EX35 or Murano

[Pinspector]

Some may say this is comparing apples and oranges. I currently have an 04 Murano and I'm considering replacing it either with a new 2010 LE or an Infiniti EX35. Comparably equipped (nav, premium, etc) the price is not too different. I know the EX will be smaller, but then I've only used the cargo area in the Murano a couple times. Oh, the FX is way beyond the budget. So, what do you think?

[txgcoupe]

My 2010 was $41.5K with Nav, premium and 18" wheel pkg. Are you saying the Nissan costs about the same???

No way would I pay that for a Nissan.

John

[EXceptional]

If you have Family and need the room, go with the Murano.

If it's just you and a Wife/Girlfriend, go with the EX35.

Just sit in both of them, you'll notice the difference.

[lenlutt]

I went through the very same decision point and came up wit the EX35. If you're interested in a hauler then the Murano is the right choice. If you're interested in a fairly practical vehicle with sport driving characteristics then get the EX35. I describe it to people as a G Coupe Hatchback and most people who know the vehicle seem to agree.

[Timmbo]

Certainly if you need the space, go with the Murano, if you prefer a sportier driving experience and space is not a big issue, you would love the EX35, both great choices!

[ANBYOND]

To put it in perspective a fully loaded top of the line Murano costs nearly $45k MSRP, LOL! For the price of that you can get top of the line EX35 or a low end FX35. Yes the Murano is bigger, but still only seats the same 5 people the EX does. There is no 3rd row.

PS.. You can get an EX35 AWD base for as low as $30k MSRP with the deals going on. You can get the FX35 AWD base for as low as $37k MSRP with deals going on.

[jklex35]

OK,
Here's my take after one year. Test drove both models. The EX35 was my choice. I've now come to the conclusion that if you drive often with folks in the back seat get the Morano. If you like sport driving with some utility get the EX. I've dropped the back seats and loaded 13 bags of mulch. I've loaded folded large box samples for work. I've dropped the back seats and loaded long landscape boarders. I've hauled many items and can vouch for the utility of the vehicle. My biggest issue has been the need to move the front seats up to give some leg room to those periodic passengers in the back.

I would say that at the end of the day - EX35 is a blast and covers my limited work/home utility needs.
Jim - Houston

[TheOtherJeff]

I had an '05 Murano for 4 years, and frankly it was the best all-around vehicle that I've ever had. Not the sportiest and not the best winter traveler, but competent in both. It very well may have been the roomiest, those back seats are superb. All around top notch and relitively problem free.

Having said that, when it cam time to replace it, I narrowed my search to either another Murano (if it ain't broke ...), a return to a VW GTI (what I had before the Murano, more fun to drive), or the EX.

For the most part, it's just me, sometimes me and my wife, so I only use those back seats a handful of times a year. No matter which car I've driven, the back seats are normally folded down, and my golf clubs, tools, or something else is in the cargo hold. I've used them all mainly as a 2-seat hatchback.

I really didn't like the changes they made to the Murano. The front end has gotten even uglier, if that's possible. And the rear is no longer unique, It's more minivan-like and looks just like all the competition. Not to mention they got rid of nice little features like the fold-out door cubbies & adjustable pedals, while adding useless extras like the power rear gate.

The VW seemed like a big step down in size, although I am already considering it for my next car. I really miss a proper manual trany, manumatics are worthless to me and I don't use 'em.

I went with the EX as a comprimise between the other two. The deals were good, so an '08 leftover cost the same as an '09 Murano equally equiped (GTI was much less). I haven't been sorry. It's a blast to drive, though a manual would be very welcome. It's not too small for me. And it's just a cool-a** car. As an above poster has noted, I think of it as a G with some cargo space rather than a mini FX. The marketing for this car is all wrong.

PROS:
Faster & Funner than a Murano
Much better looking than a Murano
Rarer sight on the road (only 1 other in my area)

CONS:
Smaller than a Murano, especially the back seat
About $5k higher sticker than equally equiped Murano

Good Luck with your decision.

[ANBYOND]

"About 5k higher sticker than equally equipped Murano"

Not true at all.

Murano, $35,460 MSRP with leather, USB interface and backup cam
EX35 AWD Base, $36,045 MSRP, which has those same 3 features..

Real World Pricing, AAA pricing, EX is cheaper.
Murano, $31,237
EX35, $30,260