The only real difference, at least on the exterior, between the two is the wheel/tire package. AFAIK, the interior differences mainly amount to Nav + bluetooth audio streaming + larger music hard drive, heated rear seats and electronic steering wheel adjustment (someone can correct me if I'm wrong).

Yes, you can get the LE wheels separately, either from someone selling them off their car (check the classified section here, Craig's List, eBay, etc.) or through the dealer, though you'll certainly pay more from the dealer.

Can't speak to resale value, but you can always look that up on Edmunds.

 

I may be wrong, but doesn't the LE also have the fake wood trim? I know in the 2009 Murano that was a major difference between the SL and LE. I personally prefer the brushed aluminum trim in our 2009 Sl.

 

I encourage the OP to go to Nissan's website and look over the specs of the different 2011 Murano's. An alternative to this is to pick up the Murano related brochure at a dealership and look over the specs listed in the brochure carefully. Reality is the 20" wheels and tires on the LE are not all that separates it from the other Muranos. While looking over the specs notice the LE also has the much desired High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights (low/high beam) and other options not found on the non LE models. DO take the time to see, first hand all the models before you decide.. Indeed, if the 20" wheels are your only concern then you could buy 20" wheels for a non LE after purchase. Options like "factory" HID lights, NAV, (Nav is also avail. on SL) heated seats, and other convenience options found on the LE are not easily added after purchase.

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Here in Canada we only have 4 models and are all AWD.

Externally diff between LS and LE are the Wheels and the outside trim.

Inside, well it was not worth paying $6,xxx. for the extras. They should of at least have given the option of getting the Nav which the US model has.

The 20" wheels, are a little burden here, cause by law we have to install winter tires by Dec 15. and there aren't too many choice of 20" tires out there.

So its cheap for us to get 18" stock wheel from guys in California then getting 20".

I was able to get from a member of this board, 18" 2009 wheels for $400.00 shipping included.

Don't get me wrong 20" wheels look nice, but down here it also attracks theives. LOL

 

I just bought a 2011 SL. I compared the LE and SL side by side. Both were fully loaded, Nav , leather , heated seats, power trunk, almost the exact same car according to salesman. the differences are for the most part, LE has the fancy headlights, that cost upwards of $200 to replace when they die. It also has heated rear seats, SL Only has front 2. The le has bigger wheels. Aside from that the only other thing was the power tilt steering wheel that moves when you exit the car or start the car. The SL only moves the seat. The SL was 2000 cheaper, had everything but the listed features, I went SL and I Love my new car . SL is cheaper and you can add almost every feature.

 

I have the loaded up SL with NAV and am glad we went with that model. I wasn't crazy about the 20" and their rougher ride. We didn't need heated rear seats and prefer the real brushed aluminum over the fake wood trim. I added the HID headlamps so we're good. BUT...if you think you'll miss any of those items, go for the LE. There's really not much difference in price.



Oh but definitely get the NAV!!!

 

Hi

I am Looking at one the SL and was wondering what HID kit you have So many out there. How is the nav voice system and Blue tooth working. Do you like the music box, Thank You

 

HVT, can you give me the details on your remote start? After u remote start the car can Can you unlock the car and get in and start driving w/o shutting the car off?

 

I opted for the extended 600' range remote fob but you can just stick to using the factory fob. I was talked into it because evidently it seriously shortens the distance of the factory fob.
You can unlock the car and get in but as soon as you hit the brake, it shuts off and you have to hit the start button to restart it. Sounds stupid to me but it's due to the keyless part.
What I love about it is that you can get out of the car and lock it while it's still running if you'd like. Comes in handy on 100 degree days when the DD you stop at has no drive thru and you want the car to stay cool! The range is amazing and although I didn't opt for it...you can add the ability to start the car from your smartphone.

 

hvt, can you give me the details on your remote start? After u remote start the car can can you unlock the car and get in and start driving w/o shutting the car off?

Yes! If you follow the procedure I gave to HVT in the post above. Very easy to do.



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The thing I missed about the differences between an LE and SL is that memory seats only come with the LE option. If that's important to you, and it's very convenient, then opt for the LE.

 

Both the SL and LE come with the memory seats and mirrors. Our SL has them. All you lose is the steering wheel portion of the memory because the LE has power tilt and telescopic wheel.

 

Ended up with a 2011 White LE. Thanks, Guys!

 

That's great! Congrats on the new Murano. Now post up some pics!!! Did you get the NAV???

 

The headlamp housings differ between the SL and LE because unlike the LE, the SL uses a halogen high beam so the housings look different. However, the low beam projectors are the same as I mentioned above. HUGE difference BTW once you make the switch to HIDs!

 

The Canadian SL version comes with High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional Xenon headlights :29:

But we get no Nav Hey you can get them all The $100. garmin GPS does the job.

 

if you buy the LE with the 20" rims...be prepared for a heart attack when you go to get new tires...

my biggest 2 complaints with the Murano is the fuel mileage sucks...and there is, in my opinion, a severe lack of power. mostly attributed, from what i am told, to the AWD, and the CVT. off the line, its like driving a 4 cylinder....

 

I've said the same thing about the power, although it was pointed out that its' 0-60 is in the 7.2-7.5 range. The AWD isn't the culprit but the CVT is. It seems that from 0-25 or so it's a pig. Then it really grabs a handful of power from there on.
What do you consider sucky fuel mileage? We're getting roughly 24.5 on the HWY which is right where it should be for this engine (same emgine in our 05 Quest didn't do quite as well). Around town I'd say it's closer to 21-22. My Titan gets around 11 around town so it's great to me...lol. Our 01 Beetle 5 spd gets 32 when I'm feeling like using no gas!

 

my wife averages 17-18mpg

 

Do you reset it every so often? Are you married to Danica Patrick?....lol. A heavy foot would do it.

 

lol..no idea...but i do know this...for three weeks BEFORE she got the murano, she drove her father 06 chevy suburban. Full sixed 3/4 ton with a v8, and she was averageing 20-21...same driver.
you figure it out