The 2017 Nissan Murano is smooth and polished—and that may be just the ticket for buyers who want a high seating position and the availability of all-wheel drive. The 2017 Nissan Murano is a five-seat crossover that sort of defies convention. Instead of following its rivals by trying to appeal to growing families or those intent on at least looking the off-road part, the Murano is plush and comfortable, something of a more palatable luxury crossover.
Pros Dramatic exterior styling Superb ride quality Silent cabin Classy interior design
Cons Safety tech should be available on S, SV Passenger seat lacks height adjustment Ride harshness with 20-inch wheels Value proposition not as impressive on SL, Platinum
The 2017 Nissan Murano ranks 6 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Nissan Murano offers the comfort, performance and refinement typical of luxury SUVs, but without the hefty price tag. Its interior outclasses those of most competing vehicles, and it delivers a cushioned, smooth ride over most surfaces. However, you may wish it were a bit more engaging to drive.
Pros Posh cabin Very comfortable seats Intuitive tech features Fuel-efficient for a V6 SUV
Cons Poor rear visibility Slow steering response
The 2017 Nissan Murano is a versatile five-passenger midsize crossover with ample room for all passengers. It's a smart choice if you want an upscale, V6-powered vehicle without the luxury brand premium. For 2017, the Nissan Murano adds Apple CarPlay functionality and a drowsy driver warning system. New driver assistance features are now available for the SV trim, while the Platinum trim gets a new Midnight Edition styling package.
Pros High-quality interior materials and unique design features Exceptionally comfortable front seats Right balance of power and fuel efficiency Spacious rear seats that accommodate passengers and car seats with equal ease
Cons Modest cargo capacity limits practicality Can't tow heavy weekend toys like some competitors Funky exterior design creates compromised outward visibility Advanced safety features are only available on upper trim levels
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is an all-new model.The amount of standard equipment on the RX 350L is impressive, but we recommend getting the Luxury trim level. On top of standard equipment such as tri-zone climate control, LED lighting and a power-folding third-row seat, the Luxury trim level adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats.
PROS Impeccable cabin finished with top-quality materials and construction Advanced safety features come standard Wide cargo bay makes it easy to load luggage and groceries
CONS Optional tech interface is clever but distracting to use while driving Less overall cargo capacity than competitors Third-row space is tight for anyone other than small children
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but it’s also a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional.
Pros Quiet operation, cushy ride, comfortable for five.
Cons Alien styling, miserly cargo hold, uncomfortable for seven.
