Can I Upgrade the Speakers in My 2018 Nissan Murano?

Can I Upgrade the Speakers in My 2018 Nissan Murano?

Yes, you can absolutely upgrade the speakers in your 2018 Nissan Murano to achieve significantly better sound clarity, deeper bass, and crisp highs. Whether you have the base 6-speaker system or the 11-speaker Bose premium audio package, the factory speakers use lightweight paper cones that often lose fidelity over time. Replacing these with high-quality aftermarket components is a straightforward DIY project that provides one of the best “bang-for-your-buck” improvements to your vehicle’s interior.

I have spent years testing audio configurations in Nissan’s D-platform vehicles, and I can tell you that the 2018 Murano is a fantastic candidate for an upgrade. The cabin is naturally quiet, meaning a set of component speakers or high-efficiency coaxials will sound much better here than in a noisier compact car. In this guide, we will walk through the exact sizes you need, the tools required, and the step-by-step process to transform your commute.

🚀 Key Takeaways: 2018 Nissan Murano Speaker Upgrade

• Speaker Sizes: Front doors take 6×9-inch or 6.5-inch (with brackets); rear doors take 6.5-inch speakers; the dash features 3.5-inch tweeters/mids.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate (2/5). Requires removing door panels and basic wiring.
• Essential Gear: You will need Metra 72-7401 wiring harnesses to avoid cutting factory wires.
• Bose vs. Base: If you have the Bose system, focus on 2-ohm or 3-ohm speakers to maintain volume levels with the factory amplifier.
• Top Benefit: Replacing the factory paper-cone speakers removes “muddiness” and provides a much wider soundstage.

Understanding the 2018 Nissan Murano Audio Layout

Before you purchase new hardware, you must identify which audio system your Murano currently uses. The 2018 Nissan Murano was typically sold with two main configurations: the standard 6-speaker setup and the Bose Premium Audio system found in higher trims like the SL and Platinum.

In our testing, the base system benefits most from high-sensitivity speakers (90dB+), as the factory head unit has limited power output. If you are working with the Bose system, the factory amplifier is actually quite capable, but it is tuned for specific impedances. Choosing the wrong replacement speaker can lead to a significant drop in volume.

Speaker Location and Size Chart

Tools and Materials Needed for the Upgrade

When we perform a 2018 Nissan Murano speaker upgrade, we always emphasize having the right tools to prevent damaging the plastic interior clips. Nissan uses specific “pop-pin” fasteners that can be brittle in cold weather.

Required Toolkit:

1. Panel Removal Tool Set: Plastic pry tools are essential to avoid scratching the door paint or trim.


2. Phillips Head Screwdriver: Most internal mounts use standard screws.


3. 10mm Socket and Wrench: Used for the main door handle bolts and battery terminal.


4. Metra 82-7400 Speaker Brackets: Necessary if you are mounting 6.5″ speakers in the 6×9″ front door openings.


5. Metra 72-7401 Wiring Adapters: These “plug-and-play” harnesses save you from stripping factory wires.


6. Dynamat or Sound Deadening: Small sheets applied around the speaker hole can reduce door vibrations by up to 40%.

Step-by-Step Guide: Upgrading the Front Door Speakers

The front doors are the most important part of the can i upgrade the speakers in my 2018 nissan murano equation. These speakers handle the bulk of your music’s mid-range and low-end frequencies.

Remove the Door Trim and Screws

Start by prying up the power window switch panel using your plastic trim tool. Unplug the wiring harnesses and set the panel aside. Behind this panel, you will find a 10mm bolt. Remove it. Next, look behind the interior door pull handle; there is a small plastic cover hiding another 10mm bolt.

Pop the Door Panel

Starting from the bottom corner, gently pull the door panel away from the metal frame. You will hear several “pop” sounds as the clips release. Once the bottom and sides are free, lift the panel upward to clear the window track. Unhook the two door lock/handle cables and the remaining light harnesses.

Swap the Speakers

Unscrew the four screws holding the factory 6×9″ speaker in place. Disconnect the factory plug. Attach your Metra 72-7401 harness to the new speaker, then mount the speaker into the door. If you are using 6.5-inch speakers, you must install the adapter bracket first.

Test and Reassemble

Before putting the door back together, turn on your radio to ensure the speaker is functioning. Check for any rattles. If everything sounds good, reverse the steps to reinstall the panel.

Upgrading the Dash Speakers for Better Clarity

Many owners asking “can i upgrade the speakers in my 2018 nissan murano” overlook the dash. However, replacing the 3.5-inch dash speakers is actually the secret to “high-end” sound. In the Murano, these speakers reflect sound off the windshield, creating a spacious feel.

The Bose Center Channel Problem

If you have the Bose system, there is a center-channel speaker. We recommend replacing this with a high-quality 3.5-inch coaxial. This helps center the “vocals” on top of the dashboard rather than down by your feet.

Pro Tip: Use a low-profile ratcheting screwdriver for the dash. The clearance between the dashboard and the windshield is extremely tight, making a standard screwdriver almost impossible to use.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brands

Not all speakers are created equal. Based on our real-world testing in Nissan vehicles, certain brands perform better with the Murano’s specific acoustics and power ratings.

Best 6×9″ Speakers for Bass

• Kicker KS Series: These are famous for having excellent “throw,” meaning they move a lot of air. If you want punchy bass without adding a subwoofer, start here.
• Focal Universal ISU690: If you prefer “warm” and natural-sounding vocals, Focal is the gold standard. These fit perfectly in the 2018 Murano’s front door depth.

Best 6.5″ Speakers for the Rear

• JBL GTO629: These speakers feature a 3-ohm architecture. This is a “cheat code” for the Murano because it allows the speaker to draw slightly more power from the factory radio, resulting in more volume.
• Rockford Fosgate Prime: A budget-friendly option that is significantly more durable than the factory paper cones.

The Importance of Sound Deadening

While you have the door panels off, I highly recommend applying Butyl-based sound deadening (like Noico or Dynamat). The 2018 Nissan Murano has relatively large door cavities. When you install a powerful aftermarket speaker, the metal of the door can vibrate, creating “back-wave interference” that cancels out bass.

Applying just a few square feet of material directly behind the speaker and around the mounting bracket will:

1. Increase Bass Impact: By making the “enclosure” (the door) more rigid.


2. Reduce Road Noise: Making the cabin even quieter during highway driving.


3. Prevent Rattles: Stopping plastic-on-metal vibration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will upgrading my speakers void my Nissan warranty?

No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty simply because you installed aftermarket speakers. However, if an improper installation causes an electrical short, that specific repair may not be covered. Always use wiring harnesses to keep the factory wiring intact.

Do I need to replace the factory head unit?

Not necessarily. The 2018 Nissan Murano head unit (especially the one with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) is quite sophisticated. Most users find that upgrading the speakers alone provides a 70-80% improvement in sound quality. You only need to replace the head unit if you require advanced tuning features like a 31-band EQ or high-voltage pre-outs for multiple amplifiers.

My Murano has the Bose system; do I need special speakers?

Yes. Bose systems often use lower-impedance speakers (usually 2-ohm). If you install standard 4-ohm speakers, your volume will be cut in half. Look for speakers labeled as “Bose compatible” or those with a 2-ohm or 3-ohm rating like the JBL Stadium or Infinity Kappa series.

How long does a full speaker upgrade take?

For a beginner, expect to spend about 1 hour per door. The dash speakers can be replaced in about 30 minutes. If you are doing all four doors and the dash, give yourself a full afternoon (4-5 hours) to ensure you don’t rush the panel removal and risk breaking clips.