What a year this is for Nissan.

Japan's company that is "Most likely to Push the Envelope" is having a field day introducing new, dynamic -- and yes, edgy -- new products.

The first that's likely to come to mind is the popular Murano, which comes in an all-new package this year.

Being a Murano, the styling has to be daring, and the new model fills the bill with a controversial front-end grille design, that, to my eyes, is futuristic and elegant, with some of the most unusual headlights you'll ever see. But other people, I admit, may look at it and think otherwise.

This car has a gorgeous interior by the way, one that will remind many people of luxury products rather than a crossover.

The 2009 Murano is offered in five models: Murano S FWD, Murano S AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD and a new Murano LE AWD model.

The 2009 Murano S FWD, which has a base price of $26,330, includes standard features such as intelligent Xtronic CVT, dual-zone air conditioning, power front windows with one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse feature, push-button ignition, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat, auxiliary audio input jack, 18-inch wheels and much more.

The Murano S AWD has a starting MSRP of $27,930 and includes the extensive standard features on the FWD, along with Nissan's intuitive all-wheel-drive system.

You'll pay $27,880 for the Murano SL FWD, and you'll get all the features on Murano S, plus rear privacy glass, front fog lights, steering-wheel audio switches, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat and 60/40 split fold-flat rear seatback with power return. The Murano SL AWD, starting at $29,480, adds intuitive AWD.

The top of the line Murano LE AWD puts icing on the cake, with these standard items: 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-functional xenon headlights, Bose audio system with 11 speakers, XM Satellite Radio, Interface System for iPod, 7-inch color display, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, driver position memory (seat, mirrors, and steering wheel), leather-appointed seats, heated front and rear seats, power-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, interior wood trim, power liftgate, RearView Monitor and many others.

Power for all Muranos come from a 5-liter, 265 horsepower V-6 backed by a CVT transmission and adaptive shift control. Fuel economy is rated at 18/23.

The other news is an all new 2009 Nissan Maxima, a roomy, sporty sedan that returns the model back to its performance car roots. Prices range from $29,950 to $32,700.

The new Maxima's styling is clearly influenced by the GT-R, particyularly upfront. Its flanks have been smoothed out, there's an aggressive fastback roof design, and the interior, with its futuristic layout, will remind some people of an Infiniti model.

There's plenty of room inside, too, especially in the back seat, which is among the most comfortable in the business. Trunk room's awfully generous, too. Power comes from a 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower V-6 that gets 18/25 miles per gallon.