2015 Nissan Murano revealed sporting new clothes

After declining sales, Nissan realized a major change was in order for the 2015 Murano. Taking cues from the mostly-adored Sports Sedan Concept that debuted this year in Detroit, the third-generation Murano ditches the toothy grille for a more familiar feel, while trading curves for angles.

And that's a good thing.

Nissan itself will be the first to tell you that the outgoing Murano was looking a little dated. It says that when it revealed the second-gen model back in 2009, focus was on improving the interior, not revolutionizing the exterior. For 2015, the brief was entirely different: Produce a car that is visually striking.

It blends the Sports Sedan Concept's aggression with the popular Qashqai's (and Pathfinder's) modern styling. In my eyes, it's a much needed improvement.

Under the hood sits the same 3.5-liter V-6 connected to a CVT transmission, pushing 260 hp and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. When it hits dealerships later this year you'll be able to select between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, as well as enjoying a 130 lb. weight saving over the outgoing Murano and a 20-percent increase in fuel efficiency. No word yet on pricing.

We'll see the midesize crossover SUV in the flesh in New York on Wednesday. Although if you were in the audience today at "Live with Kelly and Michael," you'll have seen it already. Which is nice.