Nissan Murano 2009

• Competes with: Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Looks like: Nissan designers were watching a bit too much "Battlestar Galactica"
• Drivetrain: 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with CVT
• Hits dealerships: January 2008

Nissan really surprised people with the original Murano back in 2003. It handled much more like a car than the other midsize SUVs of the day. Now, the company is surprising us again with a radically updated look centered around a futuristic front end. The rest of the exterior design may be more middle-of-the-road, but no one will miss this coming down the street.

The 2009 model looks to be a significant redesign built on a new platform shared with the Altima sedan, with an all-new interior and the solid 3.5-liter V-6 used in many Nissans and Infinitis. The Murano comes in S, SL and LE trim levels and front- and all-wheel drive.

Standard on all trims is keyless ignition, keyless start, stability control, active head restraints, a tire pressure monitoring system, and both side-impact and side curtain airbags. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but we expect them to be similar to the current starting price of $27,830.