The 2010 Nissan Murano is available in both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). All Muranos are equipped with a DOHC 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine, mated to a Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The V6 produces 265 horsepower (HP) and 248 foot pounds of torque.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Nissan Murano are 18 city / 23 highway miles per gallon in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive version.

We traveled more than 300 miles in our Tinted Bronze Murano SL AWD review unit and beat the official mileage estimates on the open road, achieving an average of 26.6 MPG on the Interstate highway and 20.3 MPG combined, with temperatures ranging from the mid-sixties through the high-eighties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the high seventies.

The test vehicle was delivered with approximately 8600 miles on the odometer. S and SL models are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and 235/65 R18 all-season tires, while the top-of-the-line LE model is fitted with 20-inch alloys and 235/55 R20 all-season tires.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 26.0 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 27.2 MPG

Although the Murano’s V6 provides sufficient grunt off the line, purists may take issue with the CVT’s pitch.

Highway driving range is good. All 2010 Nissan Muranos are fitted with a 21.7 gallon fuel tank and run 87 octane regular unleaded fuel.

Curb Weight: The front-wheel-drive version of the 2010 Murano weighs in at 3889 (S) / 3982 (SL), 4096 (LE) pounds, while the all-wheel-drive version tips the scales at 4043 (S) / 4208 (SL), 4250 (LE) pounds

The Murano is equipped with four-wheel ABS disc brakes (12.6-inch ventilated front rotors / 12.1-inch ventilated rear rotors), regardless of trim level or drivetrain. All models use Nissan’s Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) technology, with 2-wheel ABLS in the FWD models and 4-wheel ABLS in the AWD models.

Average fuel economy and real-time fuel economy displays are standard. The optional 7-inch LCD information center provides additional feedback, including historical fuel-efficiency charts. We always recommend using a real-time MPG display to enable the adoption of a fuel-efficient light-footed driving style.

The Murano is one of the best-handling Crossovers on the market, with a smooth and comfortable ride. But you’ll do well to limit your all-wheel-drive adventures. A car-like ride does have its limitations.

The cabin is a well-designed home away from home, with the requisite leather-wrapped steering wheel providing integrated controls. Optional Bluetooth integration can download phonebook information directly from a cell phone.

The Murano’s driver’s seat features eight-way power adjustment. The Leather option package includes two-way power driver lumbar support (manual lumbar support is standard), and two-level heated front bucket seats, along with four-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat.

Hands-free Bluetooth support is included with the Technology option package, along with a power liftgate, automatic on/off bi-functional Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated outside mirrors.

Our review unit was also equipped with the Premium option package, which includes a 7-inch LCD display with rearview monitor to ease backing chores, along with a nine-speaker Bose Audio system (which includes a dual-speaker subwoofer), XM radio, and relocated auxiliary audio input ports. Our tester was not equipped with the optional USB iPod input port.

The Murano has three twelve-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash, one inside the center console, and one in the cargo area.

We found the Murano’s back seat to be comfortable and spacious; there are 38.1 inches of rear seat headroom with the moonroof and 39.4 without.

Opening the optional power liftgate reveals 31.6 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 rear seats up and 64 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded down. Lowering and raising the rear seats is a snap. The cargo area’s underfloor storage compartment is divided into four convenient rows.

All-in-all, the surprisingly luxurious 2010 Nissan Murano delivers plenty of comfort and convenience to haul the family around in style. While we’d like to see better mileage, it might be just around the corner. Nissan has announced a significantly more fuel-efficient clean-diesel option for the European 2011 Murano. We can only hope that the thrifty diesel Murano finds its way here to America in coming model years.

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is available in both front-wheel and four-wheel-drive. All Crosstours are equipped with a SOHC 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The i-VTEC V6 produces 271 horsepower (HP) and 254 foot pounds of torque.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour are 18 city / 27 highway miles per gallon with front wheel drive and 17 city/ 25 highway with four-wheel-drive version.

We traveled roughly 400 miles in our top-of-the-line four-wheel-drive EX-L Nav-equipped Alabaster Silver Metallic review unit and vanquished the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 32.3 MPG on the Interstate highway and 24.5 MPG combined, with temperatures ranging from the sixties through the mid-nineties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid-to-high seventies.

The test vehicle was delivered with under 6000 miles on the odometer. EX-L models are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance Michelin Latitude Tour HP 225/60 R18 all-season tires, while EX models are fitted with 17-inch alloys and Bridgestone Dueler H/T 470 225/65 R17 all-season tires.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 31.7 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 32.9 MPG

The Crosstour’s sleek design and the V6’s Variable Cylinder Management system deliver a high level of efficiency out on the open road. At steady-state cruising, the VCM system shuts down one bank of the V6 and the Crosstour motors along happily on just a trio of cylinders. The engine switches to four-cylinder mode when a bit more power is needed and to all six cylinders under heavy acceleration. Active Sound Control delivers noise canceling sound waves through the sound system, while Active Engine Mounts compensate for any additional vibration.

Highway driving range is good. All 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour models are fitted with an 18.5 gallon fuel tank and are engineered to run on 87 octane regular unleaded fuel.

The front-wheel-drive EX version weighs in at 3852 pounds, while the EX-L’s curb weight tips 3887 pounds with front-wheel-drive and 4070 pounds in four-wheel-drive form.

All 2010 Honda Accord Crosstours are equipped with four-wheel power-assisted ABS disc brakes (11.7-inch ventilated front rotors 12-inch solid rear rotors). The 4WD Crosstour uses a real time hydraulically actuated 4WD system that sends power to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose grip.

A simple Eco indicator light, along with average fuel economy and real-time fuel economy displays provide the feedback needed to adopt a light-footed driving style to get the most out of every gallon of fuel.

The Crosstour’s ride is smooth and quiet, with handling a bit more sporty than one might expect from an Accord.

The cabin is comfortable and well-equipped. The Crosstour’s leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls. Bluetooth integration includes phonebook downloads.

Front bucket seats provide two-level heating. The driver’s seat features 10-way power adjustment (with two-position memory) and two-way power lumbar support.

The optional navigation system’s LCD screen is recessed deeply in the dash to avoid glare. The system provides voice recognition, restaurant ratings, calculator and calendar features. The backup camera display and reverse gear tilt-down side mirrors eases parking chores.

The 7-speaker 6-disc 360-watt sound system provides comprehensive USB iPod support. USB and auxiliary audio ports are tucked inside the center console. XM Radio is standard in the EX-L.

There are three twelve-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash, one inside the center console, and one in the cargo area.

Friends and family won’t squawk about riding in the spacious back seat. Despite the sloping roof, the Crosstour provides 37.2 inches of rear seat headroom. A one touch moonroof is standard in the EX-L.

Although it lacks a power liftgate, the Crosstour aced our Costco trek test. Lowering the rear seats is quick and easy. The Crosstour provides 25.7 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 rear seats up and 51.3 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded down. There are three underfloor storage compartments.

All-in-all, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour delivers a sleek, unique, well-mannered and comfortable alternative to conventional SUVs and more pedestrian Crossovers. It’s been said that Europeans appreciate the virtues of station wagons – which they refer to as Touring models – far more than Americans. The name Crosstour is clearly a combination of Crossover and Touring … and perhaps a hint of what’s to come.

Honda Accord Crosstour Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 75%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Japan – 15%
Final Assembly Point: East Liberty, OH
Country of Origin:
Engine – United States
Transmission – United States

The 2010 Cadillac SRX is available in both FWD and AWD configurations, and can be fitted with a direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 or a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The 3.0-liter engine produces 265 horsepower (HP) and 223 foot pounds of torque, while the turbocharged V6 delivers 300 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 3.0-liter equipped FWD Cadillac SRX are 18 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The AWD 3.0-liter SRX is rated at 17 city / 23 highway, while the turbocharged AWD SRX is rated at 15 / 21.

We rolled up well over five hundred miles on the odometer of our 3.0-liter Radiant Silver SRX FWD Premium review unit and met the official mileage estimates with an average of 25.3 MPG on the Interstate highway and 19.8 MPG combined in winter temperatures.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the twenty through forty degree range. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the high thirties. The test vehicle was equipped with 20-inch aluminum wheels (base wheel size is 18-inches) and delivered with just over 300 miles on the odometer. (Fuel efficiency may rise after the engine has run through a proper break in period.)

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat on, driver seat heated, windows up: 24.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat on, driver seat heated, windows up: 25.9 MPG

The direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 does an acceptable job off the line in FWD trim. The SRX is hefty, with a curb weight of 4224 pounds for the 3.0-liter FWD SRX and 4307 for the AWD SRX.

The 2010 SRX is to be commended for its pair of instantaneous fuel economy displays. As always, we recommend the conscientious use of an instant fuel-economy gauge to help develop a light-footed fuel-efficient driving technique.

In addition to the real-time fuel economy display, the 2010 SRX’s Driver’s Information Center displays current speed limit, navigation, tire pressure, oil life, average fuel economy, trip meter, and fuel range, among other data.

The SRX is equipped with a 21.0 gallon gas tank and is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

The SRX’s cabin is distinctive, comfortable, and packed with features for the driver and passengers alike. Our SRX Premium test unit was loaded up with all the goodies, starting with leather appointed seats with heated and ventilated front buckets. The 8-way power front seats provide power lumbar support and memory settings for the driver seat as well as for the outside mirrors. Passengers are treated with a heated and reclining 60/40 rear bench, three-zone heating and air-conditioning, and rear seat audio controls.

The optional rear seat entertainment system provides dual LCD screens with wireless headphones and remote control.

The SRX’s navigation system is housed in an 8-inch touch screen that rises dramatically from the dash. Backup and parking is a snap with a standard rear camera display and rear parking assist.

The ten-speaker XM Satellite-equipped Bose audio system provides auxiliary and USB inputs. A 40 GB internal hard drive provides plenty of on-board storage for digital music files. iPod support provides access to playlists from the dash and steering wheel controls. Bluetooth is standard and a year of On-Star service (with turn-by-turn navigation) is included, along with 90 days of XM Satellite radio.

The SRX is fitted with power outlets at the base of the dash, inside the center console, at the back of the console, and in the cargo area.

A power programmable liftgate is standard in the Premium model, along with remote keyless entry, adaptive remote start and adjustable pedals.

The SRX provides 61.1 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats down. While our test unit was equipped with the U-Rail system, the adjustable cargo fence was not available at the time of testing.

The SRX provides innovations not found in other small crossover SUVs. The Ultra-View sunroof provides a remarkable view of the sky, while the Adaptive Forward Lighting system follows the SRX’s steering around curves.

All-in-all, the five-passenger 2010 Cadillac SRX delivers distinctive style and a solid ride, along with plenty of creature comforts, conveniences and tech goodies. We look forward to future models that deliver a significant upgrade in fuel economy.

While the Opel Antara is offered with a fuel-efficient clean diesel engine in Europe, America will likely see a hybrid variant to compete with the Lexus 450h.

The 2010 Chevy Equinox is available in both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, and can be fitted with a 2.4-liter inline four or 3.0-liter V6 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is used exclusively. The four cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower (HP) and 172 foot pounds of torque, while the V6 delivers 260 HP and 222 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the four-cylinder equipped FWD 2010 Chevy Equinox are 22 city / 32 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The AWD Equinox is rated at 20 city / 29 highway MPG.

The Equinox delivers. We rolled up more than five hundred miles on the odometer of our Navy Blue Metallic AWD review unit and nailed the official mileage estimates with an average of 29.6 MPG on the Interstate highway and 25.4 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the low seventies to low eighties. Interstate highway testing temperatures ranged from the mid seventies to eighty degrees. It’s worth noting that our test vehicle had just hundreds of miles on the odometer when delivered. We’d expect the fuel efficiency to rise once the engine is run through its break in period. Our highway testing showed little impact when running the A/C (the tenth a mile difference was due to road conditions during the A/C off cycle).

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 28.6 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 30.6 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, windows up: 28.7 MPG

While the fuel-efficient inline four’s acceleration isn’t blistering, it’s adequate for the Equinox 2LT’s 3770 pound curb weight.

As always, we recommend driving with the instantaneous fuel economy display active, in order to achieve the best gas mileage with a light-footed driving technique.

In addition to the real-time fuel economy display, the 2010 Equinox’s Driver’s Information Center provides tire pressure data, oil life, average fuel economy, two trip meters, and fuel range, among other statistics.

An 18.0 gallon gas tank provides for a chart-topping highway range. Both the I4 and V6 engines are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

The 2010 Equinox is decidedly car-like as it delivers a comfortable and quiet ride.

Whether you’re headed to a soccer tournament across the state or to the mountains a day away, the five-passenger Equinox’s ride, fuel-efficiency and interior capacities and amenities are most welcome.

An 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support is standard on the Equinox 2LT, as is Bluetooth phone support. Leather appointed seats with heated front buckets are optional in the 2LT (and standard in the LTZ).

Climate control is single-zone and seat memory is available only in the LTZ (as standard equipment). OnStar is included.

When you shift the Equinox into reverse, the Equinox 2LT’s standard rearview mirror-based Rear Camera display activates, making backing chores less difficult.

The eight-speaker XM Satellite-equipped Pioneer audio system includes both auxiliary and USB inputs. iPod support is quite good, with access to playlists from the dash and steering wheel controls.

Our Equinox review unit was outfitted with the optional Audio System and dual screen DVD Rear Seat Entertainment package, complete with remote control and two headsets.

There are power outlet at the base of the dash, inside the center console, at the back of the console (along with A/V inputs for the game console), and in the cargo area.

Rear seat leg and headroom are abundant. The 60/40 split MultiFlex rear seat slides forward and backward to accommodate passengers and cargo. A power liftgate is optional on the 2LT and standard on the LTZ. The 2010 Equinox provides plenty of space for to haul your stuff home from Costco, with 63.7 cubic feet of cargo volume.

All-in-all, the 2010 Chevy Equinox has the potential to shake up the crowded five-seat crossover segment with its combination of ride, quiet, comfort, and fuel economy.

Available in both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the top-of-the-line Traverse LTZ is fitted with a 3.6-liter V6 and Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produces 288 horsepower (HP) and 270 foot pounds of torque. (The Traverse LS and LT use a slightly less powerful, but similarly sized V6, with ratings of 281 HP and 266 foot pounds of torque.)

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Chevy Traverse FWD LTZ are 17 city / 24 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The AWD Traverse is rated at 16 city 23 highway.

We put well over five hundred miles on the odometer of our Dark Cherry Metallic FWD review unit and eased past the official mileage estimates with an average of 25.6 MPG on the Interstate highway and 21.9 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures were in the upper sixties to low eighties. Interstate highway testing temperatures ranged from the high seventies to eighty degrees.

Interstate

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 25.6 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 27.1 MPG
• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, windows up: 24.0 MPG

Two-Lane County Highway

• Cruise control off, target speed 55-62 MPH, windows down, A/C & DVD on, 6 passengers: 22.4 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 55-62 MPH, windows up, A/C off, 6 passengers: 26.3 MPG

The seven-passenger Traverse provides a solid combination of fuel-efficiency and performance. The 22.0 gallon gas tank allows a generous amount of range on the open road, while the V6 is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

The Driver’s Information Center provides two trip meters, average fuel economy, instant fuel economy, and tire pressure data, among other stats.

As always, we recommend driving with the instant fuel economy display active, in order to achieve the best gas mileage with a light-footed driving technique.

While maneuvering a seven-passenger crossover can be a chore in tight spaces, the Traverse LTZ provides a trio of helpful features. These are especially welcome, given the vehicle’s rearward visibility.

When you drop the Traverse into reverse, the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and Navigation System-based Rear Camera are invaluable. But our favorite of the trio is the passenger side rearview mirror that automatically tilts to show the road surface as you back up. This aids in parking by helping to avoid those pesky clipped curbs. The side mirrors are also outfitted with blind spot helpers.

The Traverse LTZ cabin is extra kind to the captain and first mate. An 8-way power driver’s seat is standard, as is lumbar support, and extensive automatic settings. The leather-trimmed front seats aren’t just heated, they’re air-conditioned, as well. (This just might be our favorite feature on a hot sticky summer day.) The climate controls are tri-zone, with rear ceiling vents.

Our test unit was decked out with the optional Dual Skyscape Sunroof and DVD Rear Seat Entertainment package.

There’s a 12-volt outlet at the base of the dash, 12-volt and 115-volt outlets at the back of the center console, and another 12-volt outlet in the cargo area.

While we were disappointed that digital audio system lacked USB input and was limited to simple auxiliary jacks, there are two – one on the dash, and the other in the second row, where you’ll also find A/V inputs.

The audio systems touch screen controls make it easy to find the right station for the times when your eyes needn’t be on the road. And for those that do, the steering wheel puts it at your fingertips. Both Bluetooth support and OnStar are standard issue.

All-in-all, we found the Traverse LTZ to be a feature-packed family cruiser, with plenty of space and all the amenities, whether you’re running the local route or on a long-distance road trip. This modern crossover is well-worth a look for folks ready to swap out of a more thirsty conventional full-size SUV.