2019 Nissan Murano

This year brings refreshed styling to the Nissan Murano, the smaller of this brand's two mid-size crossover offerings. To the look that arrived in a 2015 redesign, Nissan has touched up this utility with an updated grille, new head- and taillights, LED fog lights and new wheel designs.

Among the other notable changes is fresh branding for Nissan's suite of active safety features, now called Safety Shield 360. It's a new name for the same features Nissan offered last year: all trims come standard with forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking. In upper trims, the full suite is included and brings blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, moving object detection and automatic reverse braking.

However, all Murano trims come with a new rear-door alert system that, despite its name, is aimed at reminding drivers to check the rear seat before leaving the car. The idea is to prevent underslept parents from accidentally leaving children in an unattended car.

There's also a new standard driver alertness monitor system, standard rear-seat side airbags and a front passenger knee airbag.

Like last year's version, the 2019 Murano is powered by a 3.5L V6 that makes 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque and comes mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is standard in SV, SL and Platinum trims; the entry-level S grade is a front-driver.

The Murano competes with well-known vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Edge. What Nissan does a bit differently is position the Murano as an upscale choice that occupies the grey area between the mainstream and luxury sections of the mid-size utility segment. Standard V6 power is part of that approach, but Nissan's luxury approach is better conveyed by the Murano's upscale interior appointments. Those are bolstered by new diamond-quilted semi-aniline leather seat inserts for the top-end Platinum trim. The refreshed interior also boasts new wood and metallic trim options.

All Murano trims come with navigation, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration platforms and the aforementioned collision detection and automatic braking functions.

SV brings a sunroof, AWD, remote engine start and a hands-free power tailgate.

SL grade adds leather seating, heated rear seats, upgraded sound system and a 360-degree exterior camera system.

Move to the top-end Platinum model for LED headlights, ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels and a power-adjustable steering column.