So my parents just sold their 04 Ford Explorer Limited V8 and are now looking to get a smaller SUV, something more fuel efficient but still somewhat luxurious and with somewhat of a sporty feel.

I basically helped them narrow it down to the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano. Both will be fully loaded with AWD. Nav is not a MUST have.

They are looking at USED vehicles.

So its down to 05/06 Nissan Murano vs. 07+ Ford Edge and I'm having a tough time picking between the two (my parents will basically just go along with whichever I think is better as they have absolutely no interest in cars). Their pretty evenly matched...which one do you guys think is the better vehicle overall or did I miss something else thats better out there...

 

What is important to them? Styling? Performance? Fuel economy? Gadgets? Electronics?

IMO, they are pretty close, and I would most likely get the Edge.

 

We had a 09 Murano and loved it but we moved back to Acura and a car. It has a very upscale interior and also looks/rides good. Ours got 29 mpg on the highway when we took it on a trip. Around town it saw around 21-23mpg. Ours was the newer bodystyle so it doesn't compare as well to the one you are getting. We looked at the Edge and liked it, but it was a bit noisy.

 

I know 2 people with the Edge and its a great vehicle.

 

Have you considered a used FX?

 

All the reviews of the Edge from that generation were that it was not a bad vehicle but had engineering flaws that made it ultimately a less-than-satisfying ownership experience.

I'm not sure what the price range is but I'd go with the Murano over the Edge.

Unless they want to spend the $$ on a used FX. Yeah, the gas mileage can be horrible but it's far and away a better SUV than the other two.

 

dunno...i know people with both cars and models you're looking. they all like them.

 

I would probably lean towards the Murano if one the Acura crossovers isn't in consideration.

 

I wasnt crazy about the fit and finish when I sat inside of an Edge. I cant comment on the Murano though, but I would give the "edge" to the Nissan by default.

No pun intended

 

i would say they are about equal. Drive both. You may not like the cvt trans on the murano.

 

I like the Murano. But, I have not sat in an Edge before...Try 'em out and see which one you prefer!

 

We leased our 05 Murano new and enjoyed every day of its 39 month term. Of all the cars my wife and I have owned it was our hands down favorite.....even in consideration of our current ride (09 Acura MDX).

As far as its comparison to the Edge, Ford was VERY smart in that they used the 1G Murano as the benchmark in developing the Edge. Honestly, Ford did their homework fairly well. The only aspect I dont like about the Edge is its relatively cheap feeling interior... not that the Murano's could ever be mistaken for an RX350 in this category.

The only feature I did NOT like about or Murano was the CVT, which IMHO hurts acceleration. The 5AT from the Altima(3G)/Maxima(6G) would have been preferrable from a performance perspective because the VQ35DE is more than willing to run hard....which is nothing new for VQs. (SIDENOTE: I've driven the 09 Murano (SL AWD) and it's acceleration felt more brisk than the 1G.)

 

The Murano has turned ugly.....it used to be beautiful, but the new gen is

The Edge > Murano.

 

The new gen is way nicer than the last gen.

 

My vote is for the Nissan. Have always had good luck with them. Have owned 2 Maximas with no regrets.

 

If it came down to the new updated edge and a new murano, I'd take the edge 10 out of 10 times.

 

I forgot about the CVT.....that alone kills the deal IMHO.

I hope Nissan eventually moves away from CVT.

 

I had a Edge for 2 weeks in January. It drove well (in snow I might add), the controls were logically laid out. Not too noisy inside, power was not really lacking but it could use more (I don't know which engine I had. It was -10 there so I didn't want to check).

I have never driven the Nissan, so I can't comment. I would take a look at the newest generation of both, as the safety factor comes into play (newer cars generally have more safety features). I wouldn't discount the Edge.

 

Have a '04 Murano. Damn thing has been rock solid.

 

Murano.

 

Ultimately I'd go for the newer one. It'll have less miles and may still have some warranty left. Plus I drove a Murano and wasn't crazy about the CVT at all.

The interior of the Murano is nicer than the more utlitarian one in the Edge.

Have them drive them and ask which they could live with, that's pretty much the best way to decide.

 

if they decide to get the Edge, be sure they get one with that awesome double panel sunroof! You can one on the current Gen Murano, too, but the CVT might not be fun....

 

I like the Murano more than the Edge. The Edge is nice but its heavy with AWD and doesn't get very good gas mileage. I like the first gen Murano more than the new one. I have driven both and I can tell you the second one drives better. Where the first one would lag in traffic the new one is ultra responsive. It definitely surprised me. The only thing that bothered me was the constant waaaaaaaa of the engine during moderate throttle. It was annoying and the only way to stop it is to be easier with the gas pedal. The first gen wasn't as bad and had IMO a better designed interior. The second gen is nice, I just prefer the older design. The first gen looks way better too. The new Murano looks like its suffering from a migraine. The panoramic sunroof in the second gen Murano isn't anything special. The Edge's has more glass.

I would get a 2006-2007 Murano SL AWD for your parents. I've heard the SE rides harshly so I would avoid that model. The Murano is just better car than the Edge. It is sporty without giving up comfort, gets excellent gas mileage in the real world, and has a beautiful design. It depends on how they drive, if they are heavy on the gas, the engine noise and CVT may get on their nerves.

 

I'm NOT diggin' that pointy grill/nose of the newer Muranos... I've been inside an Edge/Limited... and was actually rather impressed... a good friend of mine almost bought one, but her credit was shot (we went test driving it) Otherwise, she would've picked one up...

that said however, I have been inside the Murano as well... I have to say, the interior is nice too, I just don't like the exterior

 

i haven't been in either but the Murano looks better

 

Coming from someone who owns a Crossfire.

 

2009 Murano







2007 Murano







2009 Ford Edge

 

Yeah. Your real cool, smartass.

 

Some interesting replies.

We drove the new Murano and there is simply no question that it is ALOT better than the old one, in every way.

The Panoramic Sunroof in the Edge is

The CVT in the Murano is

Both interiors are nice, but not exactly class leading. I would say the Edge has slightly better materials, better seats and better steering wheel. Also, the Orange lighting in the Murano is


The Infiniti FX costs more for the same year and Mileage as the Edge and Murano (obviously) otherwise we would have considered it. And its more cramped inside. (Also the 05 and lower have UGLY interior)


charliemike, Im not sure about what "engineering flaws" the Edge has? The reviews I have read are all good. The Murano has apparently had Tons of CVT and Electrical Problems but that was mostly on the older models and the warranty on the CVT is extended now anyways. But the Actual reviews for the car itself are good.

Ford definitely has the Edge rite now

 

I just saw the new 2011 Edge...its so much nicer

 

Edge > Murano, my

 

The 09 Murano does not have Orange lighting anymore. All the reviews call it basically a Infiniti because it feels like one on the inside with it's high quality of build materials which the Edge has nothing like that and even the things you mentioned.

 

Only this that scares me about the Murano is the damn CVT. I think even the current ones already have extended warranties out to 10yrs. Mine will be LONG gone before that.

 

Yea but we are looking at the 1G Murano. The new one is almost $40k CND

 

Having driven the 09 enough times, I have to agree. The 2G Murano - particularly the LE and loaded SL - is definitely an Infiniti-grade vehicle.

Stylewise, the 09 took a step back but the interior improved tremendously....as have most Nissans vs the prior gens.

On topic, I like the Edge as well but there arent enough drawbacks with the 1G Murano for me to take the former over the latter. And personally, I'd lean more towards the 06(07) model as the trim is a little nicer than the 05 model we leased. (i.e.: orange on black gauges, color info screen, led brake lamps, etd,...)

 

If the headlights on the 2009 Murano weren't under the grille, it would look much better. Aside from that, its a pretty attractive vehicle.

To the OP, is there anything else that fits their needs?

 

OP, since they don't need three rows, what about a used Mazda CX-7? Plenty sporty, turbo power when you need it, four cylinder economy when you want it, sexy styling, and a nice interior. Available with AWD too. Not sure if Mazda does CPO but I'm sure you could get an extended warranty. Only thing against them is average gas mileage due to the Turbo engine and a little excess weight, which is better for safety. Since they aren't buying a sports car, I doubt they'll car about the few extra pounds. Check one out.

 

Edge because of CVT

 

one thing people never check on is maintenance. How much are the tires on each vehicle. I am going to assume the murano tires are more low profile than the edge. So they typically would be more.
I think nissan still uses a timing chain in their v6 motors but i don't know if the edge has a belt or chain. Also, check the insurance on both.

 

I bought my wife a 08 Edge it was very nice and reliable. We had a 09 Murano as a loaner on vacation for a full week and we both agreed the Murano was nicer. The CVT feature, which some people dont like, was VERY smooth and nice to drive.

We have upgraded in size to a bigger SUV recently, but my vote would go toward the Murano.