Nissan is introducing both the EX35 and the 2009 Murano at the LA Auto show this week. The new Murano will be on sale in Jan and, although it occupies a different niche than the RDX, I've always seen it as the natural competitor for the RDX. Its about the same width, and only about six inches longer. And, like the RDX and X3, it positions itself as a SAV, not a SUV.

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/xx-20...ano-xx/480560/


Also, pricing on the EX35 was released today. You will note that a loaded AWD will go for a good bit more than the RDX is selling for today. The MSRP before NAV and other gizmos is on par with the RDX Tech. And, of course, the RDX will offer a lot more room inside and much more sophisticated AWD system for less money:

INFINITI EX35 2008 Effective Date: December 21, 2007 Publish Date: November 15, 2007

MODELS: SUGGESTED (1) MODEL ENGINE TRANSMISSION LIST PRICE
EX35 RWD 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $31,300
EX35 RWD Journey 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $34,850
EX35 AWD 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $32,700
EX35 AWD Journey 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $36,250
SUGGESTED (1) FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONS LIST PRICE
Technology Package $1,950 Roof Rails $200 Premium Package $2,150 Luxe Style Package $1,250 Navigation Package $2,150 Wood Trim $450 Luxe Elite Package $1,650
PORT INSTALLED ACCESSORIES
Splash Guards $140 Roof Rail Crossbars - Silver $250 Moonroof Wind Deflector $100 Cargo Area Protector $70 Cargo Organizer $160 Aerodynamic Kit - Body Color $2,250 17-inch Painted Smoked Wheel $1,800
(1) Manufacturer's Suggested List Price: Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, title, license, and destination charges. Destination and handling $715.

Acura has always responded to competition by adding features and incentives. So, it will be interesting to watch them try to counteract the market.

 

Front of the Murano = BARF.

Man, i dont like that thing at ALL.

 

I do. I like the Murano's looks a lot.

But, I have to say, that one of my colleagues got a RDX tech the other night. I'm not sure I've seen the color before (looks like a gun metal to me) but I really, really like the look of the RDX. I know the styling of the Acura gets mixed impressions but I believe that it will age much better than the Murano, X3, etc.

 

it will age because its not as daring as CX-7 or the Murano, it has traditional truck looks, which i think is better than a vehicle of "the times" so to speak. Not that the Murano is as sweeping as the Cx-7, but cars like the X3/X5, RDX/MDX, dont have to change much to stay current and likeable.

 

You might be right, Mike. I still like the looks of older MDXs. I even like the looks of the older CRVs.

A lot of Honda products continue to look nice for years, for one reason or another. For example, one of my neighbors has an old Integra sedan. The damn thing is like 15 years old, but it still looks nicer than most modern sports sedans.

There is something about the pointy quality of the back of the RDX that I really like. It has a modern look to it.

I have to admit that I like the looks of virtually every car in this class: CX-7, X3, Murano, etc. The only one that doesn't do it for me is the FX35.

 

My parents have an 05 CRV EX-L in the pewter gray with the roof rack etc, and i LOVE that one compared to the smiley faced new one.

 

Speaking in Canadian dollars, a current Murano offers no options over an RDX and costs almost 10k more in loaded form. I like the new 09 Murano (some styling awkwardness), but I'm not a fan of the CVT in the current model, though I hear the newer gen CVT's are better.

I was a bit worried that the Murano would come out and make me regret my RDX purchase, but I'm happy.

I really like the EX35, but i was already stretching to afford an RDX.

 

Looks like the oLDER mDX design..

 

looks like something hyundai put out :S

jeesbus, even the current hyundai and kia line ups are decent looking. Nissan needs better designers.

 

I concur. It's nasty.

I also don't like the Nissan Rogue. The front in particular is just .

 

Bring on the RDX competition. The RDX is still the bomb!!

 

I think it looks OK.
The front end treatment is a nice improvement from the current car. I think it'll look great in black and dark silvers.

 

I just got my RDX and shopped the Infiniti. I was very very tempted to hold out getting the new car until the EX came out. I really really like the FX's look. The sucker just looks bad, especially in black w/ priv glass but to get the same features as the RDX, they nickel and dime you with "packages" like the Journey, then the XM is extra, then the aux audio is another 285, etc. I'll go test ride the EX, but won't buy one till they put the 3.7 engine in it that the G has.

 

My priority was AWD in my new vehicle, not so much the utility aspect of things. I shopped the G35 AWD and the RDX, after my CX-7 blunder. When everything was said and done, comparably equipped, the infiniti's are just more expensive & everything is a package. One thing I do love about Acura is the simplicity of shopping a car. You get what you want, nothing you dont (more or less). This does sort of limit some options (more color combos/ interior exterior would be nice) but those things will also send the price up. So far, there hasnt been a vehicle that has made me regret the RDX. Its still at the top of the game in this category. If the CX-7 was actually reliable in any sense of the word, id say it would be a nice, cheaper down-scaled option. I've never been a fan of the Murano/CVT, it was never on my list so i dont know much, i do know that i cant drive 5 minutes without seeing a few, so that was just a negative in my book.

 

Looks like to get 90% of what is standard on an RDX (Heated leather, 18" wheels, HID's, etc.) would cost about 41k. Ouch.

 

I test drove the Murano about five times. One thing I can say that, even though it isn't a lot bigger on paper, it feels a lot bigger on the road. The RDX feels small and tossable to me (and I felt the same about the X3 and CX-7, btw). But, to me, the Murano felt like a somewhat more nimble Toyota Highlander. I guess I don't feel comfortable in something with that kind of feel - which is why I won't consider a MDX either.

 

Honestly, I personally don't care much about Infiniti products.

But they are well made and engineering wise, is very sound...interior od the EX35 looks rich and well appointed... but the shape of it although futuristic looking, just does not cut it for me...

So, in essence, the RDX will definitely have CUVs coming out the Yin-Yang in the near future, competing for this niche market. Should I care... ummm... nope... because I really liked the RDX for what it was designed and marketed to be...
If I am always "bothered" each time some new CUV appears on the market... man... I will be constantly stressed that I may have made a bad choice to go with the RDX...

As with women, there is always going to be a new attractive face that I see everyday, so am I going to constantly consider if I made the right choice with my wife? uh... don't think so...

So guys... got your RDX? well, enjoy it and fret not about what Infiniti brings forth...