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 CTS Sport Wagon is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive (AWD) and can be equipped with either a 3.0-liter or 3.6-liter direct injected V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. We tested a top-of-the-line rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Premium model, with the 3.6-liter V6 producing 304 horsepower (HP) and 273 foot pounds of torque. (The 3.0-liter V6 produces 270 HP and 223 foot pounds of torque.)

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Cadillac CTS V6 Premium are 18 city / 26 highway miles per gallon.

We traveled over 600 miles in our handsome 3.6-liter Thunder Gray Chromaflair review unit and easily met the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 26.9 MPG on the Interstate highway and 21.7 MPG combined, with temperatures ranging from the fifties through the mid-eighties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid-sixties.

The test vehicle was delivered with just over 1600 miles on the odometer and was equipped with the optional Summer Performance Tire package, which includes:

• 19-inch polished aluminum wheels
• Summer-only Continental Conti SportContact3 tires
• Sport suspension system
• Steering wheel mounted shift controls
• Performance cooling system
• Performance disc brakes

(18-inch polished aluminum wheels and all-season tires are standard on the Performance and Premium model. CTS base and Luxury models are equipped with 17-inch wheels.)

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 26.3 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 27.5 MPG

The 3.6-liter V6 moves the CTS Sport Wagon off the line well. (And for those that desire the ultimate go-wagon, the chart-toppig CTS-V Sport Wagon will pin you back in the seat like nothing else.)

Highway driving range is good. All 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon models are fitted with an 18 gallon fuel tank and run on 87 octane regular unleaded fuel.

The Driver’s Information Center (located beneath the speedometer) provides two trip meters, oil change reminder, battery voltage, tire-pressure monitoring, average fuel economy, and real-time fuel economy, among other data. As always, we recommend using a real time MPG gauge to encourage a light-footed driving style.

If you’re considering a five-seat luxury SUV, try testing it against the CTS Sport Wagon. We found the ride and handling of the CTS to be much more to our liking, especially when the road got twisty. When things get a little too twisty, the CTS has both Stabilitrak-Stability Control and All-Speed Traction Control.

The Summer Tire Performance option package includes a six-speed manual-shift mode, with control over gear changes via steering wheel mounted controls.

All 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon models are equipped with four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS.

Slip behind the beefy wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and you’re bound to feel right at home with integrated audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls. The CTS Sport Wagon’s cabin whispers Cadillac, with hand-stitching and attractive Sapele wood trim.

The three-level heated and ventilated front bucket seats are handsome, comfortable and supportive with two-way power lumbar.

Cadillac’s trademark “infotainment” system’s LCD screen rises dramatically from the dash, providing digital audio, navigation, traffic, and weather data, along with the backup camera display.

The Bose 10-speaker sound system includes excellent USB iPod support, along with a 40GB hard drive for in-car digital audio storage. USB and auxiliary audio ports are located in the center console.

A one year OnStar subscription – including turn-by-turn navigation – is provided free-of-charge.

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

While not as roomy as a limo, the CTS Sport Wagon’s rear seats are quite pleasant, with 37.2 inches of rear seat headroom. The generously-sized UltraView panoramic sunroof brings a wonderfully open feeling to the cabin.

The CTS Sport Wagon’s power liftgate reveals 25 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 rear seats up and 58 cubic feet of cargo area when the rear seats are folded down. The center passthrough may be too small to accommodate snowboards. Adjustable cargo tie-downs and underfloor storage add versatility.

All-in-all, the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon offers an intriguing alternative for folks that prefer a sporting and luxurious ride, but need a bit more cargo room. With stunning looks and an air of exclusivity, the CTS Sport Wagon is targeted at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series wagons, both of which will likely sport fuel-efficient and powerful turbo-diesel engines here in America in coming model years. We hope that Cadillac follows suit.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sports Wagon Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 65%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Mexico – 17%
Final Assembly Point: Lansing, MI
Country of Origin:
Engine – United States
Transmission – France

An elusive trifecta that Jeep manages with a complete redesign and an all-new Pentastar V-6 engine. The only carry-overs from the previous generation Grand Cherokee include the 5.7-liter HEMI and the four-wheel drive system.

The exterior gets cleaned up and though it maintains the Jeep signature 7-slot grill, it gains some elegance that reminds you of the BMW X5 if you look at it from the rear. The interior gets a huge lift with standard features like 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, an info screen a la Audi between the speedometer and tachometer and spruced up brushed silver finishes.

Whether you opt for the base Laredo ($30,995) or the completely stacked Overland ($42,995), the interior surfaces are soft to touch and attractive. From basic cloth to leather with reverse-colored piping, the seating surfaces are attractive across the lineup, and the base center stack is just as well planned as the stack containing the optional navigation system.

All trims have the option of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains as well as the choice between the new V-6 that delivers 290 horsepower and the tried-and-true 5.7-liter Multi-Displacement System-equipped (MDS) HEMI V-8 that delivers 360 horsepower. While both engines are quite capable, the V-6 is a particular favorite that handles acceleration well, tows up to 5,000 pounds and delivers an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing V6 with ratings of 18 city / 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG). During a 2-hour drive in the 2WD model in combined conditions (and a fair amount of gunning it), I averaged 20.8 mpg.

While the capability of the V-8 grows with the ability to tow up to 7,000 pounds, fuel economy dips to 14/20 mpg (2WD) and 13/19 (4WD). It will be interesting to see how the MDS-equipped HEMI fares in extended real-world highway-mile testing, with the suspension lowered in Sport mode.

One downer, however: No plans have been announced to bring a diesel engine Stateside for this vehicle. (With Federal fuel economy requirements tightening, we’re likely to see a diesel-equipped Grand Cherokee by the 2016 model year.)

On road, the Grand Cherokee is a competent cruiser, managing highways and curvy roads equally well. Off road, new optional systems such as Selec-Terrain (which gives driving modes of Sand/Mud, Sport, Auto, Snow and Rock) and the three 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) allow this luxurious cruiser to turn into a go-anywhere vehicle.

Additionally, for 2011 the Grand Cherokee offers 45 safety and security features—most of which are standard—including full-length side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, four-wheel brake traction control, electronic stability control and electronic roll mitigation. Thus it shouldn’t be a surprise that this vehicle has already been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick.”

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equally at home on the trail as it is on the highway. And, the fact that it has stunning good looks makes it equally parkable in your driveway or with a valet at a nice hotel. So, if you’re looking for a single go-everywhere, do-everything cruiser, this all-new full-size SUV just might be “the one.”

- Jill Ciminillo

Editor’s Note: Jill’s blog, Drive She Said, has a slew of additional 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee pics

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Legacy 2.5i Premium are 22 city / 29 highway with the manual and 23 / 31 with the Lineartronic CVT automatic.

We traveled over 500 miles in our 2.5-liter CVT-equipped Azurite Blue Pearl sedan review unit and inched past the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 32.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 27.8 MPG combined in changeable spring weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid-forties through the mid-eighties.

Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the low-fifties The test vehicle was equipped with the standard 16-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels, clad with 205/60 R16 91V all-season tires, and was delivered with less than 1000 miles on the odometer. We’d expect mileage to improve a bit as the engine is run through its break-in cycle.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 31.8 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 33.6 MPG

While the 2.5-liter engine provides an adequate level of performance on regular unleaded gasoline, sport-oriented Legacy owners will likely opt for the turbo 2.5-liter Boxer four or naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter Boxer six. The 2010 Legacy 2.5i Premium weighs in at 3,275 pounds for the manual and 3,384 pounds for the CVT.

Highway driving range is generous. All 2010 Subaru Legacy models are fitted with an 18.5 gallon fuel tank. (While both naturally aspirated engines run on 87 octane regular unleaded fuel, the turbocharged four requires 93 octane premium unleaded.)

The Legacy provide two ways to keep track of real-time fuel efficiency: a cool old-school analog gauge and a digital display. The center-mounted digital display also provides two average fuel consumption counters, along with range to empty. (As always, we recommend using a real time MPG gauge to encourage a light-footed driving style.)

Ride and handling are solid. Like all Subaru models sold in the United States, the Legacy is only available with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive. Manual transmission-equipped cars use Continuous AWD with a viscous-coupling locking center differential, while CVT-equipped cars use Active AWD with an electronically managed continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch.

The CVT automatic provides a six-speed manual-shift mode, with control over gear changes via paddle shifters.

All 2010 Subaru Legacy models are equipped with four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, 4-channel/4-sensor ABS, and Brake Assist.

The Legacy’s cabin is comfortable, cleanly designed and driver-focused.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a full set of controls. The driver’s seat features 10-way power adjustability, with excellent two-way power lumbar support.

Our test unit was equipped with Option Package Nine bundle, which includes:

• All-Weather-Package (heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, and heated side mirrors)
• 440-watt nine-speaker harmon/kardon premium audio system with wireless Bluetooth phone capability.
• Power moonroof

An audio input jack is standard. USB iPod support is optional (although our test unit was not equipped with the USB option). There’s a twelve-volt outlet inside the center console and another at the base of the dash.

Passengers won’t whine about getting in the back seat. The Legacy is a comfortable sedan. Rear seat headroom is reasonable at 37.5 inches.

The Legacy’s trunk provides 14.7 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 rear seats up and sufficient room to haul larger items when the rear seats are folded down.

All-in-all, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is a solid choice for folks in the market for an AWD sedan and an excellent alternative to an AWD SUV or crossover in harsh climates. While current fuel economy numbers are good for AWD, we’re looking forward to the introduction of Subaru’s clean diesel engines in future model years, with a significant bump in both torque (50%) and fuel economy (30%) over the current gasoline-powered models.

Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 55%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Japan – 35%
Final Assembly Point: Lafayette, IN
Country of Origin:
Engine – Japan
Transmission – Japan