By Duane Pemberton
Website: http://www.nissanusa.com/murano

The crossover SUV segment is more popular than ever and the reasons vary depending on which customer you ask who buys one but two constants remain. They offer good size and respectable gas mileage compared to the full-sized SUV’s.

 Specifications:

• 3.5L V6 engine
• Continuously variable transmission
• Up to 18 cty/23 hwy mpg
• All-wheel drive
• Bluetooth
• iPod input
• Satellite radio
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Price as tested: $34,495

Nissan’s Murano has been out now for several years and has seen some good changes come its way over the years and I think the 2011 model is their best yet.

Although it didn’t see any major outward design change over the previous year, this model does receive a facelift to the front and rear fascias, new headlights, LED taillights as well as 18-inch wheels. The subtle changes are highly welcomed and help keep homage to the past while providing a nice, slight update.

Our test model was powered by the 3.5L V6 which develops 242hp and 260lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed CVT (constantly variable) transmission which I’m personally not a huge fan of. I realize they use CVT for added fuel savings but the overall responsiveness feels a bit sluggish and doesn’t really provide the “fun factor” I’d prefer in a standard automatic or even a manual transmission.

The EPA rating for the fuel economy is 18/23 or a combined rating of 20 – a rating that I don’t feel is really as good as it could be, however, it’s not insanely off the mark either when you consider that it is full-time all-wheel-drive.

The all-wheel-drive feature is very compelling to those folks who live in areas that get snow every winter or do a lot of mountain pass driving. There isn’t really any user-control to speak of, only a button on the middle console that lets you to “lock” it.

Overall ride is comfortable  - a good combination between stiff and easy enough to help you not feel fatigued after an extended trip.

Handling is rather on-point as well – I didn’t experience too much excessive body roll around hard corners but there is a hint of it there. However, it never felt “clumsy” or top-heavy and frankly provides a good experience for a Crossover SUV of this size and weight.

Inside:
Nissan has done an admirable job of outfitting this rig with all sorts of nifty creature comforts – from the integrated bluetooth, to the driver power-adjustable seat to the nicely laid-out gauges.

The screen in the mid-dash serves as the primary focal point for the GPS, entertainment system and the reverse back-up camera – it’s the same system as I’ve seen used in some Infiniti models as well. It’s not too hard to use, once you get used to it but at first can be a bit cumbersome with all the buttons to hit.

The particular audio system in our test vehicle just had decent-sounding quality – I suppose not too bad to the untrained ear but I have heard much better-sounding systems in SUV’s that are priced less.

Even though we had the cloth seats there is leather available – we did, however, have the front sunroof as well as the rear moonroof. I like this setup as it lets a good deal of light into the cabin as well as creates a sense of “roominess”.

Final Impressions:

I do like the Murano overall – even with my misgivings about its CVT – it’s a solid rig with a good amount of roominess and adequate power.  I’m not sure I like it as much as the CX-7 from Mazda in regards to overall fit/finish and comfort but it’s certainly close. In the end, this is a Crossover that’ll have appeal due to the fact that it’s a reliable Nissan product with good styling and features.

If you’re at all the market for a crossover SUV, then I’d highly recommend test driving one soon. If it were a bottle of wine, I’d liken it to a South African Chenin Blanc – reasonably priced, a good “performer” with a decent sense of value.