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 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid bet if you want a reasonably sized crossover SUV with plenty of backseat space. You can also upgrade to a powerful V6 engine, which is an unusual treat in this class. Let's see if this veteran player still has what it takes.
Pros Backseat has plenty of space and slides/reclines for added comfort Optional V6 engine provides quick acceleration Interior stays quiet at speed Rides smoothly on rough roads.
Cons Four-cylinder version feels sluggish and real-world mpg falls short of EPA ratings Less cargo space than some rivals Quality of interior materials leaves something to be desired Bluetooth audio isn't offered on L or LS.
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid compact crossover SUV. What it lacks in advanced powertrains, it makes up for in available tech. The Chevrolet Equinox has struck the right chord for many compact crossover buyers. It offers a range of powertrains, including front- or all-wheel drive; it can be fuel efficient; and it's relatively large.
Pros Inline-4 is frugal Space is configurable for cargo or people Plenty of power in V-6 Exterior style has been improved Relatively good tech
Cons No premium audio to speak of Rear visibility is a challenge Safety marks not quite top tier
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox ranks 5 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The Chevrolet Equinox was redesigned for the 2018 model year and sees some admirable improvements over the outgoing generation. It has a quality interior, plenty of standard features, and a good amount of cargo and passenger space. It rides and drives confidently but can be slow to get up to speed.
Pros Plenty of standard features Quality interior Stable handling
Cons Sluggish transmission
