2012 Nissan Murano

POWER RETURN REAR SEATS
No need to wrestle with the rear seats to get them back into the upright position; the 2012 Murano's available power-return rear seatbacks go up with the push of a button.

IPOD INTEGRATION
Auxiliary input jacks are decent for listening to iPods, but the 2012 Nissan Murano crossover also has an adapter that makes controlling your iPod through the factory radio easy, enabling you to keep your eyes on the road more when skipping between artists or songs.

Where the 2012 Murano SUV really shines is its interior, not just for the quality of the materials, but in the execution of its design. Seating both front and rear is firm and supportive, and the texture of the leather coverings is as good as in any Infiniti luxury car. With the exception of the oddly placed controls for the traction control, heated steering wheel and power liftgate down by the driver's knee, the 2012 Murano's instrument panel is logically arranged and easy to connect with. Unlike in some SUVs, Nissan designers wisely avoided the temptation to litter the dash with multiple buttons and knobs. Handsome wood inlays grace the door armrest and center console on the LE trim, while all others receive tasteful aluminum trim that looks particularly fashionable when contrasted against a black interior. Placing redundant controls for the audio, cruise and Bluetooth activation on the steering wheel helps the driver keep control of the vehicle, as does the available voice-activated navigation system. Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous head and legroom, and can be pampered with such luxuries as heated seat cushions and a DVD entertainment system complete with headrest-mounted LCD screens.

After nine years, the Murano's basic shape remains unaltered. Although it has had numerous face lifts and sheet-metal changes, the familiar profile, with its slowly rising beltline that swings sharply upward once past the rear door, remains a staple of the Murano design. The windshield A-pillars are set low and angled back to create a sports-car-like appearance that contradicts the Murano's 7.3 inches of ground clearance, a decidedly SUV-like attribute. Fancy 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels look sharp and set off the Murano's sportier side without compromising its available all-wheel-drive (AWD) ability or fuel economy. All but the S trim models include front foglights, while LE trims are equipped with HID headlights. An available dual-panel moonroof allows fresh air and sunlight to fill the cabin, but if sacrificing respectable looks for pure open-top freedom seems sounds like a reasonable proposition, the CrossCabriolet's double-lined retractable soft top is sure to raise the fun factor, and some eyebrows.

The 2012 Nissan Murano SUV offers only one engine: a 3.5-liter V6 with Continuous Valve Timing Control and Nissan Variable Induction Control. This strong performer is linked to Nissan's newest Xtronic CVT transmission, which provides even power distribution whenever it's needed and contributes to the Murano's impressive 3,500-pound tow rating.

3.5-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
240 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 mpg (Front-wheel drive), 18/24 mpg (AWD), 17/22 mpg (CrossCabriolet)

The 2012 Nissan Murano S crossover has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just north of $30,000; nearly $32,000 with all-wheel drive. The SV runs between $33,500 and $35,300, the SL between just over $37,000 to just under $39,000 and a fully-loaded AWD LE with navigation tops out around $44,000. The soft-top Murano CrossCabriolet commands the top step of the pricing podium with a $45K starting price. Real-world transaction prices may vary greatly, so be sure to check Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price before heading to the dealership. As for resale, we expect the Murano to hold excellent 5-year residual values, better than the Mazda CX-7, Jeep Grand Cherokee and in line with the Ford Edge and Toyota Highlander.

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