Welcome!

A lot was covered in this post and it is worth checking out: http://www.kia-forums.com/2016-sorento/251577-ford-edge-vs-hyundai-sfs-vs.html

For me, I couldn't get past the looks of the Murano (a bit too spaceship like for me but to each their own). That being said, I have seen looks of good reviews on it.

The five big negatives for me of the Murano would be lack of third row, looks, questionable reliability, average warranty, and small cargo area (smaller than many compact SUVs).

I have been VERY happy with my Sorento and the only thing that really bothers me is the 4.3 inch display (but that wouldn't be an issue for you) with your baller trim level. The Sorento has an amazing warranty, is very refined/quiet, has pretty good styling IMO, good build quality/materials, plenty of power with the V6, and is just the right size!

 

Murano has a CVT, doesn't it? I'd rather drive a real automatic.

 

Yes, the Murano does have a CVT. I wasn't bothered by it during the test drive. I thought both cars had similar power. I wish they had a bit more but it's probably adequate. I'm going to be leasing so the warranty isn't as important as it would be if I were purchasing.

 

They both have more than adequate power.... but IDK if you can ever have too much power. :laugh:

If I didn't care about the warranty and if I was OK with something smaller than the Sorento (it has more than the Murano), I would give up a few options and be all over the Jaguar F Pace!!! You can get a decent one for a MSRP under $46k.

Looks amazing, very quick, and had a nice interior/not too hard to live with. Sure it is going to be more expensive to fuel and not quiet as quiet.... and it would ride harder but it would be may more sporty, fun, and be something you should be proud to be seen in!

 

I would get an F Pace in a second if the lease rates weren't as terrible as they are. Can find one that is priced pretty close to the SX but the payment is literally hundreds more a month. Maybe next go-around.

 

Oh well.... it is always fun trying to spend other people's money.

 

Typical quirky Nissan styling and CVT transmission are deal breakers for me. One of my coworkers bought one. It has a nice ride, interior and comfortable seats but it's a rattle box. I hate rattles!

 

And that CVT drone drives me nuts. The car never feels quiet. Hated it even in the QX60 i tested


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I looked into the Murano a lot. To be honest, there are better options out there unless price is an issue and one wants a bit of luxury and power mixed. Plus, if price is not an issue for you then you can look into owning a Lexus, Acura or Jaguar (or Porsche) SUV. But the fully loaded Sorento would be a great option as well.

 

One big thing you'll be losing (if it's important to you, that is):
The 2016 Murano has zero smartphone integration. Only Google Search. That's it. Otherwise you'll be futzing with your phone only while you drive to listen to music, etc.

At least the Kia has AA and Carplay.

I personally liked the Murano the best, had it not had a sucky infotainment system. I was fine with the CVT, personally. But that's why we have lots of different cars and choices - everyone has a different need/want for certain things.

I don't know when the 2017 Murano will be out, *supposedly* it will have AA/Carplay. If I had to guess, it'll be around Feb-March of 2017.

 

For what it's worth, Consumer Reports rated the Kia Sorento the second from the top in its class - the top rating going to the Audi (at more than US$30,000 more). Prior to buying the Kia Sorento SX-L AWD, I had almost exclusively bought Mercedes (I've owned eight different models) but I'm delighted with the Kia. It handles almost as well as any Mercedes sedan and will quite likely be more reliable.