Nissan Murano

The Murano is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is considered to be a middle-sized model which was first introduced to the public in 2003. It should be noted that this was actually the first crossover vehicle that was offered to the United States and due to its pronounced popularity, the Murano set the precedent for many similar vehicles to follow suit in the coming years. Still, this was the only crossover vehicle offered to the western market until the introduction of the Rogue in 2008.

The Murano is smaller than the well-known Pathfinder, however it is priced slightly higher than its larger variant, as the Murano is seen to represent a more luxurious class of SUV. Soon after its inception, this model was named as Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 2003. This helped further cement the popularity of the Murano into mainstream culture.

Both generations of this vehicle are known for their numerous safety features and a capability to handle a wide array of road conditions. It received five-star ratings for its safety performance and later models have incorporated more features such as LED-controlled headlamps and rear view cameras to aid when backing up in constrained environments.

When we combine these features with a spacious interior and its compact size, it is clear to appreciate why the Murano is seen to be one of the most functional cars for urban and suburban travel. Nissan is expected to incorporate a third generation of this vehicle beginning sometime in 2014 or early 2015.