Help! I'm stumped...should I buy the Nissan Murano or the Infiniti FX35?

Agent001 submitted on 8/29/2003 Auto Spies Photos Timestamp: 1:56:00 AM

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Help! I'm stumped...should I buy the Nissan Murano or the Infiniti FX35?

We share some insight on the subject

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We saw this on the internet (Google) and thought this was a good comparative of the two cars pros and cons, from a real consumer perspective…

Nissan Murano

Infiniti FX35

From an unknown consumer

I remember going though the same decision process a last month, and although I have to admit that I prefer the front end of the FX cars better, here are the things that ultimately made me a choose the MO over FX35 (after extensive driving of each):

1) (All of the above)

2) Control cluster - the MO is easier, more intuitive (dials instead of push buttons), and just better looking. Play around with each for a few minutes and you'll know what I mean.

3) Interior space - despite the fact that the FX is a larger vehicle - 1 1/2 inches longer and wider - it has almost 20 ft less cargo space and I felt genuinely cramped in the front seat.

4) Manueverabilty - maybe it's the slightly smaller size, maybe it's the slightly higher seating position, maybe it's the better visibility out the windows, or maybe it just boils down to the fact that the MO has a 1.3 foot smaller turning circle, but I found that MO easier to negotiate through parking lots and park than its more expensive sibling.

5) Driving experience - I found both cars fun to drive and sling around corners, but my butt dynos seemed to register better acceleration in the MO than they did in the FX35 despite the FX's 35 hp advantage and shiftable automatic. Maybe this is a factor of the CVT, or just that fact that the MO weighs over 240 lbs less than the FX35. I don't think I'm the only one that feels this way, as I've noticed that Nissan is conspicuosly absent in providing the 0-60 times for the FX35 (maybe cause they're the same or worse than their own MO?) Plus I just found the MO felt more responsive and had better road feel -- Although I should admit I was comparing a MO SE with an FX35 equiped with the 18" wheels. I'm sure I would have felt differently had I tested the FX45, but then there would have been even more incentive for me to consider the last factor that swayed my decision...

6) Gas mileage - both take premium unleaded, so no winner there, but when you look at the rest of the stats:

Fuel Tank Capacity:
Murano 21.7 gal
FX35 23.8 gal

EPA Mileage Estimates (City/Highway)
Murano 20mpg/24 mpg
FX35 16mpg/22 mpg.

Range in Miles (City/Highway)
Murano 434 mi./521 mi.
FX35 381 mi./524 mi.

... Costs less to fill up, costs less to drive -- Thats why I'm now driving a Silver/charcoal Murano SE AWD to work everyday...

Another comments:

Get the spec's on both models, compare them, you'll see they're basically the same. Look at the room in the back seat...The Murano wins here. Think about front wheel vs rear wheel drive in the snow. The Murano wins. Drive the cars. The Murano with CVT wins. (Very peppy with IMMEDIATE response.) The suspensions on both cars are great,and very sporty, but I feel the Murano with SE suspension is perfect, the FX-35 with low profile tires is a little harsh (when in contact with pot holes). Looks...Murano wins. Price...Murano wins. Status...You need to buy the FX-45 if status is important.

MOre room
MOre smooth driving
MOre better looks
MOre $$$ in your bank account after the purchace

Auto Spies perspective: After driving and pricing both, we give the slight edge to the Murano. We like the interior better and the CVT tranny.

Email Herve at: LeRoux@autonation.com