Nissan made a definitive mark on the midsize crossover SUV category when the first Murano arrived for the 2003 model year. The Murano’s polarizing design delighted or disgusted consumers, but most owners and critics agreed that the Murano was entertaining to drive, roomy inside, and comfortable for five. For 2009, the Murano was completely redesigned, retaining signature styling cues that have always set it apart from the crowd, while adding new technology features and refining the driving experience.

Highlights of the new 2009 Nissan Murano include:

• Completely redesigned, inside and out
• New Altima-based platform with new suspension, new steering, greater torsional rigidity
• Refined 3.5-liter V-6 with Ultra Low Emission Vehicle rating
• Next-generation continuously variable transmission with adaptive shift control
• Front- or all-wheel drive
• Standard push-button start
• Available 20-inch wheels
• Available double-stitched leather
• Available heated rear seats
• Available sunroof with second-row skylight
• Available power-returning second-row seats
• Available iPod connectivity
• Available Bluetooth connectivity
• Available Intelligent Key system
• Available Bose premium audio system
• Available touch-screen navigation system
• Available 9.3GB Music Box hard drive
• Available rear seat DVD entertainment with 9-inch screen
• Available rain-sensing wipers
• Available power rear liftgate
• Available RearView Monitor
• Three new exterior colors: Deep Sapphire, Tinted Bronze, and Saharan Stone

The 2009 Nissan Murano is available in S, SL, and LE trim levels. Standard equipment on the Murano S includes 18-inch alloy wheels, 6-way manual adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, a 6-speaker audio system with CD changer and auxiliary input jack, push-button ignition, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, cloth upholstery, and real aluminum trim.

Moving up to the Murano SL provides the buyer with rear privacy glass, integrated front fog lights, audio controls mounted on a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, and power returning rear seatbacks.

The most expensive model is the Murano LE, which adds all-wheel drive, 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, automatic Xenon headlights, Bose premium audio with 11 speakers, XM satellite radio, iPod connectivity, an Intelligent Key locking and ignition system, Bluetooth hands-free phone connection, leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, heated front and rear seats with driver memory function, power adjustable heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, Homelink universal remote, a power liftgate, a RearView monitor, an anti-theft alarm, and a folding cargo organizer.

Options for the Nissan Murano are available in extra-cost packages. The Murano S can be equipped with the Convenience Package, which includes privacy glass, a cargo cover, a vehicle security system, and roof rails. There are no other options offered for the Murano S.

The mid-grade Murano SL can be outfitted with as many as six option packages. The Premium Package adds a Bose audio system with XM satellite radio, a RearView Monitor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass, Homelink, a cargo organizer, and a few other items. The Leather Package adds, you guessed it, leather…along with power driver lumbar support, a power front passenger’s seat, and heated front seats. The Technology Package includes Intelligent Key locking and ignition, Bluetooth, a power liftgate, automatic Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated outside mirrors.

Available on both the Murano SL and the LE are the Moonroof Package as well as the Navigation Package (navigation system and Bose audio with Music Box hard drive) and the Mobile Entertainment System (9-inch rear screen and one set of wireless headphones).

The 2009 Nissan Murano is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. It drives the front or all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission, and is estimated by the EPA to achieve 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, regardless of driveline selection.

Our review vehicle, a Murano LE AWD, averaged 19.2 mpg in primarily highway travel with a full load of passengers and gear. Combined with the Murano’s standard 21.7-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 415-mile range between fill-ups of premium unleaded.

Standard safety equipment on every 2009 Nissan Murano includes dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Additionally, the Murano comes standard with four-wheel-disc ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist; a stability control system; and traction control. The Murano is also available with a RearView Monitor reversing camera.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2009 Nissan Murano competes against other midsize multi-activity vehicles such as the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Edge, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota Venza.