Nissan led the crossover car craze with the debut of the Murano in 2003. As consumer tastes shifted away from larger SUVs, the Murano's balanced sport sedan handling with sport utility function, and its stylish sheet metal also stood out from the blocky competitors. As with the original Murano, the all-new 2015 model distinguishes itself from the midsize crossover crowd with bold exterior styling, and high-quality interior materials lend it a more elegant design than you normally find in the segment. The model still uses a 260-horsepower V6 engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), but its infotainment interface is disappointing.

Pricing and Design
The 2015 Nissan Murano is offered in four trim levels, each available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and all equipped with a 3.5-liter, 260-horsepower V6 engine.

The base S trim starts at $29,560 and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, speed-sensitive steering, powered outside mirrors with LED turn signal, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, keyless entry and ignition, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a 7-inch instrument panel display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, a 7-inch-in-dash touch screen with the NissanConnect smartphone app integration system, and a six-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM/satellite radio, and an auxiliary input jack. A Navigation package option adds a nav system, an 8-inch touch screen, voice recognition, HD radio, and a USB port with an iPod interface.

The SV trim starts at $32,620, and the AWD version we tested has a base price of $34,200. The SV comes standard with the S's Navigation package option, as well as fog lights, black roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an eight-way powered driver seat, a four-way power front passenger seat, remote start, and a rear-seat USB port. Our test car had the optional $2,200 Premium package that includes a panoramic sunroof and an 11-speaker Bose audio system with dual subwoofers, as well as optional $210 carpeted floor and cargo mats. With a $885 destination charge, the final sticker price came to $37,515.

The Murano SL trim starts at $36,950 and adds the 11-speaker Bose audio system, along with silver roof rails, heated outside mirrors, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver memory settings, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Nissan's Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, adjustable ambient interior lighting, and a power liftgate. Options include a $2,260 Technology Package with the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a forward collision warning/prevention system.

The top-of-the-line Platinum trim adds 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The $2,260 Technology Package for the SL is also available for the Platinum trim.