2010 Murano LE vs. Outback 3.6R Ltd.

Hi All,

Thought I would share my *subjective* review of the 2010 Outback 3.6R Limited with Nav as compared to the 2010 Nissan Murano LE AWD with Nav. This is based on my experience driving both vehicles back to back for over 40 miles each on the same day. Obviously, this is based only on my experience with two single vehicles and represents my personal opinion only, so please take it with a grain of salt (or the whole shaker of salt if needed!).

Overall the Murano addressed the two fatal flaws that I had with my OB - the driver seat and the steering feel. We had winds gusting to 30 mph the day of my test drive and the OB wandered a lot and felt very light at highway speeds. The Murano tracked precisely, had nicely weighted steering, and most importantly, while it transmitted a fair amount of "road feel" with those 20 inch wheels, it it did not shake or vibrate at all. It was well-planted, inspiring and most of all - FUN to drive (I missed those days!). In the ideal world, I would want the "Pro's" of each in my vehicle, but that was not possible, so here is my summary of each FWIW.

Outback Pro's

More like a wagon

Better AWD system - completely transparent

Powertrain - Feels faster with 5 speed and paddle shifters

Better visibility to the rear

Bigger Nav screen

Lower roof height

More cargo space

Smaller wheels - better ride and cheaper rubber

Lighter by 500 lbs or so (Murano is a bit of a porker!)

Better fuel economy and uses regular fuel

Murano Pro's

Precise and communicative steering

Very comfortable seats - especially for tall guys like me

Memory for seats, mirrors and sterring wheel position

Quieter cabin and highway cruise

Simpler and faster nav system - no lockouts for iPod control!

Bose stereo - very sweet with 2 subs

Very smooth CVT - definitely for cruising

Folding mirrors

Rear seat heaters and vent ducts

Smart key - can stay in your pocket for locking/unlocking and starting car

Bi-Xenon headlights

Comes in red