Atlanta Auto Examiner's Top 10 Vehicles of 2021

 Atlanta Auto Examiner presents its annual list of top 10 vehicles we tested. Enjoy this list.

No. 10 GMC TERRAIN

No. 9 Subaru Forester

 

No. 8 Toyota C-HR

 

No. 7 Infiniti QX 60

 

No. 6 Nissan Murano

 

No. 5 Buick Encore

 

No. 4 Toyota Sequoia

 

No. 3 Nissan Rogue

 

No. 2 Toyota 4Runner

 

No. 1 Infiniti QX 50

 

2021 Toyota Venza: Attractive Styling, Great Fuel Economy

Toyota first introduced the Venza as a crossover SUV in the late 2000s/early 2010s. It was somewhat dismissed by critics (and the buying public) as just a wagon version of the Camry, Toyota's wildly popular sedan. But for 2021, the Venza is back as a new, mid-size hybrid crossover. 

Under the hood, the Venza has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 219 horsepower and an electric motor, linked to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. 

Fuel economy is rated at 40 mpg city, 37 highway. 

The new Venza offers sweeping exterior lines and dimensions, clearly distancing itself style-wise from its nearest relative, the RAV4. The interior features a Qi wireless phone charger, four USB charging ports and a standard eight-inch multimedia touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

In fact, the styling of this version of the Venza looks in many ways, on the exterior and interior, like that of its luxury relative, the Lexus RX350.

The Venza offers a maximum cargo space of 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Three trim levels are offered: LE, Limited and XLE. 

Pricing for the Venza starts at around $33,000 and ranges to around $41,000. 

If a small crossover with attractive styling and great fuel efficiency is your target, you might want to take aim at the Toyota Venza.  

2021 Subaru Forester: Almost Everything You Could Ask For

 

The 2021 Subaru Forester seems to be just right - that is if you're looking for an SUV that is comfortable, reliable and gets good fuel economy. If those qualities don't appeal to you, you can look elsewhere. 

The Forester has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. 

It offers seating for five in an interior that is larger than it would appear from the exterior. 

The Forester comes in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring. 

The base model features a maximum cargo capacity of 76.1 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. Other trim levels have a max of 70.9 cubic feet.

Fuel economy for the Forester is rated by the EPA at 26 mpg city, 33 highway. That is particularly impressive considering it comes with all-wheel drive, which can drag fuel efficiency. 

The Forester starts at around $25,000 and ranges to around $35,000.

This small(ish) SUV is an excellent choice when it comes to the key attributes most drivers are seeking. 

2021 Toyota Sienna: A Stylish Minivan, of All Things

 

A few years ago, some auto industry observers were predicting the demise of the minivan. SUVs had become kings of the hill, and it looked like the "soccer mom mobile" was headed toward extinction. But thanks to some redesigned models, that never happened. And today's tester, the 2021 Toyota Sienna, provides ample reason why the minivan is alive and well.

The Sienna offers seating for seven or eight passengers. And for this model year, it has been reengineered to be a gas/electric hybrid. Along with the mechanical changes comes a styling change that gives it a more muscular, athletic look. This clearly is not your grandmother's minivan.   

Under the hood of the Sienna is a 2.5-liter V-6 engine and two electric motors linked to an electronically controlled automatic transmission. That combo makes 245 horsepower. 

The standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel drive optional. The Sienna offers up to 101 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Sienna features five trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum.

Pricing starts at around $35,000 and ranges to around $51,000.

For a family hauler that is attractive and fuel efficient, the Sienna is a must to consider. 

Providence Canyon State Park: Georgia's 'Little Grand Canyon'

 

AAE recently made a day trip to Providence Canyon State Park. This park, also known as the Little Grand Canyon, is about 43 miles south of Columbus, Ga., in Lumpkin. 

The park is on 1,003 acres in Stewart County in southwest Georgia. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.

Huge craters, as deep as 150 feet, came about as the result of poor farming practices in the 19th century. The rare Plumleaf Azalea grows only in this region and blooms during July and August when most azaleas have lost their color, according to Explore Georgia. The beautiful colors of the canyon's soil range from pink to orange to red and purple. There are plenty of hiking trails that give you different views of the canyon, including from the canyon floor. 

Alaska: The 49th State is a Great Frontier to Explore

 

AAE recently made a trip all the way across country to visit Alaska. The 49th state offers abundant natural beauty, great food and a wondrous atmosphere that's difficult to describe. Pictured above is a panoramic view of Anchorage, the largest city in the state. 

Wildlife in Alaska is fascinating. Pictured above are a polar bear and a grizzly bear (after treatment by a taxidermist, of course). The size and power of these majestic animals is something to behold, even if they aren't live. 

This municipal building in downtown Anchorage offered a quaint setting for passersby to take in. Anchorage proved to be a very walkable city that offered a mix of restaurants and shops that can be enjoyed. 

Alaskans take pride and enjoyment in their "frontier lifestyle" that provides adventure and plenty to see and experience. This shop featured souvenirs, collectibles and all things Alaska that one might imagine. 

The culture of Native Alaskans lives on today, as is evident by this totem pole and other artistic expressions that you'll find in the area. 

This moose (again, treated by a taxidermist) stands tall and proud in the Anchorage airport. It gives visitors some perspective on how massive these animals are. 

2022 Nissan Frontier: Mid-size Truck has Big Utility

 

Mid-size pickup trucks are great because they offer you the utility of a pickup truck (cargo bed, interior room for passengers) without the large size and the challenges that come with maneuvering (and feeding) a large truck. The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a formidable entrant in the mid-size pickup category. 

This light-duty truck received a redesign for this model year, featuring less chrome over the body and a more rugged look. 

You'll get plenty of choices with the Frontier, starting with cab sizes. You can choose from king, which offers seating for four, or crew, which seats five. 

The crew models also give you a choice of short or long cargo bed sizes.

Next on your Frontier decision tree comes trim levels. There are three: S, SV and PRO-4X.

Another choice to make: do you want rear-wheel drive, which comes standard, or four-wheel drive (optional)?

Decisions, decisions.

Under the hood of the Frontier you'll find a standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

On the rear-wheel drive model, fuel economy is rated at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 24 highway. The 4WD model is rated at 17 and 23.

Pricing for the Frontier starts at around $28,000 and ranges to around $38,000. 

If you're in the market for a mid-size truck that can do a lot for you, check out the Nissan Frontier. 

2021 Lexus NX 300: Attractive and Sporty Crossover

 

If you're in the market for a sporty, luxury subcompact crossover, the 2021 Lexus NX 300 has got you covered. 

This sleekly designed machine is not only extremely attractive, but it has a surprising level of versatility that you wouldn't expect from a vehicle of this sort. 

Under the hood, the NX features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel available. 

Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 28 highway. 

The interior of the NX 300 is surprisingly roomy and comfortable. And it gives you the ability to haul some cargo if you desire, with a maximum cargo capacity of 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. With those seats upright, the NX 300 seats five. 

There are three trim levels featured: Base, Luxury and F Sport.

Pricing for the NX 300 starts at around $38,000 and ranges to around $46,000.

This good-looking, versatile, small crossover is designed to please. 

2021 GMC Terrain: Compact SUV Can Fit Many Needs

 

Compact SUVs provide motorists with some key advantages, such as the ability to haul people and cargo in a vehicle that is relatively small and gets pretty good fuel economy. Those traits are all present in the 2021 GMC Terrain.

The Terrain offers seating for five passengers. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 81 cubic feet with the rear seat and front passenger seat folded down.

Under the hood, the Terrain has a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel optional. 

The FWD Terrain posts fuel economy numbers of an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 30 highway and 25 and 28 for the AWD model. 

The Terrain is available in four trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. 

Interior room for the Terrain is about what you would expect, meaning that if you have a large family or need to haul a lot of gear, you should select something a little larger. But for small families or modest hauling needs, the Terrain is up to the task. 

Taller passengers or drivers might feel a little cramped in the Terrain on longer trips, so that might be a consideration as well. 

But overall, this is a quality small SUV that offers a nice appearance and a solid ride.

The Terrain starts at around $26,000 and ranges to around $38,000.

If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the Terrain deserves some attention. 

2021 Nissan Armada: Large SUV with Plenty of Appeal

 

With a new exterior look, the 2021 Nissan Armada is as attractive as ever and still serves as a great family hauler. 

This full-size SUV offers seating for up to eight passengers over three rows. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 95.4 cubic feet with the rear seating row folded down. 

Under the hood, the Armada features a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque and is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is a hefty 8,500 pounds. 

Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive optional. 

Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city, 19 highway with RWD and 13 and 18 with four-wheel drive.

Four trim levels are offered: S, SV, SL and Platinum. 

The exterior revamp follows Nissan's recent design language, which offers more rounded edges and squared off front and rear ends. 

Pricing for the Armada starts at around $49,000 and ranges to around $69,000. 

For a large SUV that has luxury-like features, the Armada offers plenty of appeal. 

2021 Lexus RX 350: Sleek Styling in a Versatile SUV

 One of the longtime stalwarts in the luxury SUV field, the Lexus RX 350 continues to impress with its latest style iteration and its versatility. 

This mid-size crossover offers seating for five and has a maximum cargo capacity of 56.3 cubic feet when the back seat is folded down. That's ample room for a family road trip or for an outing to the store to stock up on supplies. 

The RX features a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel optional. 

Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city, 27 highway with front-wheel drive and 19 and 26 with all-wheel. 

The RX 350 comes in two trim levels: Base and F Sport.

Recent style changes give the RX a sleeker look, with a profile that suggests motion. Interior styling remains luxurious in a subtle fashion, not overstated. 

Pricing for the RX 350 starts at around $46,000 and ranges to around $53,000.

For a versatile, stylish mid-size luxury SUV, it's tough to beat the RX 350.

2021 Infiniti QX80: Ample Size and Luxury Make for a Pleasant Ride

 

When you combine large SUVs and luxury characteristics, the results are usually pretty impressive. Such is the case with the 2021 Infiniti QX80. 

This full-size SUV has seating for up to eight passengers over three rows. It features a maximum cargo capacity of 95.1 cubic feet when the second and third rows of seats are folded down. 

The QX80 has a standard 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque and is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The standard drivetrain is rear-wheel, with four-wheel drive optional. 

Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city, 20 highway, or with the FWD option, 13 and 19.

The QX80 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, which is suitable for a boat or small camper. 

Three trim levels are offered: Luxe, Premium Select and Sensory.

Pricing for the QX80 starts at around $71,000 and ranges to around $85,000.

The QX80 offers plenty of interior space, luxury features and a smooth ride. 

Augusta: A Gem in the Eastern Part of Georgia

 

AAE recently visited Augusta, Ga. This city in the far eastern part of Georgia is most notable for The Masters golf tournament, held each spring at Augusta National Country Club. But it has far more to offer. 

It is home to Augusta University, one of Georgia's leading medical universities. The sprawling campus sits right on the edge of the city's downtown. 

The city also has the Savannah River running right through it, and it takes full advantage with its scenic Riverwalk area that lets people stroll, jog or bicycle right beside the body of water. And right across the river is North Augusta, S.C., which also offers lovely attractions and a great riverside presence. 

And the city has plenty of entertainment options, especially in the downtown area. There are quite a few shops, restaurants and bars that offer an eclectic mix of options. 

And perhaps most importantly, Augusta is the hometown of music legend James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, who is commemorated with a statue in the downtown area, and with an arena that bears his name not far away. 

Recent Technological and Innovative Developments Help to Reduce Carbon Footprint and CO2 Emissions, Report Says

 

Amid the devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, one bright spot emerged: a decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. in 2020. A report by the Rhodium Group, a global research firm, found that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fell 10.3 percent in 2020, largely attributed to the coronavirus pandemic. It was the largest drop in emissions in the post-World War II era. While it is likely to rebound to an extent, this monumental decrease will contribute to the United States’ pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 - 52 percent by 2030.

 

Georgia’s Clean Air Force, in partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, highlights recent technological and innovative developments that will help to reduce our carbon footprint and the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

 

“A large portion of the workforce will return to the office by the end of 2021, and because of the coronavirus pandemic, experts believe cars will change more in the next 10 years than they have in the last 100,” said Michael Odom, a Georgia EPD official. “Large contributors to this anticipated change are our carbon footprint and emissions as many companies and consumers are demanding innovations to reduce it.”

The following list highlights some of the innovations that Georgia's Clean Air Force cited in reducing emissions. 

 

1.    Auto Engine Shutdown. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that idling vehicles waste about six billion gallons of fuel and generate 30 million tons of CO2 a year. Current regulations call for 2021-2026 vehicles to decrease fuel consumption and emissions by 1.5 percent each year. New cars include auto engine shutdown, a feature activated every time the brakes are hit and the car comes to a stop. This technology boosts fuel efficiency by over 8%.

 

2.    Biofuels. A biofuel is any liquid fuel derived from biological matter such as trees, agricultural wastes, crops or grass and can be replenished swiftly. As a renewable energy source, these fuels are zero net emitters since they release the same CO2 that plants absorb to grow. The more we utilize biofuels, the less we rely on diminishing and environmentally harmful fossil fuels.

 

3.    Redesigned Engines. Global supply chains will never run properly without planes, cars, trains and trucks, but to meet the emissions regulations included in the Paris Agreement, researchers at Spain’s Polytechnic University of Valencia designed an engine that doesn’t emit damaging gases or CO2. Due to its size, it’s currently only being used for large vehicles, but redesigned engines for passenger use are in development. 

 

4.    Vibrating Foot Pedals. Harsh driving, such as hard braking or hard acceleration, significantly decreases a car’s fuel efficiency, sometimes by as much as 33 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To correct these habits, a technology was developed to provide feedback to the driver through foot pedal vibrations. Studies have shown that this will help cut fuel consumption by seven percent.

'Caffeine and Octane' TV Show Returns to the NBC Sports Network

 

"Caffeine and Octane" co-hosts (from left) world champion motorcycle drag racer Rickey Gadson, classic car expert Skip Smith, and master builder and designer Bryan Fuller. New season six episodes featuring amazing cars and their owners’ stories begin airing on Sept. 7 with new episodes airing between now and December 2021  Caffeine and Octane, the integrated brand behind North America’s largest monthly car show held at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, Ga., announces the return of its internationally acclaimed “Caffeine and Octane” television show on the NBC Sports Network, marking the start of its sixth season with all-new episodes kicking off on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 at 8 and 11 p.m. EST. Returning for season six of this popular all makes, all models TV series are its co-hosts: classic car expert Skip Smith, world champion motorcycle drag racer Rickey Gadson, and master builder and designer Bryan Fuller.    According to Executive Producer Ed Coughlin his team films each episode like a live TV event. “Much of the time we get one chance to capture the story of the car, and the car’s owner who built, bought, or dreamed up the creation.” For a deeper dive into our rich car culture, producers pivot their cameras to a more documentary style that weaves in interesting segments captured away from the Caffeine and Octane events.   Season six September episode highlights include special cars displayed at a British marque themed Caffeine and Octane event. Viewers can see a 1960 Jaguar Mark IX with a 3.8-liter DOHC six cylinder and owned by only one family, a rare aluminum body 1952 Jaguar XK 120 OTS, and a multi-concours winning 1969 Jaguar E-Type OTS Series II with a 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine set up to European specifications. And co-host Skip Smith visits the Savoy Automobile Museum being built in Cartersville, Ga. and scheduled to open in 2021.   On the other end from the historical automotive preservation spectrum are the enthusiasts who like to exercise their creativity. In September “Caffeine and Octane” will show viewers a 1992 Daimler DS 420 Landaulette limousine converted so the owner can drive it from the rear seat, which he says always makes onlookers do a double take. And the show will also visit a creative homeowner and car collector who combined old cars and landscaping to create a unique and beautiful theme for his home in the Georgia countryside.   In addition to rebroadcasts of popular past “Caffeine and Octane” episodes, new episodes will continue to premiere during select weeks on the NBC Sports Network between September and Dec. 28, 2021. Fans can mark their calendars and catch the new episodes, but they are covered if they miss one. If fans miss the 8 and 11 p.m. premiere on Sept. 7, they can tune in at 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. the following Tuesday and catch the rebroadcast. And the back-to-back episode scheduling gives viewers a full hour of “Caffeine and Octane” entertainment, automotive eye candy, and cool car enthusiast stories.   “We never know what we’re going to see at the live Caffeine and Octane events,” said Bruce Piefke, Caffeine and Octane CEO and producer. “And that approach also works for the TV show. Each episode is different, and we are always on the lookout for those special stories of passionate car enthusiasts that will surprise and entertain our worldwide audience.”   “Caffeine and Octane” is broadcast in 65 countries, and the broad appeal of this growing brand has helped Piefke and his team attract a variety of local and national sponsors.    Also returning this season is Caffeine and Octane premiere sponsor Hagerty, the collectible car insurance and valuation experts, a global automotive enthusiast brand, and the world’s largest membership organization for car lovers. Fans can watch the ”Caffeine and Octane” TV episodes and other automotive content on the Hagerty Media website.   Caffeine and Octane also welcomes new sponsor, AutoTempest.com, the powerful car shopping website that simplifies the consumers’ search and shopping experience by gathering car listings from top websites such as eBay Motors, Cars.com, TrueCar, Carvana, Cars & Bids, and more and instantly compiles the search results. ###

In new "Caffeine and Octane" show episodes that debut starting Sept. 7, 2021, co-host and classic car expert Skip Smith takes a look at a rare aluminum body 1952 Jaguar XK 120 OTS (above) and a multi-concours winning 1969 Jaguar E-Type OTS Series II with a 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine set up to European specifications (below). In the show's sixth season "Caffeine and Octane" co-host Bryan Fuller visits a creative homeowner and car collector who combined old cars and landscaping to create a unique and beautiful theme for his home. Fellow co-host Rickey Gadson, and admitted horsepower junkie, shows viewers a variety of performance cars that show up at the monthly Caffeine and Octane show in Dunwoody, Ga.

Greenville, S.C.: Fun City near the Blue Ridge Mountains

 

AAE recently visited Greenville, S.C., a city with a population of around 70,000 that has a fun vibe and offers ample natural beauty in the surrounding areas. 

Greenville is near the Blue Ridge Mountains, so if natural attractions are your thing, the city has that readily available. Greenville also boasts a lively downtown with shops, restaurants and art galleries that will satisfy your craving for nightlife, entertainment and creative appreciation. 

One of downtown's key attractions, Falls Park, gives you the best of both of the above worlds: a beautiful park featuring a rushing waterfall, in an area that is surrounded by eateries, bars and eclectic stores that offer stylish merchandise. 

2021 Toyota C-HR: Zippy Hatchback with a Touch of Style

 

After a few years of growth in the compact SUV market, momentum has now seemingly shifted to the subcompact hatchback/crossover segment. This vehicle category offers the fuel economy and convenient size of a subcompact car, but with a little bit of a styling twist and the hatchback rear that can offer better versatility. Today's test-drive vehicle, the 2021 Toyota C-HR, is a prime example. 

The C-HR offers seating for five and a maximum cargo capacity of 37 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The C-HR has, under the hood, a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 144 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. 

Fuel efficiency for the C-HR is rated at 27 mpg city/31 highway.

This hatchback comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited.

The C-HR offers a zippy ride that is perfect in crowded urban areas. Acceleration is adequate for merging onto a crowded highway. 

And despite this ride being a subcompact, the interior space is efficiently designed to be fairly comfortable. 

Pricing for the C-HR starts at around $22,000 and ranges to around $27,000.

If you're in the market for a stylishly designed hatchback that's good on gas, the C-HR deserves your attention. 

2021 Infiniti QX60: Smooth Ride, Pleasant Amenities

 

If you're in the market for a roomy vehicle that has great amenities, take a good look at the 2021 Infiniti QX60.

This mid-size luxury SUV has seating for up to seven passengers over three rows. It offers a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down.

The QX60's power plant is a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission. The standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel drive being optional.

The QX60 has two trims: Pure and Luxe.

Driving qualities are as smooth as you might expect, with ample acceleration and responsive braking. 

Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city, 27 highway for the front-wheel drive model and 19 and 26 with awd. 

The interior is spacious and neatly designed, though the center stack console is a little on the busy side. 

Pricing for the QX60 starts at around $45,000 and goes to around $53,000.

For an attractive and smooth SUV, the QX60 is a solid choice. 

2021 Toyota Prius: Veteran of the Hybrid Game Still Top-Notch

 

With the movement to decrease dependency on fossil fuels, hybrid vehicles have gained popularity in the past decade or so. One of the pioneers, the Toyota Prius, has been around for a good while and has developed a great reputation. The 2021 edition is no exception. 

The Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor linked to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel drive optional. 

Fuel economy for the Prius is generally rated at an EPA-estimated 54 mpg city, 50 highway. The base trim level (L), gets 58 and 53.

Speaking of trim levels, the Prius offers five: L, LE, XLE, 20th Anniversary Edition and Limited. The 20th Anniversary Edition features 17-inch alloy wheels and sporty black accents. 

The Prius provides a maximum cargo capacity of 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Pricing for the Prius starts at around $25,000 and ranges to around $33,000.

For a practical, fuel-efficient hybrid, it's hard to beat one of the original offerings, the Toyota Prius. 

2021 Nissan Murano: Beautifully Designed Mid-Size SUV

 

Perhaps the most striking thing about today's test-drive vehicle, the 2021 Nissan Murano, is the beautiful lines that form its silhouette. It is a distinctive design that is really eye-catching. 

This mid-size SUV has seating for five and offers up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space if the rear seats are folded down. 

The Murano come in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum.

The Murano's power plant is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 260 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional. 

Gas mileage is an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 28 highway.

Pricing starts at around $33,000 and ranges to around $46,000.

For a nicely styled mid-size SUV, the Murano deserves serious consideration.