We get a bit of seat time in Nissan's swoopy midsize crossover SUV at the 2015 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

2015 Nissan Murano

Pros
Styling
Slick-looking interior
Comfortable ride

Cons
Rear visibility
Buzz kill CVT
Vague steering, so-so handling

2015 Nissan Murano

Standing out in a crowd

The midsize crossover SUV market is one of the fastest-growing segments in America and standing out from a crowded field like this isn't that easy. Evidently Nissan's stylists had precisely this thought in mind when they created the Resonance Concept, which was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Aside from the oversize wheels, hidden door handles and tiny outside rearview camera displays, the rest of the design exercise remained largely intact when the production 2015 Nissan Murano made its debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

So what are our first impressions?

2015 Nissan Murano

2015 Nissan Murano

The 2015 Murano is available in four trim levels (S, SV, SL and Platinum), with a choice of front-wheel- or all-wheel-drivetrains. The only engine/transmission combination offered is a 3.5-liter V6 making 260 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque mated to Nissan's Xtronic CVT.

In an attempt to make this tranny more palatable to buyers used to a traditional automatic, Nissan has added what it calls "D-Step Logic" that adds the "feel" of a stepped transmission.

2015 Nissan Murano

Exterior

"Likely few people who saw Resonance in its North American International Auto Show debut imagined that we could build such a futuristic design" explained Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "But here it is, ready for the roads of the world less than 24 months later."

Other than the overall shape, major cues from the concept that carried over from the concept include its boomerang-style headlights and taillights, prominent glass areas and "floating" roof.

2015 Nissan Murano

Interior

Nissan's newest CUV also features a striking interior, with soft-touch surfaces and real brushed-metal trim. Other manufacturers may claim their interiors as being a "class above", but the Murano's really is.

Interior space is generous, the controls are intuitive and easy to use and the touch screen even features easy-to-understand redundant buttons for most major functions – not something we normally see on vehicles in this class.

2015 Nissan Murano

The only downside is that its swoopy good looks limit views out the back and rear three quarters.

So how does it all work?

2015 Nissan Murano

On the road

Although the Murano invites us in with good looks and a near-luxury interior, its styling writes a check that its chassis can't cash.

The V6 under the hood offers up plenty of acceleration and, when it's not being pushed, even the transmission is mildly entertaining. But put your foot into it and things quickly go south.

2015 Nissan Murano

Hard acceleration produces a lot of engine noise. Not that you want to hear that, because that means you'll have to deal with steering that insulates, rather than engages, the driver. As a result, you have a tendency to aim it, rather than carve, through a corner.

A turnpike cruiser it is, but it fails when it comes to on-road driving entertainment.

2015 Nissan Murano

2015 Nissan Murano prices

2015 Nissan Murano pricing starts at a reasonable $30,445 for a FWD S example and can top out at close to $45,000 for a fully optioned and accessorized Platinum model with AWD. The Pacific Sunset AWD tester we drove had a base MSRP of $40,600. The Platinum Technology Package ($2,260 – panoramic moonroof, forward emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, forward collision warning) plus floor mats ($210), illuminated kick plates ($350), interior accent lighting ($280) and an $885 destination and handling fee brought its price to $44,585.

2015 Nissan Murano

The Bottom Line

We found that there’s a lot to like about the 2015 Nissan Murano. Not only is it a knockout in the styling department, its luxurious interior and smooth ride makes it an ideal cruiser for those long freeway jaunts.

On the other hand, despite efforts to clone the actions of a traditional transmission, the CVT gives itself away when you put your foot into it and the ride, though smooth, lacks any pretense of sportiness.

Buyers looking for a long-distance cruiser that stands out from the crowd will be pleased with the latest Murano, while those seeking driving enjoyment would be better served by looking elsewhere.

2015 Nissan Murano