Nissan Murano or Acura RDX
05-04-2015, 10:22 PM
#1
Nissan Murano or Acura RDX
Hello,
This is my first post here.
I am in market for luxurious SUV, but not willing to go beyond $40000. I read lot of posts and did test drive on few SUVs.
I am able to narrow down my choices to Nissan Murano and Acura RDX. I did test drives on both of them, but still need to do it once again.
I may buy or may lease, yet to decide. I will definitely keep them for next 4 years. After that, not sure if I will stay in US or not.
People who have experience on both SUVs or who are in same shoe, would like to comment on my confusion ? Your opinions will help me to give me confidence to go with one.
Regards
This is my first post here.
I am in market for luxurious SUV, but not willing to go beyond $40000. I read lot of posts and did test drive on few SUVs.
I am able to narrow down my choices to Nissan Murano and Acura RDX. I did test drives on both of them, but still need to do it once again.
I may buy or may lease, yet to decide. I will definitely keep them for next 4 years. After that, not sure if I will stay in US or not.
People who have experience on both SUVs or who are in same shoe, would like to comment on my confusion ? Your opinions will help me to give me confidence to go with one.
Regards
05-04-2015, 11:31 PM
#2
Intermediate
Since you're comparing a Nissan against an Acura, then I assume you don't care about brand prestige. That said, what is more important to you? Price? Or luxury?
If price is more important to you, you can get some pretty good deals on the 2015 RDX right now. (Also, the RDX is likely to depreciate less than the Murano.)
If luxury is more important, get the 2015 Murano. It has a much nicer interior.
If you still can't make up your mind, flip a coin. They're both nice vehicles.
If price is more important to you, you can get some pretty good deals on the 2015 RDX right now. (Also, the RDX is likely to depreciate less than the Murano.)
If luxury is more important, get the 2015 Murano. It has a much nicer interior.
If you still can't make up your mind, flip a coin. They're both nice vehicles.
05-04-2015, 11:44 PM
#3
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Honda CRV
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05-04-2015, 11:54 PM
#5
05-05-2015, 12:00 AM
#6
Intermediate
CVTs sometimes get a bum rap. That's because CVTs are often paired to weedy little engines that need their necks wrung to produce any meaningful results, making for tiresome motoring.
The Murano's 3.5-liter V6, however, has torque at low revs with no waiting. It turns out that ample low-end torque is a key enabler allowing CVTs to shine. In the Murano, there's always plenty of thrust on tap, no matter where the tach needle points, so the CVT doesn't need to zing the revs to redline just to move off the line. Nice.
Plus - and this is the clincher - the CVT is always smooth. When left to its own devices, there's zero shift-shock. None. There's just an endless, seamless hydraulic shove as you accelerate from zero to whatever mph. No traditional transmission can touch the CVT in this respect. Freeway passing is a breeze.
Two hundred-and-sixty horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque may not sound like a whole lot when it comes to punting around a near-4,000-pound wagon, but the Murano makes it work way better than you'd think.
The Murano's 3.5-liter V6, however, has torque at low revs with no waiting. It turns out that ample low-end torque is a key enabler allowing CVTs to shine. In the Murano, there's always plenty of thrust on tap, no matter where the tach needle points, so the CVT doesn't need to zing the revs to redline just to move off the line. Nice.
Plus - and this is the clincher - the CVT is always smooth. When left to its own devices, there's zero shift-shock. None. There's just an endless, seamless hydraulic shove as you accelerate from zero to whatever mph. No traditional transmission can touch the CVT in this respect. Freeway passing is a breeze.
Two hundred-and-sixty horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque may not sound like a whole lot when it comes to punting around a near-4,000-pound wagon, but the Murano makes it work way better than you'd think.
05-05-2015, 12:01 AM
#7
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
Yes ^
We love our new CRV. You can get a fully loaded Touring model for about 33k if you opt for AWD. For the Touring, you get adaptive cruise control, Lane keeping assist, power tailgate, LED DRLs, Nav, proximity key, ect.
FWD models are rated at 34 mpg highway. We are averaging 28 with mixed driving.
We have 400 miles on ours, and we have zero complaints, other than I wish I could have talked her into the EX-L for leather, dual zone HVAC, and XM radio.
We love our new CRV. You can get a fully loaded Touring model for about 33k if you opt for AWD. For the Touring, you get adaptive cruise control, Lane keeping assist, power tailgate, LED DRLs, Nav, proximity key, ect.
FWD models are rated at 34 mpg highway. We are averaging 28 with mixed driving.
We have 400 miles on ours, and we have zero complaints, other than I wish I could have talked her into the EX-L for leather, dual zone HVAC, and XM radio.
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05-05-2015, 12:05 AM
#8
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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Jeep Cherokee Limited with the v6
05-05-2015, 12:13 AM
#10
The Third Ball
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over 10k and solid. serves the wife well...and even though she aint so great at keeping it clean...the interior has held to the abuse of two 4 year olds.
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crazyasiantl (05-05-2015)
05-05-2015, 12:21 AM
#12
Car Crazy for Sure!
One issue I look at is the "residual value" at the 3 and 5 yr. points. I'm guessing the RDX will be better.
Go to a Nissan dealer and ask about a lease....and what the residual value is at the 3 and 5 yr. points.
Then....do the same at an Acura dealer.
For me...the CVT trans. is an immediate "no go."
But, value and what customers really look for on the "used lots." They look for CRV's and Acura's...most often. Dealers love them on the lots...they don't last long. They give more for them and get more for them.
I've owned many...way too many...Hondas and Acuras...never sorry for any of them in my garage. Right now...great buys on the '15 RDX's that are on many Acura dealer's lots...some in large numbers. My dealer has 56 of them...or close to it. But, they are selling. One salesman sold 3 in one day. Great SUV for a great price...with the '16's starting to show up now.
Go to a Nissan dealer and ask about a lease....and what the residual value is at the 3 and 5 yr. points.
Then....do the same at an Acura dealer.
For me...the CVT trans. is an immediate "no go."
But, value and what customers really look for on the "used lots." They look for CRV's and Acura's...most often. Dealers love them on the lots...they don't last long. They give more for them and get more for them.
I've owned many...way too many...Hondas and Acuras...never sorry for any of them in my garage. Right now...great buys on the '15 RDX's that are on many Acura dealer's lots...some in large numbers. My dealer has 56 of them...or close to it. But, they are selling. One salesman sold 3 in one day. Great SUV for a great price...with the '16's starting to show up now.
05-05-2015, 12:23 AM
#13
Intermediate
The RDX transmission is pretty well regarded. It sounds like the CVT in the Murano is even better. You should take another test drive and see if you can tell a difference.
05-05-2015, 01:03 AM
#14
I personally feel the whole CVT argument is blown way out of proportion by the enthusiast crowd. We currently own an 06 Murano and it too has a CVT. It has ample power for passing and from a minor roll. However my only issue is that it lacks ths snap effect of a conventional automatic from a stand still. It can also groan, but that is only during acceleration and it is usually not really that bad and goes away when cruising at an even speed.
Keep in mind, the new 2015 muranos have probably the 4th or 5th generation of the CVT in our murano and I know that in every generation, they upgrade the quietness and responsiveness. I would be willing to bet that the new CVT drives almost exactly like a regular automatic.
In terms of fuel economy, I can understand why they help, they keep the revs very low even on the highway, however I think that with the advent of 7 and 8 speed autos (which nissan makes a mean 7 speed auto), the CVT is now obsolete.
To get back to the original post, I can see the new Murano keeping up a fairly good resale value, much better than that of the current RDX (at least in my area that is). I also personally see it as a step up from the RDX and featuring a few options not present on the RDX, mainly pano roof and a couple other luxury touches. Go test it yourself and see what you feel, it is pretty darn slick now.
Keep in mind, the new 2015 muranos have probably the 4th or 5th generation of the CVT in our murano and I know that in every generation, they upgrade the quietness and responsiveness. I would be willing to bet that the new CVT drives almost exactly like a regular automatic.
In terms of fuel economy, I can understand why they help, they keep the revs very low even on the highway, however I think that with the advent of 7 and 8 speed autos (which nissan makes a mean 7 speed auto), the CVT is now obsolete.
To get back to the original post, I can see the new Murano keeping up a fairly good resale value, much better than that of the current RDX (at least in my area that is). I also personally see it as a step up from the RDX and featuring a few options not present on the RDX, mainly pano roof and a couple other luxury touches. Go test it yourself and see what you feel, it is pretty darn slick now.
05-05-2015, 01:08 AM
#15
Team Owner
OP said RDX or Murano?
is MPG a big deal to you?
I personally would probably get Murano because i think having exhaust tips is important
is MPG a big deal to you?
I personally would probably get Murano because i think having exhaust tips is important
05-05-2015, 01:17 AM
#16
MPG should not be big deal. My work place is just 5 miles one way. Other than day, I may go outdoors every two months or so. Are there big differences between mileages of both SUVs (in actual) ?
I am still in process of comparing features of both SUVs, within same price range.
I am still in process of comparing features of both SUVs, within same price range.
05-05-2015, 01:51 AM
#17
To get back to the original post, I can see the new Murano keeping up a fairly good resale value, much better than that of the current RDX (at least in my area that is). I also personally see it as a step up from the RDX and featuring a few options not present on the RDX, mainly pano roof and a couple other luxury touches. Go test it yourself and see what you feel, it is pretty darn slick now.
05-05-2015, 02:24 AM
#18
Pro
To be fair, I never test drove a CVT car before, so perhaps the Murano is OK, I am mostly interested in a CUV with performance that doesn't cost 50K+, RDX fits the bill for me, especially since I can have a 2013 for less than 30K if lucky, I also love the nice wide comfy seats, and giant, super comfortable center armrest. If off the line performance is no concern to you, test drive the Murano, rev it up to feel how the CVT runs and compare it to the RDX, either way I would like some feedback on the CVT if you don't mind.
05-05-2015, 07:24 AM
#21
AZ Community Team
CRV, fun to drive (for a small SUV), dependable, versatile and out the door for low-30K
05-05-2015, 08:07 AM
#22
Abhishek
Are you amitabs son ?
Since you will go back to india in 4 years and you want luxury suv and mpg doesn't matter, buy a used lx570, sell in 4 years or land cruiser.
Amazing resale value
You will barely lose anything
And it's s luxury suv unlike murano
Are you amitabs son ?
Since you will go back to india in 4 years and you want luxury suv and mpg doesn't matter, buy a used lx570, sell in 4 years or land cruiser.
Amazing resale value
You will barely lose anything
And it's s luxury suv unlike murano
05-05-2015, 08:24 AM
#23
I'd skip both and get an outback 3.6r way more safety tech and cheaper than an RDX by a fair amount
05-05-2015, 10:10 AM
#25
Lola
My 15' CRV AWD model is averaging 31.(9.0L/100km) But that may have something to do with my early work hours, I usually have zero traffic in the morning so that helps.
05-05-2015, 10:27 AM
#26
05-05-2015, 12:11 PM
#27
Team Owner
RDX does not have exhaust tips
Its tranny is questionable.
While it may have most or all the features, but they are outdated compare to others.
It looks like an ILX. <--- deal breaker.
Its tranny is questionable.
While it may have most or all the features, but they are outdated compare to others.
It looks like an ILX. <--- deal breaker.
05-05-2015, 12:15 PM
#28
Team Owner
MPG should not be big deal. My work place is just 5 miles one way. Other than day, I may go outdoors every two months or so. Are there big differences between mileages of both SUVs (in actual) ?
I am still in process of comparing features of both SUVs, within same price range.
I am still in process of comparing features of both SUVs, within same price range.
as far as comparing features, make sure you go in and play with it. Do not just look at the specs online because it does not tell the whole story.
I personally do not like CVT at all, but comparing to Acura's auto tranny? i think it is a tossup.
05-05-2015, 01:46 PM
#31
Senior Moderator
05-05-2015, 01:47 PM
#32
It seems like (what I concluded), if I do not consider badge value or ACURA and discounted price of 2015 model, Murano will be little upper on bar.
Today I will check prices of Murano and RDX once again, if there is big difference between both of them. If somebody already having few numbers, I will appreciate if I can get them.
Today I will check prices of Murano and RDX once again, if there is big difference between both of them. If somebody already having few numbers, I will appreciate if I can get them.
05-05-2015, 02:10 PM
#33
Team Owner
While it is not affecting its drivability like the old 5speed but doesn't that make you wonder what happens down the road when the warranty runs out? That plus the Honda/Acura's auto tranny history. I don't really have much confidence.
05-05-2015, 02:40 PM
#34
Senior Moderator
05-05-2015, 04:11 PM
#35
Team Owner
I just think the "auto tranny history" is blown out of proportion. You have one flawed design that unfortunately made it into hundreds of thousands of cars. I haven't heard of another common trans issue from Honda besides this new TLX one. Even with those cases accounted for Honda has a better reliability record than Nissan. When you really put it in context, it seems much ado about nothing.
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2012wagon (05-05-2015)
05-05-2015, 06:20 PM
#36
Three Wheelin'
The new 9 speed ZF in the TLX V6 has had a lot problems. (rough shifting, car moves back, forth when coming to a stop, car rolls backwards when parked and etc...) Read TLX section for more info.
While it is not affecting its drivability like the old 5speed but doesn't that make you wonder what happens down the road when the warranty runs out? That plus the Honda/Acura's auto tranny history. I don't really have much confidence.
While it is not affecting its drivability like the old 5speed but doesn't that make you wonder what happens down the road when the warranty runs out? That plus the Honda/Acura's auto tranny history. I don't really have much confidence.
OP, go drive both cars. They're both good in their own respects so go see which one you like the most.
05-05-2015, 06:29 PM
#37
Team Owner
^ glad they did not put the 9ZF in everything.
Just went to Acura's website, RDX "Drive like a Boss"
Just went to Acura's website, RDX "Drive like a Boss"
05-05-2015, 09:46 PM
#39
Senior Moderator
All these posts and no one has directed the OP to the 2G RDX forum:
Second Generation RDX (2013+) - AcuraZine Community
Hey abhisheks77, go to the RDX forum to hear from people who have actually driven an RDX.
Honestly, between RDX and Murano, it's a tough choice.
Second Generation RDX (2013+) - AcuraZine Community
Hey abhisheks77, go to the RDX forum to hear from people who have actually driven an RDX.
Honestly, between RDX and Murano, it's a tough choice.
05-05-2015, 10:49 PM
#40
Its funny what definition of "luxury suv" is to people these days...