2007 Nissan Murano

For 2007, the Nissan Murano undergoes only minor additions: there are now driver and passenger seatbelt warning lamps, and a standard tire pressure monitoring system.

The Murano uses a 3.5-litre V6 mated to a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that has a manual shift mode on the SE AWD. The Murano comes in front- or all-wheel drive.

The SL FWD includes 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, privacy glass, heated mirrors, mud guards, roof rails, heated cloth seats, power-adjustable pedals, dual zone automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 player with seven speakers and wheel-mounted controls, cruise control, HomeLink garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview camera with seven-inch LCD display, eight-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped wheel, variable intermittent wipers and intermittent rear wiper.

The SL AWD shares the SL FWD’s features but with all-wheel drive.

The SE comes only in AWD, and adds sport-tuned suspension, tire pressure monitoring system, traction and Vehicle Dynamic Control, Xenon headlamps, power sunroof, leather interior, intelligent key system, memory seats, and four-way power passenger seat. A navigation system can be added.

The Murano isn’t really a car, isn’t really an SUV, and definitely isn’t a truck; if the “crossover” name ever accurately applied, this is the one. It’s a great vehicle to drive, with car-like handling, good acceleration, a smooth CVT with no hint of “rubber band” feeling, and a comfortable interior. Despite its rounded shape, it has plenty of cargo space, and if it’s to your liking, the styling is unbeatable. It’s been around for a while, but this model has aged particularly well, and is still going strong.