Murano replacement?

[oscillot]

I know I'm not the only person on here who isn't a fan of the second generation Murano. In my opinion, they ruined the elegant styling without introducing any compelling improvements in performance or technology. What are you guys thinking of replacing yours with? I'll probably go with a three row crossover to accomodate a growing family.

My contenders:
refreshed 2013 Enclave - should have GM's updated navitainment
refreshed 2013 Flex (2013 Ford Flex brings the funk)
2012 Explorer

Those new Ford Edges and Audi Q5s are really nice, too. But if you can get a three row for pretty much the same price, why not? What do you guys think?

[nitely]

I always laugh at third row seating. Even on mini vans third row seat are not as easy to get into... what more on cuv or suv. Its a forced option added on and only small walking kids can really fit there comfortably. I'd rather have a spaceous 5 seater anyday.

How about a hybrid ford escape?

[oscillot]

Agree that some third rows (Highlander, Outlander, etc.) are a joke, but I'm 6'1" and fit comfortably into the Enclave's and Flex's. I regularly shuttle around 5-6 ppl, so a larger three row CUV makes sense for me.

Design aesthetics and updated navitainment are also important, so the Escape Hybrid wouldn't work. Any other ideas?

[HVT]

I've had em' all and if you're young with a growing family, although you my not want to hear this, you'll never beat a minivan. Todays minis are excellent and you cannot match the room and versitility. Now they have AWD models as well. We've had many through the years and our last, our 05 Quest, was huge inside and the 3rd row was comfortable for adults as well.
But if you have to have an SUV, there are tons available.

[nitely]

I agree with HVT a mini van is best for a growing family. Its just the hang up of younger folks being seen driving a mini van. The bigger suv you get the more gas you have to spend. Hows 80 to 100 dollar fill up per week sounds to you?

[roman192]

I'm not a fan of the 2nd gen design either. When the first gen was introduced it was a jaw dropper, it's like the 350z of SUVs. The second gen was released into a crowded market. And I like the 2011 updated tail lights even less than the 2009-2010 models.

One thing I'm glad Nissan didn't do with the second gen was to not add a third row of seats like other midsize SUVs started doing. It just compromises the comfort of the second row.

My 07 is still awesome, but if it had to be replaced tomorrow I would be looking at either the Volvo XC60 or Infinity EX. (hate the current FX too)

If you're looking for value for money for a growing family, then I agree with the minivan suggestion.

[nitely]

Read recently on yahoo that the volvo xc was not so hot nowadays.

[oscillot]

Love the XC60's design, but its tech is very last gen. Would be a good used option, though.

Totally agree that minivans are more useful and economical, but I'm too design-conscious to own one as a daily driver.

[nipsirc]

If you are really thinking about accomodating a growing family then there is no other choice but a minivan.
But if the real reason is to look good and accomodate a growing family regardless of how uncomfortable they can be, then a CUV with third row seating is the choice. IN this case, like a Flex or an Enclave/Acadia or even an Outlook.
If it was me, I will choose a minivan no matter how bad it looks but my family will fit in comfortably and the price is cheaper than a SUV/CUV.

[oscillot]

Let's be real - the Flex IS a minivan. I'll probably go with that, unless the refreshed Enclave design is jaw dropping. Thanks, guys!

[HVT]

Originally Posted by oscillot

Let's be real - the Flex IS a minivan. I'll probably go with that, unless the refreshed Enclave design is jaw dropping. Thanks, guys!

True. It's a low ceiling minivan to me too.

[Pilgrim]

So far the only contenders I've found are the BMW X3 and the Mazda CX-7. Nothing else seems likely to have the power and the handling to compare with the Murano.

We raised two kids with Audi sedans, a 1999 Blazer and the Murano. Unless you have more than three kids, you don't need a minivan. My wife will not drive a minivan - and I agree.

If I needed a larger vehicle, my pick would be a vehicle that's not directly comparable to the Murano - having driven a Dodge Journey for a month while my Murano was in the body shop, I'd look at it with its 3rd row of seats before I'd look at a minivan. It had good power, plenty of room, wonderful storage space and the 3rd row folded down invisibly.

[bob1]

I dunno guys, sold the MO, still miss it. Have the Highlander, the newer ones look pretty good, not as nice on the outside as a MO. The HL is solid, no issues, rides like a dream. Still, have some second thoughts about buying it. BTW, I got one w/out 3rd row, have a cargo compartment there instead. It's just too big for 2 empty nesters. Really liked the Infiniti FX but the prices are in the stratosphere.

Bob1

[oscillot]

As far as two row luxury crossovers go, you really can't get any better than the Audi Q5 and Infiniti FX. Concur with Bob1 that they are on completely opposite ends of the value equation. The new Ford Edges are also really nice, if you need something more Murano-sized.

I regularly drive with four adults, and plan on having kids in the next couple years, hence my interest in three rows behemoths.

[doobabe25]

LOL at everyone telling this poor guy to get a minivan. There will be a snowball fight in hell before I ever considered one- I dont care if I had 45 kids. I know- its a bit much, but I hate them.

I love the new Explorers. Not sure where you live or if your considering 4x4/awd- but thats a huge advantage of an suv over a van too. I know they make the mini's with awd now- but its like a screen door on a submarine- useless. My dad's mini gets stuck in the driveway with awd. lol

That being said, I dont care for the new bodystyle either- hence I still have an 04. To me the new Mo's look "cheap"- not stylish and sleek like their former models.

I like the new Lincoln MKX personally, and that will likely be my next ride.