Model Strengths:
Excellent, reliable Nissan 3.5L V6; stylish, aggressive design; sporty and capable handling; luxury in the top-line LE trim.

Model Changes:
The Murano was absent from Nissan's Lineup in 2008, but has returned with an all-new look for 2009. While the overall profile remains more or less the same, all exterior sheetmetal is revamped and furthers the Murano's aggressive, athletic look. Nissan's stalwart 3.5L V6 returns, but power has been upped by 25 horses to 265, while torque is up 4 ft-lbs to 248. The only transmission available is the company's second-generation continuously variable (CVT) unit, which has been tuned to better work in concert with the extra power.Physical dimensions are relatively unchanged over the 2007 model, but interior materials are improved, with a higher quality in both appearance and feel throughout the lineup.Pricing across the model range has increased from roughly $4,000 on the base S to $10,000 on the top-line LE.

Model Value:
The 2009 Murano sits in a crowded crossover SUV segment, but it has no shortage of features that set it apart. The redesign is an effective evolution of the car's popular look, and Nissan's 3.5L V6 is widely regarded as one of the best powerplants in the automotive world. Coupled with the chassis it shares with the Altima, the Murano's car-like reflexes, ample power, creature comforts, and spacious interior make it the ideal candidate for getting people and cargo from Point A to Point B in a comfortable, sporty, entertaining manner.

Model Overview:
Following a hiatus in 2008, the 2009 Nissan Murano picks up where the 2007 model left off in terms of offering lots of performance and amenities in a crossover SUV.The Murano returns in three trim levels-S, SL, and LE. The S and SL are available in either front- or all-wheel drive, while the top-of-the-line LE only comes in all-wheel drive. All models are powered by Nissan's ubiquitous and exceptional 24-valve 3.5L V6, which now puts out 265 horsepower and 248 ft-lbs of torque, and all make use of the company's second-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT). Limited slip is optional on FWD models and standard on AWD models.All 2009 Murano models feature a 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat, dual power mirrors, UV-reducing glass, push-button ignition, electroluminescent gauges, dual-zone automatic climate control, one-touch power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise control, three handy 12-volt outlets, and a six-disc in-dash AM/FM stereo with MP3 capability.The SL adds fog lights, rear privacy glass, an eight-way power driver's seat, power return rear seatbacks, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.Step up to the top-line LE and you get 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlights, dual heated mirrors, a power liftgate, Bluetooth phone system, an information center with a seven-inch screen, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, driver's seat memory, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a retractable cargo cover, four-way power to the passenger's seat, heated leather seats front and rear, wood accents, a Bose stereo system with speed sensitive volume control, and XM satellite radio.Several packages are available on the 2009 Murano. The Premium Package features a Bose stereo, XM satellite radio, a security system, and more, while a Technology Package includes HID headlights, intelligent keyless entry and ignition, and rain-sensing wipers. A leather package, navigation and music package, and a DVD package are also available for about $2,000 each.Standard safety features on all 2009 Muranos include six air bags, traction and dynamic stability control, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. The Murano returns 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.