This might just be the first SUV that could be called pretty.  Nissan’s all-new Murano enters a familiar market with a face that’s definitely something new.  It’s a banner year for sport-utility freshmen; Volkswagen, Porsche and Volvo are all fielding their first-ever SUVs in 2003, and the Honda Pilot joins the Murano and Toyota 4Runner in the all-new brigade.

There’s more here than just a pretty face, too.  Intended to compete in the growing field of on-road SUVs, the Murano rides on the same platform as the Nissan Altima.  Sweetening the pot are Nissan’s excellent 3.5 liter V6 engine, a gas-saving continuously variable transmission (CVT) and interior styling that looks like it was lifted from a show car.

The design continues in Nissan’s latest theme of sheetmetal that appears to be pulled taut.  The Murano’s taillights are curved slabs that accent the unique curve of the tailgate.  The D-pillar has an unusual, distinctive triangular shape, and the integrated roof rack and relatively high beltline give the Murano a solid, powerful look.  The large rearmost pillar and a tiny triangular window back there would seem to be a recipe for massive blind spots, but we found visibility to be uncompromised by the design.  A wide, leering chrome grill dominates the bullet-shaped front end, pushing the vertical headlights out to the sides, and we haven’t decided if we really like it yet.  It certainly won’t be mistaken for anything else, though.  Meaty 18″ wheels are standard.  Nissan has also chosen a unique and attractive color palette for the Murano, with an emphasis on metallic and wine-colored hues.

The Murano’s interior is stylish and modern without being bizarre.  The instrument panel is done in a unique modular style that seems at a glance to be separate from the rest of the dash.  The wide seats are comfortable front and rear, and the wide console is large enough to hold a laptop computer on end.  Soft-touch switches, aluminum accents and available multi-toned leather are upscale touches.  A large information display in the middle of the dash is a bit confusing and prone to being washed out by sunlight.  It’s more useful when the Murano is equipped with the optional navigation system.  Adjustable pedals are a handy option.  Other cool stuff includes dual-zone air conditioning, an available rear-seat DVD player and rear seats which fold remotely with a lever in the cargo area, eliminating the need to crawl around inside to fold the seats.  To keep things family-friendly, front, side, and head-curtain airbags are standard.

The 3.5 liter V6 under the hood has seen a lot of use in the Nissan family, and that’s a good thing.  It’s already been used in the Altima, Maxima, Pathfinder and Infiniti I35 and G35 to outstanding effect.  In Murano trim, the “VQ-series” V6 makes 245 horsepower and has no trouble moving this 3955-lb beast from Point A to Point B.  On the technological breakthrough side, the V6 is hooked up to Nissan’s first American-market continuously variable transmission (CVT).  This “gearless” automatic tranny, called the Xtronic, uses bands instead of traditional gears for smoother shifting and nearly unlimited gear ratios.  The result is a smoother and more efficient powertrain that never hunts for gears.  Our test drive was a short one, but we came away impressed by the Murano’s road manners and the calmness of the CVT even under hard acceleration.  The Murano is available in front- or all-wheel drive.

Underneath, the suspension is fully independent, with a multi-link rear.  The emphasis in on road performance rather than bashing through the boonies, and it shows immediately.  Although it’s priced to compete with the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, we found ourselves comparing the Murano to much more expensive iron like Mercedes’ M-Class and BMW’s X5 when it came to road manners.   Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability control is available; it modulates brake and throttle pressure in slippery conditions to keep the Murano pointed straight.  Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes are standard equipment.  Nissan also offers a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Murano is going on sale at the time of this writing, with a base price starting at just over $28,000 for a two-wheel drive model.  Our test truck was a two-wheel drive Murano SL, with the Premium option package.  Adding a roof rack, adjustable pedals, a six-disc BOSE CD changer in the dash, a sunroof and a cargo mat brought the bottom line to $31,484.  Considering the level of refinement offered by the Murano (not to mention the distinctive styling), that’s an impressive deal indeed.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Nissan Murano.
Length:         187.6 in.
Width:            74.0 in.
Height:            66.5 in.
Wheelbase:        111.2 in.
Curb weight:        3955 lb.
Towing capacity:    3500 lb.
Cargo space:        32.6 cu.ft. (seats up); 70.8 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price:        $28,199
Price as tested:        $31,484
Engine:         3.5 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain:         continuously variable automatic, front- or all-wheel drive
Horsepower:         240 @ 5800
Torque:         246 @ 4400
Fuel capacity:        21.7 gal.
Est. mileage:        20/25