Murano Trim Changes: Why the SL Is Now the Smart Default
The latest Nissan Murano trim changes reposition this midsize SUV’s pricing and equipment, replacing the former base SV with a leaner SL entry point while adding a Dark Armor styling grade and trimming content from higher models to realign value in the lineup. For most buyers, the Murano SL is now the best-value choice: it delivers the same powertrain and standard all-wheel drive as the rest of the range, at the lowest price, and keeps the Murano’s upscale feel without forcing you to pay for styling or tech you may not need. The SL becomes the gateway to the Murano, while the new Dark Armor trim caters to drivers who care more about bold design and premium features than saving a bit on equipment. This strategy pushes shoppers toward higher-margin trims and packaged features, so understanding what has changed matters before you buy.
Murano SL Features: Entry-Level, Not Basic
The Murano SL is now the entry trim, and it is the right pick for most people because it keeps the fundamentals while cutting luxuries that many shoppers can live without. Under the hood, every Murano uses the same turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 9-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. A Snow mode has been added to all trims, so the SL is just as capable in poor weather as the Dark Armor and Platinum. What you give up versus last year’s SL are some comfort and tech extras: the panoramic moonroof is gone, the audio steps down to a 6-speaker system instead of a Bose 10-speaker setup, and in-dash navigation plus connected services like Google built-in, Alexa Built-In, and in-vehicle Wi-Fi are no longer included. If those features are not must-haves, the SL delivers the core Murano experience at the best value point in the range.
| Spec / Feature | Murano SL | Dark Armor / Platinum (general) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine / gearbox | Turbo 4-cyl, 241 hp, 9-speed auto | Same turbo 4-cyl and 9-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | Standard all-wheel drive, Snow mode | Standard all-wheel drive, Snow mode |
| Audio system | Standard 6-speaker system | Many former SL premium features move here |
| Panoramic roof | No longer included | Available on higher trims (content shifted) |
| Built-in navigation / connected services | No Google built-in, Alexa Built-In, or Wi-Fi hot spot | These services are offered up the ladder |
Dark Armor Trim: Styling and Premium Features Over Value
The new Dark Armor trim sits between the SL and Platinum and is aimed at buyers who want a more distinctive, premium-feeling midsize SUV instead of the most affordable one. Dark Armor picks up many of the features that used to make the SL feel more luxurious, bundling them with a more aggressive look. It wears newly designed 21-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black side and window molding, and sportier front and rear bumpers, plus black Nissan badging and Dark Armor badges on the doors for a tougher appearance. Inside, the trim is locked to a dark Graphite upholstery, paired with six exterior color options including Gun Metallic, Super Black, Scarlet Ember, Everest White, and two-tone Boulder Gray or Everest White with a Super Black roof. If visual drama and upgraded features matter more than saving money, Dark Armor is the right step up from SL.
Platinum Trim and Overall Murano Value Positioning
At the top of the range, the Murano Platinum focuses on fully loaded comfort and tech, appealing to buyers who want every available feature in a midsize SUV rather than the best ratio of price to equipment. While its cost is slightly reduced versus the previous year, it still sits above Dark Armor and SL in the lineup. All trims share the same turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 9-speed automatic gearbox, standard all-wheel drive, and Snow mode, so spending more does not change performance or basic capability. The difference is in styling, audio, roof, and connected services that move up the ladder as Nissan drops the base SV and shifts the SL into a leaner role. "All models still use a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive." This shows Nissan’s strategy: keep mechanicals common, then charge more for design and convenience features.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Murano SL if you want the best midsize SUV value with full all-wheel-drive capability and can live without a panoramic roof or premium audio.
- Skip the Murano SL if built-in navigation, Google built-in, Alexa Built-In, and a Bose 10-speaker stereo are essential parts of your daily driving experience.
- Buy the Murano Dark Armor if you care more about bold styling, larger 21-inch wheels, and restored premium features than squeezing out the lowest trim price.
- Skip the Murano Dark Armor if you prefer a lighter, more understated look and would rather keep your budget closer to the entry-level SL.
- Buy the Murano Platinum if you want the most fully equipped version and are willing to pay for top-tier comfort and tech on the same core powertrain.
- Skip the Murano Platinum if you are focused on midsize SUV value and do not need every available feature when the SL already covers your needs.
