06' Pathfinder or 06' Murano?

Justgive'r · 05-30-2006, 04:03 PM

My mom is ready for a new vehicle and we are looking at the Nissan Murano or Pathfinder. We went to the dealer yesterday and she really likes the pathfinder with its 3rd row seats and interior. The only problem is I know that it won't get all that great of fuel economy (270hp V6). I then showed her the murano and she liked it as well and I told her that these things get fairly decent mileage and are roomy to boot. Both of them are within the same price range, and we're looking at getting either the LE Pathfinder or the SE Muranol (the loaded, with leather package).

Does anybody own either of these or have any experience with them? Likes? Dislikes? Is it worth getting the Navigation system? Its roughly a $3000 option.

Thanks

BigA · 05-30-2006, 04:47 PM

Just depends what you want to do with it. The Murano is a car based SUV the Pathfinder is a truck based SUV and can handle off roading and towing where the Murano is mostly for the pavement, but is just as roomy for hauling stuff. I personally like the Pathfinder look better but that is a personal choice.

pi3yeargrad · 05-30-2006, 04:56 PM

I also like the pathfinder look better...

sc186 · 05-30-2006, 05:50 PM

Although I prefer the looks and driver ergonomics of the Pathfinder, the Murano is head and shoulders above it in passenger comfort(especially rear seat occupants) and fuel mileage.

My experience as a driver has led me to the following conclusions:

The Pathfinder drives like a truck(in a good way)

Driver ergonomics are more aggressive in the Pathfinder

You can feel the extra displacement of the Pathfinder over the Murano in a more robust lower half of the tack

The Murano will get much better real world mileage. I believe my observed mileage for the Murano was in the mid to high 20's with the Pathy in the high teens.

From a drivers standpoint these are two very different vehicles. The murano is definitely the belle of the bunch with more civilized..............everything, a laid back kokpit(misspelled on purpose) and driver friendly fuel economy. The Pathfinder on the other hand is just much more truck like in ride and driver ergonomics.

As a passenger there is no contest. All but the front seats of the Pathfinder made me carsick, and I NEVER get carsick. Even the second row seating was extremely tight for the size truck. By comparison, the second row seats of my G.F. Xterra own those of the Pathy in legroom and facespace.

I hope this cobbled up poo of a review helps in some way. However I do suggest you drive both to get a true feel of the available vehicle dynamics.

The murano has amazing back seats that have a natural inclined position that reminds me of riding in a 430 benz. Niiiiiiiicce.

DesertNissan · 06-01-2006, 12:50 AM

Because its mom its comfort, room and passenger comfort plus gas mileage, go with the Murano. I have a totally loaded 05 Murano and thats sure what I would want my mom in. 4-5 people ultra comfortable with lots of storage in back good AC/Heat and gas mileage, rides like a dream , cant go wrong for mom.