2012 Nissan Murano

Murano power comes from the ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6 that powers seemingly everything from the Nissan weed whacker to the Infiniti Shuttle Launch Pad Creeper.

Inside it's just as distinct, with adjustable pedals, rear seats that fold flat about as easily as any rear seats in the industry and a center console that rivals even the Buick Rendezvous in its grandiosity.

You'll enjoy lively takeoffs and spirited maneuvers that complement Murano's adventurous demeanor.

Positioned to compete against the Honda Pilot (based on the Odyssey) and Toyota Highlander (built on the Camry platform), the Murano is based on the company's rip-roaring Altima.

A 'Hello? Why didn't anyone think of this before?' philosophy governed these features, which include such niceties as a dedicated cell phone holder right next to the cupholder...a coin holder, expanding door bins and a nicely sized, dual-tiered center console that's big enough to hold a computer laptop.

Wheelbase is measured at 111 inches, allowing a spacious interior. For comparison, the Toyota Highlander measures in at 107 inches.

Murano's looks are backed by sporty performance. It's powered by Nissan's beefy 3.5-liter V6 mated to a responsive continuously variable transmission.

The Nissan Murano feels as quick as a sport sedan. Indeed, it's quicker than the BMW's 3.0-liter X5.

Unlike other SUVs, Murano is not a substitute for a minivan. It seats four or five people, not seven.

Where the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot fit three rows of seating, the Murano offers two rows.

As its looks suggest, the Murano is an aerodynamic machine. A low frontal area and a low roof add cruising efficiency, as well as very low wind noise at high speeds.

The efficiency of the CVT also adds to the outstanding fuel economy of the Murano: an EPA-estimated 20/24 mpg city/highway.

A big pod juts out from the center dash for audio and climate controls. We weren't crazy about the appearance of the pod, but it does put the controls close to hand.