often available, acting as an extra set of eyes on the road. The sturdy construction of the vehicle, combined with these advanced technologies, contributed to strong safety ratings in crash tests, providing peace of mind for drivers and their passengers. The visibility from the driver's seat is also generally good, aided by the large windows and the available 360-degree camera system, making it easier to navigate traffic and parking lots safely. The Murano SL Sport was engineered to be a secure and dependable choice for everyday life.

Finding a Nissan Murano SL Sport Today

If you're in the market for a pre-owned Nissan Murano SL Sport, you're likely looking for a vehicle that offers a compelling mix of style, comfort, performance, and practicality without breaking the bank. These vehicles tend to hold their value reasonably well, but as they age, they can become excellent deals on the used market. When inspecting a potential Nissan Murano SL Sport, pay close attention to the CVT transmission. While generally reliable, they can be expensive to repair if they fail. Look for any signs of hesitation, rough shifting, or unusual noises. Regular maintenance, especially fluid changes for the CVT, is crucial for longevity, so check the service records. Also, inspect the interior for wear and tear, particularly on the leather seats and high-contact areas. Given its status as a premium trim, it's likely to have been well-maintained, but it's always wise to be thorough. Check the electronic features – infotainment system, climate control, power seats, and any advanced safety systems – to ensure they are all functioning correctly. For the SL Sport, inspect the unique exterior elements like wheels, spoilers, and body kits for any damage or modifications that might not have been done professionally. Test drive the vehicle and listen carefully for any unusual noises from the engine, suspension, or brakes. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is highly recommended. If you find a well-maintained Nissan Murano SL Sport, it can be a fantastic choice for someone seeking a stylish, comfortable, and capable crossover that offers a bit more personality and driving engagement than the average SUV. It’s a vehicle that continues to impress with its blend of form and function, making it a smart buy for the discerning used car shopper.