OREANDA-NEWS. After putting five leading midsize sport utility vehicles through a demanding testing process, Cars.com and MotorWeek have selected the 2016 Nissan Murano as the "Best Midsize SUV of 2016." The award follows the naming of the Nissan TITAN XD and Nissan Rogue last January as Cars.com's "Best Pickup Truck of 2016" and "Family Car of the Year" respectively.

"The Murano is the closest option to a luxury SUV in this group, with a level of cabin materials and styling flair that's largely missing among the others," said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Patrick Olsen. "The Murano's high points extend beyond its quality interior. The SUV is packed with technology and family-friendly features, and thanks to its V-6 power, the Murano is a blast to drive."

The contenders selected for the "Midsize SUV Challenge," in addition to Murano, were the 2016 Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia Sorento and the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Testing combined editors' evaluations on a set course, documentation of real world fuel economy and testing by an in-market family. 

"Murano has become a favorite of awards juries and consumers alike since the introduction of the totally redesigned third-generation Murano for the 2015 model year," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. "The Cars.com award is another great honor, adding to the 2015-2016 Murano crossover's streak of winning more awards over the last two years than any other SUV in its class1." Sales of Murano are up 35 percent this year to date.

The 2016 Murano carries forward new Nissan design direction with V-Motion front end, boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the Murano offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined lower-height instrument panel, wide center console, advanced Zero Gravity seating, and through the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

"SUVs are the family vehicle of choice in 2016, and the midsize category is one of the most popular with shoppers. This class of vehicles remains incredibly competitive, so we want to give shoppers a clear understanding of the best, worst and each option's value proposition," added Olsen.

About the 2016 Nissan Murano
The halo vehicle for Nissan's wide range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the 2016 Murano expresses Nissan's advanced design direction – including its V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique "floating" roof.

The stunning exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and through the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

Available technology features include NissanConnectSM with Navigation, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, Around View® Monitor, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and Travel Link® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, iPod® interface, 11-speaker Bose® (including dual subwoofers) premium audio system, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

Responsive driving is provided by a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive. Fuel economy increased around 20 percent from the previous generation Murano, thanks in part to reduced weight (approximately 145 pounds), low rolling resistance tires, active grille shutter, low 0.31 Cd, underbody covers that enhance underbody airflow and improvements to the Xtronic transmission

Available technologies include Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA)2. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)3 system utilizes radar to detect a moving vehicle behind the Murano approaching from either side.

The 2016 Murano is offered in four trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum – and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.