What's New for 2015

Introduction

Nissan created some buzz last year when it showed its Resonance concept. A steep windshield rake, tapering roof line and ripped upper-body lines made the Resonance an auto show standout, but underneath its concept car exaggerations lay the skin of the 2015 Nissan Murano. Entering its third generation, the Murano should show a sharper and more wedgelike silhouette, punctuated by a variation of the "boomerang" headlights found in other recent Nissan products.

The Murano will use the same front-wheel-drive platform that underpins the Pathfinder SUV and Altima sedan, and its size isn't likely to grow much, if at all. Nissan has already ruled out a third-row seat for the Murano, citing three-row availability in the Rogue and Pathfinder already.

The Murano's 3.5-liter V6 engine should carry over with slightly better power and efficiency. The current engine makes 260 horsepower and returns 20 mpg combined. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) will send power to a choice of a standard front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive system. A hybrid version is also possible, and would use a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor similar to the system in the Pathfinder hybrid.

Sales of the 2015 Nissan Murano begin this fall. The oddball Murano CrossCabriolet is not expected to return. New style and improved power and fuel economy should make the Murano even better suited to contest against midsize crossovers like the Ford Edge and Toyota Venza. Check back for a full review of the 2015 Murano, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.