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
For 2017, the current-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid receives its first significant update. Its gasoline engine is more powerful and efficient, and the exterior styling has a fresh look to it. There are also a couple of new, more affordable trim levels this year. Finally, the Toyota Safety Sense suite of accident avoidance features is now standard equipment.
Pros Impressive fuel economy for a three-row crossover Just-right size for many families Added peace of mind from standard accident-avoidance tech Quiet and compliant ride
Cons Price premium unlikely to be made up with gas savings Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach
The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks 1 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid becomes even more versatile and affordable for 2017, with the addition of two new trims and an eighth seat. It has an impressive list of family-friendly features available, along with a spacious, well-built cabin. Unsurprisingly, it delivers class-leading fuel efficiency. In a nutshell, this is a safe, reliable SUV that just happens to be a hybrid.
Pros Energetic, fuel-efficient powertrain Impressive list of standard safety features User-friendly, upscale interior
Cons More expensive than most midsize SUVs
A thorough refresh keeps the 2017 Toyota Highlander ahead in a very tough game. Under the hood, a new V6 engine puts out more power and connects to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. A new suite of standard safety systems includes active cruise control and automatic collision avoidance, combining with Top Safety Pick + crash-test rating from the IIHS for peace of mind. There's also seating for eight passengers, with decent cargo space behind the third row. The interior design includes tons of clever features to make living with the Highlander easier, and the exterior gets a new grille that's, well, really big. Put it together, and Toyota's midsize SUV will continue to be a best-seller for all the right reasons.
Pros The 2017 Toyota Highlander's emphasis on safety complements its existing strengths of comfort, economy, reliability and resale value. The new engine gets more power and better fuel economy, and the exterior styling is sure to turn heads.
Cons The Highlander can haul eight passengers, and it can carry a decent amount of stuff, but it lags competitors like the Honda Pilot in both. Additionally, if you need real off-road capability, or towing capacity greater than 5,000 pounds, check out full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia.
