Need a midsize crossover ute with panache, power, practicality and passenger room? Nissan’s upper-midlevel 2012 Murano SL AWD 5-seat people-hauler is delivered with the Japanese automaker’s well-wrought Intuitive All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, 64 cubic feet of total cargo area, V6 power, some heady driving characteristics and one of the roomiest rear bench seats in the business.
This high-end crossover also packs such standard exterior amenities as 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a roof rack, a front power sunroof and a rear fixed sunroof, as well as heated power-adjustable outside mirrors. Inside, look for leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, reclining rear seats, power windows and door locks, leather and alloy cabin accessories, dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel. Convenience amenities include cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and memory for driver's settings, not to mention a universal remote garage door opener and rear-view camera.
Entertainment, meanwhile, is presented by an MP3-capable single-CD player with 11 Bose premium speakers, satellite radio and a USB port, while standard Bluetooth technology means efficient hands-free calling.
Voice-activated hard-drive-based navigation with a 7-inch color display, Bluetooth streaming audio and real-time traffic and weather are popular options aboard the 2012 Murano SL AWD, as is the available rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Further available equipment includes splash guards, illuminated door sills, a Class I or II trailer hitch and wiring, and roof-rail crossbars.
Powering this crafty crossover is the ubiquitous variable-valve-timed (VVT) 260-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s regarded as a paragon of smoothness and efficiency. Towing is maxed out at 3,500 pounds with the proper equipment, while fuel efficiency is estimated at 18 mpg city/23 highway. Finally, Nissan’s Intuitive AWD system normally cruises in front-wheel drive, but allows an automatic torque split to apply power to front and rear wheels when cornering, as well as adapting to changing traction conditions.
Safety-wise, expect the 2012 Murano SL AWD to carry standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection and front side-mounted airbags. Additional safety equipment includes front fog/driving lights and a remote antitheft alarm, while LED daytime running lights remain optional.
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are available with average savings of $2,091 below market price
