My family and I are in the market for a SUV and have looked at a Venza, Highlander, Murano and Crosstour. My wife likes the Highlander and I like the Murano so far after test driving all the vehicles. After much thought however it's more like 60/40 for me on the Highlander. Anyone have any advice/thoughts on the Highlander or Murano? Also, I posted the car we're thinking of trading in for the SUV here: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=189358
I've heard some bad things about the Morano from an owner. That person said they would never buy Nissan again after having a Morano. That was an older model so maybe it's different now.
The feel is similar to a car. I was kind of claustrophobic in there. I guess b/c my mind was confused, thinking it was a true SUV. I own a toyota camry solara and it drives similar as well. If you're looking for a true SUV, the Venza might not be the way to go. I think it's even classified as a car SUV while the Highlander is more of a truck SUV>
OK, cool. so there was nothing really wrong with it. It's really a new, station-wagon-ish car....but not really. I like to think of it as a big sedan with a big butt (but not an SUV) I'm also interested in the Highlanderm but it seems a bit small (though not as small as a Rav4).
Lexus/Acura/Honda/Toyota > All for reliability. If that's not as important, go for aesthetics/hp etc.
My dad drives a 2008 Highlander Hybrid and he seems to love it. We've had it for 2 years now and nothing has gone wrong yet, and the gas mileage on the hybrid is actually comparable to our Camry. The 3rd row seats aren't quite built for adults due to the lack of legroom but for short distances it's adequate.
I think both are classified as CUVs, but the Venza is low to the ground like a station wagon or car, while the Murano is still more like a SUV with more ground clearance. I think I just confused myself. :grin:
I think the Highlander is fugly. Plus do you really want to purchase a Toyota? I'd go with a Chevy Traverse.
My girlfriend has the Venza and it drives really well and is very spacious especially in the back. She has had it for almost a year now with no problems and is very happy with it. When she first got it very few people seemed to have it but now I see it quite frequently.
Also, if you can afford to wait here are a bunch of new SUVs coming out in the fall/next spring. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 Ford Explorer 2011 VW Touareg 2011 VW Tiguan
How's the road noise in the Venza? Also, how smooth is the ride (with its big tires, do you feel every little bump in the road?)
