2020 Nissan Murano Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

When it comes to midsize crossovers, consumers have so many options that it can be a bit overwhelming. Those in the market for this type of vehicle will want to be sure not to skip the 2020 Nissan Murano. This vehicle is loaded with convenient and luxurious features, both inside and out, making it a strong competitor in this crowded segment of the market.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is available on all trims of the Murano, which is a new development for 2020. Traffic sign recognition, a driver aid that has been growing in popularity, is now standard on the SL trim and above. Otherwise, there are very few changes this year. Consumers do now have the option of getting their Murano with Super Black exterior paint.

Consumers will want to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each of the four trim levels available for the 2020 Nissan Murano. With the price difference between the first and fourth trim being over ten thousand dollars, picking the wrong trim can be a significant mistake. Knowing the differences between the trims ensures that drivers get the features they value without spending more than they need to.

Here is a thorough yet concise breakdown of the different trim levels. It is aimed at simplifying the Murano buying process for buyers.

2020 Nissan Murano S vs Murano SV. What is the difference?

The engine found underneath the hood of the S trim is the same as the one under all models of the 2020 Murano. It is a 3.5L V6 and it gives drivers plenty of zip with 260-horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Nissan has paired this engine with a continuously variable transmission.

The S is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models. Either way, this vehicle will give drivers 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, for a combined EPA estimate of 23 MPG. These numbers are quite good for this vehicle size. It is also impressive that going with all-wheel-drive does not mean losing at least a little fuel economy. Considering that the Murano comes standard with a 19-gallon tank, it is a good assumption that drivers can go quite a while in between trips to the gas station.

Underneath their S trim, drivers will find 18-inch wheels. Lighting features are plentiful with standard LED headlights, taillights, and signature daytime running lights. Automatic on-and-off headlights are also included. Side mirrors are powered and include integrated turn signal indicators. This trim level shows off chrome door handles and features UV-reducing solar glass in the front and privacy glass in the back.

Nissan has included a long list of the most important interior features in the Murano S. Dual-zone automatic climate control is included, as is an in-cabin microfilter. The Nissan Intelligent Key, which gives drivers keyless entry and ignition, is also part of the standard equipment. In the back, there are a total of eight hooks and rings to help secure a variety of cargo.

Seating is a little less impressive in this trim, with the driver getting six-way manual adjustment and the passenger getting four-way adjustment. The seating upholstery is cloth. The rear seat has the 60/40 split-fold feature and also has the ability to recline.

Cargo space is not an issue inside any trim level of the 2020 Murano. With the rear seat down, drivers have access to 67 cubic feet, which is considered average for this vehicle class. With that rear seat up, the Murano still offers 32.1 cubic feet. Models with a moonroof lose a bit of space. This does not apply to the S trim, however, since the moonroof is not an option here. The glovebox in the Murano is also impressively large, making it easy to store smaller items inside the cabin as well.

Drivers get three 12-volt power outlets to help keep their devices charged. There are also two USB ports and two USB-C ports. One of each is located in the front and the other in the back, something that will further add to this vehicle's appeal to families. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard. The infotainment system is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making smartphone integration simple. Siri Eyes Free voice recognition is also standard. Drivers get a stereo system with six speakers and an auxiliary audio input jack.

Although more advanced safety features are available in 2020, the S still has considerably fewer than other trims standard. It does get automatic emergency braking, intelligent forward collision warning, a driver attention monitor, and a rearview monitor.

Available on this trim are many more features. Consumers can have a rear sonar system, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic emergency braking. They can also have lane intervention, high beam assist, a blind spot monitor, and pedestrian detection for the automatic emergency braking. Also available is what Nissan calls Intelligent Cruise Control. This system is designed to help drivers go with the flow by monitoring traffic and making adjustments as needed to maintain a set distance between the Murano and the vehicle ahead.

There is a very long list of optional features for the entry-level S trim. Drivers can add a cargo net, exterior ground lighting, and an emergency road kit. Those who plan on using their Murano to haul their toys can choose to add a tow hitch receiver kit and either a Class I or Class II hitch ball. Consumers should keep in mind, however, that the Murano has a relatively low maximum towing capacity at just 1,500 pounds.

The next trim level is known as the SV. It has the same engine. Also the same on this trim are the 18-inch wheels. What this trim does add are black roof rails and the option of adding LED fog lights and a dual-pane panoramic moonroof. Also available for this trim are crossbars for the roof rails.

Inside, this trim adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror as well as the HomeLink system. With this, drivers can connect their Murano SV with their garage door, security system, and more to make life easier. Also added by this trim is remote start including an intelligent climate control feature.

The seating situation gets a nice improvement for the SV. For the driver, the seat now has 10-way power adjustment. The passenger seat gains four-way power-adjustment. This is the first trim to offer heated front seats. Both the steering wheel and shift knob are wrapped in leather in the SV trim. Leatherette seats are optional.

There are no upgrades to the infotainment system. All of the previously optional driver assistance aids are now standard. Plus, drivers can choose to add a surround-view camera as well as a front and rear sonar system. With the surround-view camera equipped, drivers can use a split-screen to see their Murano from a variety of angles at one time.

The SV comes with a hefty price bump. That said, it has more than enough safety and comfort features to make it attractive to consumers.

2020 Nissan Murano SV vs Murano SL. What is the difference?

The SL adds a few more features that may be important to some consumers. The roof rails here are silver rather than black. As for the wheels, they get upgraded to 20-inch ones with an eye-catching machine-finish. While the moonroof remains optional, the LED fog lights are standard with this trim level. The SL trim gives drivers a standard motion-activated liftgate. This highly convenient feature will likely help add to the appeal of this trim for families.

Once inside the cabin, the first thing many consumers will notice is the adjustable ambient interior lighting. The A-pillar is wrapped in cloth for this trim. Both the driver side mirror and seat gain memory features. Heated front seats are now standard, and the rear outboard seats gain heat as well. Even the steering wheel is heated in the SL trim. Leather seating is also now standard.

The stereo system gets a pretty fancy upgrade here. The SL has a premium BOSE system with eleven speakers, including two subwoofers. HD radio capability is also added. Nissan Door to Door Navigation becomes a part of the infotainment setup. While all models come with a trial subscription to SiriusXM radio, the SL adds Travel Link as well.

As for safety, the front and rear sonar system is now standard. Also added when consumers go with the SL trim is traffic sign recognition. Utilizing a forward facing camera, the Murano scans for relevant signs and then displays information on the touchscreen.

Consumers who like a little more luxury in their SUV will like the SL. Others may struggle to justify the extra expense for the group of extra features added here.

2020 Nissan Murano SL vs Murano Platinum. What is the difference?

Drivers who decide they want the ultimate version of the 2020 Nissan Murano will be looking at the Platinum trim. Outside, this model is very similar to the SL. It still has 20-inch wheels, but here they have a dark silver finish. The dual-pane panoramic moonroof also becomes a standard feature.

For the cabin, there is a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column. The front seats are now climate controlled, meaning they are both ventilated and heated. As for the upholstery, it is now semi-aniline leather-appointed and features diamond-quilted inserts. The steering wheel is now wrapped in "smooth leather" and includes position memory.

NissanConnect Services are exclusive to the Platinum trim of the Murano. It allows drivers to do many things remotely, such as lock or start their car. These features, which are powered by SiriusXM, also give drivers important information about the performance and maintenance needs of their Murano. The advanced driver aids are identical to the SL trim level.

The Platinum model is a top-trim that actually adds some useful features, but are they enough to justify paying that much? Probably not, unless the buyer really wants the remote access features.

2020 Nissan Murano: Which Trim to Choose?

Consumers should skip right over the entry-level S trim. It lacks the long list of driver assistance features found standard on every other model. The SV trim is the first to make a strong case for itself with its roof rails and available features. Going with the SL trim, however, is going to be the best bet for many. It adds things such as the impressive BOSE system and a lot of leather. Also added are a few extra safety features, such as traffic sign recognition.

Some people may want the Platinum. This model is mostly for those who are value cutting-edge tech and want to be able to control their Murano from a distance. These consumers have to be ready to pay quite a bit. Most people can cross it off their list of prospects quickly.

The SL trim is a good choice for many consumers due to its standard and available safety aids as well as fun and convenient interior features.