Howdy All,
Just to add another vehicle to the debate, (MDX vs Murano has been beaten to death) I thought I would mention the 4Runner. But before everyone has a fit, I do understand the vast difference in vehicle type between the truck based Runner and the Murano. But for me, the goal is to find the best new (Japanese) SUV on the market with a target price of ~ $30K US. So based strickly on personal preferences, my choice is down to Murano (SE, FWD, Popular Pkg) and 4Runner (Limited, V6)
I am used to and enjoy driving a truck (Explorer) but have been looking forward to a more performance based SUV (Murano)
After much anticipation, I was really disapointed with the look of the new 4Runner when it first came out. Its design seems dated next to Murano and the cladding is god awful ugly. But at least the Limited has a mono-color look and the boxy Runner has grown on me.
But while wating for the Murano here in Orlando, I stopped off and drove the Limited V8 a few weeks ago. Since the Runner was not a serious contender for me at the time, I only gave it a first over type of inspection. But what I saw was impressive.
The ride was very, very quite and smooth. The leather interior was very nice and the controls were well designed, even the strange rotary looking switch. I like the power rear window, power assisted hatch closing, and fit and finish of the vehicle. It does feel very truck like, but with sedan quality ride. So when the V6 Limited units arrive, I will take a much closer look.
I took my first test drive in the Murano today and I like what I have seen so far. I drove the SE AWD with Popular pkg. I was limited in the high traffic test drive area in terms of top speed and handling options. In D mode, the CVT kept the RPMs in the 2000 - 3000 range. After it got going, the enging pulled the vehicle well. When switched to S mode, the RPMs went to 4000 and stayed there (in my speed limited area). The next time I will do more experimentation with the D/S switch.
I looked at the visors to see if the cheapness factor was there as mentioned by others. They seemed fair in quality but I did not check the clips and I guess that is the issue. As best I could tell, handling was good and turing radius was fair but felt longer than the MDX I drove some time ago.
I thought the view through the rear view mirror looked restrictive, but it could have been the unusual shape of the mirror itself. I notices no issues with the visibility around the D pillar. I like the multi-position sunroof and control layout. I do not care for the shape of the shifter knob. (I know, I am picking a nit) but perhaps I can transplant a knob from the 350Z.
Overall a good first impression
Other Factors:
The Nissan dealership seemed ready to move the units he had on the lot. It being near the end of the month, Im sure he is feeling quota pressure. But I did not get the impression today that people were beating the doors down for the vehicle. I plan to string them out into Jan/Feb to hopefully get some price relief.
In this area, Costco offers a new care (now at $1500 over invoice, but expected to be at invoice soon) discount service. But in Florida, it does not seem to apply to Nissan. So the 4runner may have an edge in price. The V6 is around $1000 cheaper than the V8 engine.
I LOVE the charcoal leather interior of the Murano, wow it is sexy. But I have only seen white, gold and copper exterior colors.
In terms of performance, the edge will go to the Murano. I hope to see a good auto mag performance match-up with the Murano soon, but with the same HP and 1500 pounds lighter, the Murano should blow the doors of the Runner.
I Need to see drive both again and will add more data as I get it..
Take care
Just to add another vehicle to the debate, (MDX vs Murano has been beaten to death) I thought I would mention the 4Runner. But before everyone has a fit, I do understand the vast difference in vehicle type between the truck based Runner and the Murano. But for me, the goal is to find the best new (Japanese) SUV on the market with a target price of ~ $30K US. So based strickly on personal preferences, my choice is down to Murano (SE, FWD, Popular Pkg) and 4Runner (Limited, V6)
I am used to and enjoy driving a truck (Explorer) but have been looking forward to a more performance based SUV (Murano)
After much anticipation, I was really disapointed with the look of the new 4Runner when it first came out. Its design seems dated next to Murano and the cladding is god awful ugly. But at least the Limited has a mono-color look and the boxy Runner has grown on me.
But while wating for the Murano here in Orlando, I stopped off and drove the Limited V8 a few weeks ago. Since the Runner was not a serious contender for me at the time, I only gave it a first over type of inspection. But what I saw was impressive.
The ride was very, very quite and smooth. The leather interior was very nice and the controls were well designed, even the strange rotary looking switch. I like the power rear window, power assisted hatch closing, and fit and finish of the vehicle. It does feel very truck like, but with sedan quality ride. So when the V6 Limited units arrive, I will take a much closer look.
I took my first test drive in the Murano today and I like what I have seen so far. I drove the SE AWD with Popular pkg. I was limited in the high traffic test drive area in terms of top speed and handling options. In D mode, the CVT kept the RPMs in the 2000 - 3000 range. After it got going, the enging pulled the vehicle well. When switched to S mode, the RPMs went to 4000 and stayed there (in my speed limited area). The next time I will do more experimentation with the D/S switch.
I looked at the visors to see if the cheapness factor was there as mentioned by others. They seemed fair in quality but I did not check the clips and I guess that is the issue. As best I could tell, handling was good and turing radius was fair but felt longer than the MDX I drove some time ago.
I thought the view through the rear view mirror looked restrictive, but it could have been the unusual shape of the mirror itself. I notices no issues with the visibility around the D pillar. I like the multi-position sunroof and control layout. I do not care for the shape of the shifter knob. (I know, I am picking a nit) but perhaps I can transplant a knob from the 350Z.
Overall a good first impression
Other Factors:
The Nissan dealership seemed ready to move the units he had on the lot. It being near the end of the month, Im sure he is feeling quota pressure. But I did not get the impression today that people were beating the doors down for the vehicle. I plan to string them out into Jan/Feb to hopefully get some price relief.
In this area, Costco offers a new care (now at $1500 over invoice, but expected to be at invoice soon) discount service. But in Florida, it does not seem to apply to Nissan. So the 4runner may have an edge in price. The V6 is around $1000 cheaper than the V8 engine.
I LOVE the charcoal leather interior of the Murano, wow it is sexy. But I have only seen white, gold and copper exterior colors.
In terms of performance, the edge will go to the Murano. I hope to see a good auto mag performance match-up with the Murano soon, but with the same HP and 1500 pounds lighter, the Murano should blow the doors of the Runner.
I Need to see drive both again and will add more data as I get it..
Take care
