The all-new 2019 Nissan Murano debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show

What is it? The Nissan Murano, one of the pioneers of medium-sized crossover, was first introduced in 2003 and is now in its third generation.

Why is it important? The Murano is a workhorse in Nissan's Canadian lineup, bridging the gap between cheap, cheerful Rogue and the rough Pathfinder. Unlike most of its competitors, it is equipped with a naturally aspirated V6 – Nissan's award-winning 3.5-liter engine – with 260 horsepower and powering the front or all four wheels.

Like the Maxima and the Altima, Rogue and Qashaqi, the Murano receives the Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced active safety and driver badistance technologies, designed to offer 360-degree active badistance, accident prevention and pedestrian detection, "says Steve Rhind, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada. Add new second-row airbags and a pbadenger-side knee airbag and you get a fairly complete safety package.

When does it come? Nissan says the Murano will be at dealerships early in the new year.

Should I buy one? Canadians certainly think so: the Muranos have left the concessions since their restructuring in 2015. A little more talent inside and outside should not detract from its popularity.