I understand Infiniti FX is more compatible to the RDX in US. But in Canada, in terms of price, Murano is closer to the RDX. In facts, a fully loaded Murano is more expensive than a RDX.

I do see a lot of Murano on the street, but I guess the RDX will be gradually taking over its market share, at least in Canada. I don't see why people would pay more to get a Nissan instead of a new design Acura.

What do you guys think ?

 

That does seem pretty accurate. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any real advantages the Murano has (unless someone wants to argue the whole V6/turbo4 thing again). From what I understand, though, Acura doesn't have a huge Canadian dealer network, so it's probably more convenient to own a Nissan in some areas.

 

Another Nissan advantage is financing rate. Acura is charging like 8%.

 

The handling is way different. I felt like I was wallowing around in the Murano, nothing like the sports car-like feel of the RDX. But the Murano is bigger if you need the space.

 

Totally agree with schuchmn. I like the looks of the Murano and it handles decently but I felt like I was driving my living room in the cockpit. Blind spots are a bit larger too.

The Murano is also lacking VDC (unless you buy the Sport) so I would think the winter performance of the RDX's SH-AWD is better too.

 

Its quite difficult to sit and say the rdx has better awd performance in the snow. Id say the two would be similar.

To me, the Murano has a more luxurious feel when driving. And to say the dry handling is poor, is misinformed. While not as sharp as the Rdx, id think that most buyers in this segment, would prefer the softer yet still capable murano suspension. If you want sports sedan performance in an SUV body, get the RDX, no question.

The rdx might have the newkid onthe block interior design, but the 4 year old Murano still has a sharp modern exterior look. The rdx exterior almost looks a generation behind, especially when compared to the new MDX futuristic styling.

 

i used to love the murano... until i test drove it and i thought it handled like ass.. then the rdx came out n i had to get it

 

FYI the acura dealer network in canada is probably near the same size as nissan, and even if its smaller you can still get your acura serviced at a honda dealer and maintain your warranty

 

Good to know, Dougler. Thanks.

 

The nissan murano is not a bad car for what you can get. My grandmom bought one back in Dec. For about 30k you actually get a lot. She has the smart key which I think is a really cool feature. Sunrooof, leather heated power seats, navigation, adjustable pedals, HID auto lights. It has other stuff too i just wont listen to it all. Now it might not be as nice as an RDX but its nice. I think it handles and acclerates nicely. The CVT actually preforms really well.

 

Well, I don't see how a personally-conducted road test can be considered "misinformed".

But you're riight in that different shoppers are looking for different things. The reason I bought an RDX was for that sports sedan performance. The performance of the vehicle is one of the things that Acura is touting the most, so if I were to guess, I'd say that people looking at the RDX are by and large(but certainly not exclusively) looking for performance. But I could be wrong and I won't claim to speak for "most buyers in this segment".

As I've said many times, everyone has different needs and tastes, and I think your overall conclusion is correct -- the RDX is very performance-oriented for an SUV and the Murano is less so. You pick what you like.

 

we were seriously considering a murano, then we test drove the rdx end of story, we fell for the sports drive and feel.

 

A Nissan Murano is more expensive than a premium brand - Acura, and Murano is almost due for a redesign. So, I guess unless it has serious discount, otherwise Murano is sure losing the market RDX unless its new redesign comes out.

 

Yeah saw the lease rate....8% is a LOT right now.

 

that's what sealed the deal for me .. better lease rate, more manageable payments, and the SE is an awesome car, though in the end MSRP is more than the RDX ... the rates just make it crazy to carry; and Acura are not budging much!

I got $6.2K off my Murano, 2.8%, and getting it on Friday (I hope) ... tons of bells and whistles, and it fits my needs for now.

I will trade the TSX in 2 years for the updated RDX then, or go MDX ... for now I'm happy

But who would have thunk .. I was all over the RDX when we first got wind of it. In the end I tested the RAV4 and CRV as well .. suck, and suck ... didn't look at the CX-7, not much else out there in that range, that is not domestic, and couldn't wait for the VW, Audi small suv's ... I'm tired of taking the GO train.

 

i will like the murano, i think its a very find car. Better than the FX35 IMO. The CVT is odd at first, but its quite nice.

 

Ok, so ignore my comments from last week ... I went to Acura to service my TSX and fell in love with the RDX again ... my salesperson from 3 years ago gave me his to drive, and I signed the deal today ... so getting out of the Murano ASAP, and picking up my black on black beauty on Tuesday night ... isn't this fun!

YAY!!!

 

Enjoy!

 

Did he cut you a deal? It must be a good deal to get you out of the Murano, as that sounded like a good package.

 

I just got 7.5% at Acura.

edit: but that was lease rate.

 

Yes. They dropped it to 7.4% on the Acura Canada web site. They must need to move some. At 8% it's way too much when you compare with other manufacturers...even luxury ones.

I still feel that they could go lower than 7.5%...5-6% would be much more reasonable.....anyway...I'm leasing next year so we'll see.