I have trouble believing it NEVER shifts - I think nissan has a small lockup torque converter that is used at very low speeds before the CVT takes over. So technically, isn't that 1 shift to the CVT. Once using the CVT it never shifts, it just "slides" to the optimal ratio.
The CVT is like a snowmobile transmission. This stuff is nothing new, but they were never built strong enough for use in vehicles.
In my opinion, Nissan has done an excellent job with the CVT in the Murano (towing capa 3500lbs; big powerful VQ engine). I do not have any other experience with CVT. (doesn't audi have 1 as well?)
J