Murano or FX35?

[joe603]

I'm shopping for the wife...trading in the Mitsu Lancer, and we're looking for a bit more space. Anyway, what is the major difference between the Murano and FX35? I've heard that the platform difference is similar to:Murano is the Altima and the FX35 is the G35...is this true?

Any advice on either of these two cars? (what years have more problems, AWD worth it, anything else)

Thanks guys!

[Bunshaw]

It really depends on the feature set she is looking for. The FX is a much sportier vehicle but that comes with a price of premium fuel and lower mileage. There are more luxury features available for the FX but the price starts where the Murano's price ends. She can get a fully equipped AWD Murano for the base price of the FX, premium fuel recommended but not required. Have her test drive both. The CVT in the Murano usually gets a love it/hate it/a CV what? type reaction. Some love it, some can't stand it, others don't even know its there.

Dunno about reliability. Remember the 09 Murano is a redesign and doesn't really share components with the older design so its basically a first year model so to speak. It does at least include the 2nd-gen CVT from the Altima. I can't really advise on reliability other than no issues on mine but this is only the second month I've had it and only 2k miles so far.

I think in the end, your wife would probably be happy with either one. If it was for you, I would probably lean towards the FX if it was in the budget.

[Timmbo]

I'm shopping for the wife...trading in the Mitsu Lancer, and we're looking for a bit more space. Anyway, what is the major difference between the Murano and FX35? I've heard that the platform difference is similar to:Murano is the Altima and the FX35 is the G35...is this true?

Any advice on either of these two cars? (what years have more problems, AWD worth it, anything else)

Thanks guys!

Hey joe603 (fellow mod)! They are both awesome vehicles. We purchased the Murano because my wife likes the looks of the Murano way better, she says the FX is too "manly looking." We have the loaded LE which has basically all of the same features as an FX (minus the all around camera and laser cruise). The FX is rear wheel drive based, and the Murano is front wheel drive based, both vehicles have AWD and both are excellent in the snow. The Murano is much smoother and more fuel efficient with the CVT, both should be filled with premium fuel. The FX is sportier and tighter feeling. There is a lot more room in the Murano and it is more spacious. You can't go wrong with either one though, here is a link to a post I made when I first test drove the Murano and the MDX. I love the dual panel roof on the Murano.

zerothread/312931

Good luck and be sure to let us know what you decided on!

[joe603]

So the Murano is larger than the FX? I need to drive both...it may be a while anyway. We have a kid on the way and we'll see how the Lancer will hold up space-wise. It will be a shame to get rid of that car...it's been nothing but perfect!

[Timmbo]

Exterior wise, they are about the same, but there is more interior space and more cargo space in the Murano.

[Bunshaw]

Yep, drive them. Even after reading all the reviews and asking for countless opinions, nothing still beats first hand experience. The reviews and opinions can only help guide the process.

[coachro]

Looked at both and other brands. Bought the Murano ('09). FX35 is sexy, but didn't meet our minimum size requirement. Too small in rear seat and cargo area. Rear seat access is tight. Driver and passenger positions are more cramped too. We also preferred the more comfortable ride of the Murano over the sportier (stiffer) FX35. Murano's better fuel economy was a factor too. But the size difference was the real disqualifier.

AWD is pretty much worthless on pavement. No, it's not worth it for most people.

[joe603]

Thanks for the input guys!!! We're leaning towards the Murano....

Any thoughts on the Infiniti EX35?

[Bunshaw]

The EX35 is a great vehicle but comparatively speaking its worse than the FX35. It's cheaper than the FX but you'll still have interior room and cargo space issues.

The Murano is a good choice and if you feel as though you will miss the upscale interiors and features make sure to get a Murano LE and load it up. If you can deal with the reduced interior size and sportier suspension, the EX and FX35 still make good choices too.

I have to agree about AWD. I can understand the need for it up north but as a fellow Georgian, snow and ice are truly the exception for us down here.

[joe603]

Is the Murano FWD or RWD? Is that another difference between the FX/Murano?

[Timmbo]

Is the Murano FWD or RWD? Is that another difference between the FX/Murano?

Yes, both have AWD, but the Murano is FWD based, the FX is RWD based. The Murano has a CVT, the '09 FX has a 7-spd Auto.