What’s New?
The uniquely styled Nissan Murano carries into 2007 with minor changes, as it received an exterior freshening for 2006 (look for a completely new Murano in the next few years). For 2007, the only significant changes are the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and driver and passenger seat belt warning lamps that alert the driver to remind the front-seat passenger to fasten their seat belt.

Overview
The Murano arguably started the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) segment, with a sporty look, car-like handling characteristics, and the then-new CVT. It features avant-garde styling that’s still holding up well years after its original design, and Murano’s handling characteristics can be credited to the independent suspension setup at all four corners. The Murano comes equipped with Nissan’s highly-regarded VQ-series 3.5-liter V-6 powerplant that puts out a balanced 240 hp and 244 lb.-ft. of torque.

The five trim levels of Murano remain in either two-wheel-drive S or SL configurations, or four-wheel-drive S, SL, and a sportier SE model. Regardless of trim level, all Muranos continue to feature the Continuously Variable Transmission that Nissan plans to keep using in its vehicles, even though most other manufacturers have gone back to using traditional 5- or 6-speed systems. The CVT in SE models does offer a manual shift mode for those who prefer to take a more active role in shifting gears.

The Murano will seat only five people, but will seat them in comfort—especially those in the back, who benefit from the standard reclining seat function, rear air-conditioning vents, and, if so optioned, a DVD entertainment system. The rear seats do split fold, and due to the absence of a third row, there’s plenty of cargo capacity behind those seats.

The Competition
The Nissan Murano competes in the Midsize Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 13 models. Buyers in this segment look for comfort, reliability, and quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Highlander (129,794 units sold), Nissan Murano (81,362), and Chrysler Pacifica (78,243). The Nissan Murano’s 81,362 sales in 2006 represent an increase of 9.3 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize CUV segment include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Freestyle, Buick Rendezvous, Subaru B9 Tribeca, and Isuzu Axion. Joining the segment in 2007 are the Ford Edge, GMC Acadia , Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook .