2009 Nissan Murano

The 2009 Nissan Murano comes with a plethora of systems and safety options that are now standard fare on most upscale crossovers, such as VDC with traction control, speed-sensitive power steering, ABS and Brake Assist, EBD, tire-pressure monitoring, and numerous airbags: dual front, seat-mounted side-impact front, and curtain side-impact units for front and rear passengers.

While the new 2009 Nissan Murano's exterior shape generally fits the gentle evolution restyles we've seen recently in other Nissan models such as the Altima and Infiniti G35, the most striking differences are a restyled front grille with integrated foglamps, more aggressive wheel arches, and a reworked headlight treatment. The interior has been significantly upgraded and is much more upscale in appearance (Nissan calls it a "mobile suite" look) than the automaker's entry-level Rogue crossover.

In general, the 2009 Nissan Murano is not a radical departure from the old one, which was a phenomenal success for Nissan. As before, the Murano is based on the Altima platform, which itself was reworked just last year. There's still no third-row seat, which is fine, because the Nissan Murano is for people who really want a five-passenger luxury crossover - not a minivan substitute - but who don't want to spend Infiniti or Lexus money.

The Murano has decent body control, but it can feel a bit floaty. As for the light steering, the main message it communicates is that it would prefer you drive in a straight line. The brakes are strong, though, ride quality is fine, and the familiar VQ-series V-6 and Nissan's second-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission ought to get Murano owners to the Nordstrom clearance sale in plenty of time.

IF EVERYONE in the Ice-Cream Shoppe is ordering Fudge Peanut Ripple Marshmallow Mango Royale and you're ordering Vanilla, that new Murano parked outside probably belongs to you." "Though the Murano's looks suggest "wacky and out-there," in fact it's a mild and unassuming machine, a fine everyman's crossover. But you don't get to wear a cape when you're playing Everyman.

Murano's newly designed interior plays on the "mobile suite" theme, complete with new instrument panel and center stack design, new seat design with available double-stitched leather-appointed seating surfaces, use of premium materials such as leather and aluminum, a variety of storage compartments and ambient lighting.

The 2009 Murano is powered by a revised 265-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 backed by a new advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), with a front-wheel drive or an advanced all-wheel drive drivetrain. Murano also features a new D-platform, as well as new suspension, body structure and state-of-the-art steering for improved ride comfort and precise handling.

Nissan calls this generation an evolution, and that's accurate-the company made a lot of positive changes without straying too far from what buyers know to be a Murano.

The outgoing Murano has been one of the most successful models in Nissan's recent history, with sales rising every year since its introduction in 2003, and a loyalty rate upwards of 30 percent. "The Murano was among the first of a new wave of space-efficient crossover SUVs that are highly styled. Sharing much of its design with the stylish Nissan Rogue launched in late 2007, the new Murano takes crossover styling another step further." "There is a huge number of competent, comfortable, convenient and roomy crossover SUVs available on the American market for 2009. We think the new 2009 Nissan Murano ranks right up there with the best of them. We like the Murano very much, inside and out. It's good looking, easy to use, reasonably powerful, and won't use up all your money on gasoline."