My wife and I have narrowed our options to the Nissan Murano and the Subaru Tribeca. But we just can't make a decision between the two. Both are in the mid 30's, within $2,000 of each other. What are your thoughts?

The Murano



SL
3.5L V6
FWD
245/246 hp/lb-ft
20/25 MPG

5 passenger, NAVI, Back-up camera, Smart/Intelligent Keys, adjustable pedals


The Tribeca



Limited
3.0L 6cyl Boxer
AWD
250/219 hp/lb-ft
18/23 MPG

7 passenger, NAVI (touchscreen), 9" DVD (plays in front while in park), rear cabin climate controls


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My dilema is really the 5 passenger vs 7. The Murano can only hold 5, so why not get a car? But the third row in the Tribeca really isn't meant for adults, not for long trips anyway.

I like the Navi in the Tribeca better, touchscreen makes it much simpler. But the Murano has the backup camera, smart key, and adjusting pedals which I think make up for it.

TIA for your thoughts.

P.S. I know the Subaru's new face is but I'm going to be seeing the interior, and I think its a nice one at that.

 

Why not get a car? I think both of them kinda look funny from the front,........tribeca makes me think VAN, murano makes me think sporty SUV.

 

I know a couple people on here have the Murano and really like it. I had one for a month as a rental I drove all over the country, and I loved it.

The subie has a really nice interior. Sat in one. Havent driven it though.

I can say, nissan knows how to make a sport ute. And they are solid. And looking at numbers alone the Murano has more torque.

If you go with the Murano, pony up and get AWD.

 

I've have a 2003 Murano and love it. The VQ engine has great response throughout the power band. The CVT transmission is great, I average about 19 mpg in city driving.

 

Im sure the Subbie is a great vehicle, but it is ugly. It just looks like a pig or something...I do infact love the interior, kind of like seperate cockpits...

Dont know anything about the Murano, but its very good looking inside and out...

 

I havent tried the Tribeca but, we love our Murano!! It accelerates quick, feels great at triple digit speeds , easily handles better than my 02 Maxima and that Intelligent key is simply an awesome idea.

As I wanted an FX and the wife didnt, it worked out to be a great compromise.

 

I actually appreciate the Tribeca's styling. I mean it's not what's you'd call pretty, but it's different and unique, but not in a garish way like the Aztek. Plus the interior is incredible, and it has AWD. I'd go Subaru.

 

IMO the only thing the Tribeca has over the Murano is the nicer interior, but everything else the Murano is better, VQ engine, handling, looks, MPG, resale value etc.

 

How do you know what the Tribeca's resale value will be?

 

Exactly...oh and that pig ass faced Tribeca is ugly as sin.

 

I don't, but something tells me the B9’s resale value won't be as good as the Murano which earned five stars from ALG resale guide. Also I have yet to see ONE B9 on the road, and at my Subaru dealer they have a least 30 of them on the lot with big rebate signs plastered on them.

 

If they would make it look better then an Aztec it would be a nice SUV.

 

This one is easy.

Subie=more useful
Murano=more fun
Resale=should be about the same.

 

I just noticed that it doesn't even have an auto dimming rearview mirror standard on the Limited edition.

 

How is the subie MORE useful?

My rental was a SL AWD....That I drove 5000 miles in about a month. And was carrying camera equpiment, lighting gear, and luggage for two people in. And I still had plenty of power and room to spare.

Pretty damn useful is you ask me.

 

Alright we got the Murano.

~$33900

SL FWD
Touring Package
Navi
Floor mats
Tow hitch
Cargo area protector
Pet guard divider

And a 5 year 75,000 mile extended warranty for ~$950

 

murano for the TQ but the sub does have nicer looking interior

 

Why the extended warranty? The powertrain is already covered for 5 yrs/60K miles.

 

Why get a 2wheel drive SUV?

 

Welcome to the club!!

 

show us some pics! Congrats BTW Murano's are very nice!

 

Throw us some pics!

 

Nice buy but I would have went AWD. Makes more sense. My brother had one. It's nice but I think it has an awkward driving position. I probably would have actually bought the Suby. Wheres the pics!!

 

aside from the fact that i'm biased this would be my main argument for the tribecca other then the interior

 

We needed the car now, and that was the only Murano on the lot with Navi. The wife prefered it to the Subaru so we went with the Nissan.

I'll get pics ASAP

 

 

i dont understand the point of non awd suv's

 

Well, in a place Like Cali, you might need the utility or the hauling, but you dont really need the awd...so why pay the extra cost, maintenance and insurance?

In a place with shitty weather...i wouldnt understand it either.

And my SUV is a 4x4...but I hope to do some offroading shit. All ready did some minor stuff on a show I am working on.

 

Good choice.
I too would've went Murano over the fugly Subie.

 

Exactly. Our Ford Expedition is rear-drive only, but we certainly use the space since we're homeowners. We brought home a new front door, INSIDE the truck, WHILE loaded with our two sons. Now what I WOULDN'T do these days is buy an SUV without a 3rd row. We're about to add our final little one, and baby makes 5, and a full traditional SUV. With the 3rd row we still have space for more people or more stuff.

 

While I wouldnt get a non-AWD SUV, I guess there is a market for them. SUVs like the FX, Murano, RX330, Explorer and a bunch more have 2WD versions available at various trim levels.

 

Sorry [IMG]... didn't work for imageshack

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And my TL with one Aspec rim and one OEM rim, Changed them out today for the winter.

http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?i...scn08942yo.jpg

 

Whenever I see the front of a Murano, I think of......Jimmy

 

I think the Murano is a great automobile. I liked the Tribeca as well, but it didn't get as good a review as I would have expected from the magazines, and it's taking longer than expected to get used to the unusual design. The interior is gorgeous though!

 

The material inside the Tribeca looks cheap...

 

I have a 4x4 4runner, which lets you select between 2WD and 4WD modes. I leave mine at 2WD 95+% of the time, because it gets better mileage and I ususally drive on highways.

The only time I have it on 4x4 mode when it's raining or snowing outside.. And if it snows, I usually stay at home. So, I probably could've saved 2000 bucks if I went with 2WD and not miss much.

 

He's referring to SUVs that are specifically 2WD as opposed to ones like your 4Runner where you always have the option engaging 4WD for the 5% of time necessitating its use.