But for me I'm jaded. All midsize SUV's look alike with those least needing a 4 wheel enclosed panel truck being the most likely to drive one. And while the craze of these converted pickups is still red hot manufacturers know that families really don't want a 4-wheel drive truck, they really want a station wagon but are too embarrassed to drive one. Therefore the new crop of SUV designed for the urban warrior is more car like than ever before. Still they all look the same to me, not raising my pulse one beat.

However Nissan may have just produced something really different with their new Murano for 2003. So I grabed my friend Mark Alford and we went to State Line Nissan to check out this futuristic vehicle. For the last few years many of you have woke up to Mark as he hosted the Morning TV News show. Well Mark and his lovely wife Leslie are SUV drivers with Mark hailing from the center of SUV universe, Dallas, Texas. I figured Mark would be as good of judge of this new model as anyone.

As we arrived at State Line Nissan, Greg Kingberg, the Sales Manager had a gleaming White SE ready for our adventure. The Nissan USA website talks about "sculpture in motion" and the "Architectural front grill". Normally you have to discount such hyperbole but actually the Murano is very artsy unlike any other SUVs on the market. But it's not just the looks that intrigued Mark and I as we set off for a drive down Blue River Parkway.

The most unique feature of the Murano has to be its Continuously Variable Transmission. Unlike shifting between four or five gear ratios as in most transmissions this never shifts gears, but operates in a continuous power band that is smooth and responsive.

This is a far cry from the stark utility of the original sport utilities in that it wraps the driver in art and luxury while continuing the feel of safety and security. The power adjustable pedals and driver's seat that automatically slides back to facilitate your entry and exit become the components of luxury that you soon believe you deserve.

But in all of the room, luxury and yes even architectural art, this baby performs. The engine is very adequate for even the driver on a winding rough back road along Swope Park. It hugs the road and makes driving as fun as an SUV can ever be. And for Mark and Leslie, they can stash their kids and supplies for that total experience nestled between necessity and desire.