2014 Nissan Murano

Carrying forward unchanged visually for the 2014 model year, the Murano carries itself assertively, with crisp details and a high-shouldered stance.

Our only real issue with the exterior is the chrome-laden, grinning grille that came with the 2009 redesign. New lamps a few years ago took some of the emphasis off the grille, but it remains a sore point of an otherwise sophisticated look.

Inside the Murano's cabin, the details mesh convincingly, though rounded, bulbous shapes are taken close to excess. A two-tiered instrument panel presents a smooth and curvaceous look, and the overall look and feel is as much budget-Infiniti as it is Maxima-esque.

The center stack arrangement is stylish and logical, with the nav system (or trip-computer screen) up top, and audio and climate controls below.

Front-wheel drive is the more common choice, while all-wheel drive is a better pick for regions with more inclement weather, particularly in the winter. All-wheel drive comes standard on the Murano LE, but is available on all trim levels.

The engine shared across the Murano range is Nissan's familiar and capable 3.5-liter VQ-family engine, rated in this application at 260 horsepower. It's a dynamic, mellifluous engine that's ready for everything the Murano's soft, comfortable suspension tune can throw at it--and more.

A single transmission option underpins the full Murano range: a continuously variable transmission, or CVT. The CVT is simple to use: just put it in drive and go. Unlike some of Nissan's other models, the CVT in the Murano gets no programmed simulated gear points for more aggressive acceleration.

Steering in the Murano is responsive, and the ride absorbs road irregularities with ease. On the whole, it's a pleasant, easy-going machine, day in and day out.

If you're so inclined, the Murano can also be tasked with light towing duty, up to a maximum of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The front seats in the Murano are particularly comfortable, even across a wide range of body types and sizes. Taller occupants will note that the sunroof does cut into headroom, and rear-seat use is best reserved for two people rather than the theoretical maximum of three, but on the whole, it's a well-executed cabin space.

Nissan's choice to put styling first with the Murano does come with some drawbacks, however; there's just not much space behind the already tight second row, and even with the rear seat folded down, the unusual shape and high cargo floor compromise its utility as a load bay even further.

That folding second-row seatback can be had in power-operated form on higher-trim models, however, and a power liftgate is also available. Unless you have difficulty reaching that high, however, the bulk and size of the Murano's hatch doesn't really make the power liftgate a must-have feature.

Quality, fit, and finish of materials throughout the cabin are generally very good, on par with the Maxima sedan in most respects, and in others, as good as as luxury-brand alternative. Trims and materials feel as good as they look, and the cabin is well-insulated against both road and wind noise.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn't yet rated the 2014 Murano, but rates the identical 2013 model "good" in front, side, and head-restraint tests, but with a somewhat troubling "marginal" score in roof-strength testing.

Last year, Nissan added several new safety technologies to the Murano, including Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. All of those features are included with the Platinum Edition and SL Navigation Package models. These features should help with the visibility issues incurred by the Murano's body shape.

Standard safety equipment found throughout the Murano range includes: anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, front and side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, and active front head restraints.

For models not equipped with the safety technologies listed above aimed at ameliorating the issue, rear three-quarters visibility can be obscured somewhat by the sloping roofline and thick rear roof support.

Four main trim lines are available: S, SV, SL, and LE. Base S models come with power windows, locks, and mirrors; climate control; and an AM/FM/CD stereo system standard. Upgrade to the SV and you'll add a dual-panel moonroof, a seven-inch color monitor with backup camera, a universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver's seat, automatic headlamps, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and USB and iPod hookups, plus satellite radio.

The higher trim SL models add a power-reclining second-row seatback to the SV's feature list, plus leather trim, steering-wheel audio controls, fog lamps, and a heated steering wheel. The top trim, the Murano LE, gets flashy 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, keyless start, wood trim, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with dual subwoofers on top of the SL's standard gear.

Available extras in the Murano range include the Bose audio system, DVD entertainment system, leather upholstery, navigation, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. Murano SV models can add the SV Value Package, which bundles the Bose audio, power liftgate, and navigation system.

The Murano LE might sound like it's loaded--and it is--but it also stickers at up to $45,000. For that kind of money, you could be looking at an equivalent Infiniti.

Part of that comes down to the 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine under the hood. The rest comes down to weight and aerodynamics.

Whatever the cause, however, the 2014 Murano rates its best in front-drive form, at 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive, the Murano's scores are nearly identical, at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The Murano won't impress compared to some of the latest four-cylinder crossovers and compact SUVs, but it is on par for V-6 models, and the CVT helps make for reliable, even sometimes impressive real-world numbers in our testing.