Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.
Nissan Murano vs Toyota Highlander vs Subaru B9 Tribeca vs Honda Pilot
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Bob
I too think that the X5 is due for a change, but like the last model 5-series (pre-Bangle), it has a look that will stay modern for a long time.
At least Subie went out on a limb with styling. When you do that you risk sales, but the potential gains are incredible (sales of the "ugly" 745i BMW shot up with its redesign despite many critics of its awkward styling.). I guess I'll be one of those that got pushed away by it, while you (plural form of 'you') got attracted to it b/c of it.
It looks like nothing else on the road, you are right, but I think there's a reason nobody else designed anything like that (front end).
Sorry, just my position on the whole thing!
Have a good one guys, and I'll get out of your hair for a while.
So much for the car "design critics" out there...
A lot of BMW buyers could care less what gearheads on these car sites think. Many of these high-end buyers have never visited sites like Edmunds. Same with BMW, they could care less too, as most of these critics aren't 7-Series customers, or part of that target audience.
Bob
1. Volvo XC90
2. Mazda CX-7
3. Subaru B9 Tribeca
This is a rapidly changing segment, though, and I think we'll see many attractive vehicles as the competition continues to heat up.
Bob
Different people will like different designs, but I think the Tribeca's design is pretty attractive. But then again, I think most if not all American brand's SUVs are pretty blah. The RX(a very comfortable drive) is growing on me, but it's not attractive. The X5 is nice, but too expensive. The FX is nice(performance and styling), but there's not much cargo room. The only thing about the current 06 Tribeca, is the suspension tuning. It does not communicate a very stable ride (I am used to an Infiniti G35). Hoping the new suspension tuning will correct this.
I think most people who like the current Alpha Romeo designs ( who have actually seen one in person), will like the Tribeca's design. No doubt people are making a big deal about the front end of the car.
From what I've read, I see the following as the main advantages of the Tribeca over other SUVs.
1) Distinctive styling
2) short turning radius, combined with good rollover rating. (wide suvs such as the mdx can get a good rollover rating at the cost of the car's nimbleness) It's very easy to park when I took it for a 24 hr test drive.
3) good crash test scores
4) value
5) reliabliity -- new car, but the chasis, engine, transmission seem to be from existing parts.
6) safety features (awd,brake-assist,vdc,roll-over sensor,backup camera, reverse warning)
7) decent cargo space
One caveat, if the 3rd row seats are used, the second row must be pushed forward for leg room in the rear, there is still more room in the second row with the 3rd row being used than does my brother's Audi A4.
Leg room - you have to hit a release lever in the 2nd row of the Tribeca, then the seat moves back another 4". In all there is 8" of travel, so it varies from very little to very much leg room.
I'm 6' tall and with the 1st and 2nd rows all the way back my knees don't even come close to touching the front seat.
So many magazines were missing that lever that Subaru actually put photos explaining it in Drive magazine, their publication for owners.
-juice
With the Pilot vs Murano in cargo room it goes like this
*Pilot w/ third row folded
*Honda Pilot ----------- Nissan Murano
47.6 cu. ft -------------- 32 cu.ft.
You pay for that chopped off rear, but to some, form comes before function, and there's nothing wrong with that.
As for your comments on the Pilot, yes it is boring but honestly IMO boring is better than ugly. And yes I know some people like the looks of the B9 but I think more do not. If you do, more power to you. If the Pilot looks boring you could always looks at the MDX which is a bit sportier. I already had an MDX so I wanted something a bit different but it meets my needs perfectly. Anyway, I have respect for Subies so good luck and enjoy your new vehicle. :shades:
-juice
A couple of questions...
1) Aren't all Pilots 8-passenger vehicles?
2) How did you get an LX with NAV and DVD? I didn't know they made them...2006 model changes things up?
I'm from Brazil, and my wife is American (and owns a Subaru). So we're you guys, backwards.
LOL
-juice
Anyone with a new Pilot with the cylinder deactivation note an improvement in gas mileage?
I'm curious because early on the Odyssey folks were not too happy with the real-world mileage, I wonder if the vehicle it too heavy for the VCM to kick in often enough to make a difference.
Also, in testing Consumer Reports actually obtained slightly better mileage with their Sienna (compared to the Ody). I wonder what Pilot owners are getting for fuel mileage. Any feedback?
-juice
-juice
In highway driving I have scene 24mpg with my '03 AWD since it is running in front wheel drive mode at that point. But the hills of CT are tough to get anything better than the 19 or 20 I get carting the kids around town. Still the best all around utility vehicle I have owned.
Legroom 2nd row/3rd row 34.3 in./30.9 in.
Cargo capacity 8.3 cu. ft.
I don't know how anyone can call that roomy. Here are the same specs for my Ford Freestyle:
Legroom 2nd row/3rd row 40.4 in./33.3 in.
Cargo capacity 21 cu. ft.
I'm sure there are lots of reasons to by the tribeca, but I doubt if interior space is one of them if you're ever needing to use the 3rd row with luggage.
Having said that, Freestyle is impressively roomy. Compare it to something closer to its boxy wagon format and you come up with a Cadillac SRX. The Freestyle is shorter and on a shorter wheelbase but has a *lot* more room than the SRX.
The 2nd row of the Tribeca slides 7 inches fore and aft. Most publications did not realize there was a release knob that lets the seat move back another 4". Slide it back all the way, and there is tons of leg room, and the seats are nicely shaped to hold 3 adults in comfort.
The 3rd row is a squeeze, so leave that for kids only. The Freestlye is much better there.
-juice
I rarely if ever have a use for the 3rd row, I have my middle row seats in the B9 stretched all the way back giving me ~39 inches of leg room.
Its terrible to hear that only after a couple of years on the market, Ford is pulling the plug on the Freestyle- has your vehicle been plagued by all the issues?? Dim Stereo lights, doors that won't close, flickering headlights, CVT issues, car not starting on a cold morning, suspension noise?
You are correct however, the 3rd row in the B9 is awfully small...
AKA1
-juice
Only question is how well the Ford Edge and Freestyle co-exist since they are similar vehicles.
I'm at 10,500 miles and its been the best and most fun car I've had yet. no leaks no problems none of that b.s.
looking forward to seeing the upgrades improvements on this already great first year model which is rare.
The Edge is a sportier 5 pass vehicle, where the Freestyle is a 7 pass more family vehicle, so I think they'll have different markets.
I agree with aka1, the Freestyle is really more of a wagon, maybe a tall wagon, but still a wagon and not so much a crossover. It replaced the Taurus wagon in the lineup and even though AWD is an option, there isn't really a lot of ground clearance.
-juice
So - I've been looking to buy this time - so want to spend less - loved the Freestyle, but hated the CVT - I also own a Murano and love it - it's leased...
So - can I buy Murano w/Nav for 30k?
Can I buy as B9 5 passenger w/nav for 30k?
I'm going to try for the B9 first this weekend - drove it briefly - engine was a little noisy - but seemed to handle ok - Murano is very windy at highway speeds - engine is quiet but lot's of cabin noise - I like murano handling a lot -
Wish us luck - any feedback is appreciated
Steve
Best of luck, and have fun shopping! Let us know how it turns out.
Steve
-juice
$24,500 base
$26,500 Limited
This dealer is in upstate NY. I think it was route 303 and the dealer name was something like Mike's subaru. I was thinking about buying one but changed my mind
Anyone find that interesting?
-juice