Cars.com Compares Midsize Crossovers
Drivers who need the space and utility of an SUV to accommodate their families but who prefer the handling and better mileage of a car have made midsize crossovers a popular option. In our last look at the midsize crossover category, the Honda Pilot came away from our panel of reviewers triumphant. Now we stack the 2009 Pilot against the 2009 Nissan Murano and Ford Edge Sport. Find out which vehicle excels in which categories, and which took the overall prize.
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What a strange line-up. I get the Murano v. the Edge, but what is the Pilot doing in there? Why not throw in the Venza instead?
Priced as tested, the Ford is eleven grand more? And I agree, theres not much sportiness to the boxy Pilot. How does the Venza stack up to the Murano?
Pilot seats 7, its a different animal from the other two.
they're a similar length, price and power plus if you want a third row the Pilot factors in. It can obviously compete with the CX-9 and other 3 rows too but those are generally much longer.
The Venza wasn't available for this test. In comparison I'd say if you want two rows and the most interior room/cargo the Venza wins. Sporty driving still goes to the Murano though.
shockingly honest evaluation. i would have gone for the murano on price alone (if i were in the market for a midsize suv). in spite of its significantly lower price, it seems to handily beat the pilot and edge.
In February the lease on our faultless 2006 Pilot's lease was up, so we replaced it with a 2009 Pilot. Impressions at 4,500 miles:
Likes:
Typical Honda build quality - is there a tank underneath?
Ride is firm but comfortable
Lots of space
Quieter than the 2006
Seamless variable cylinder displacement system
Excellent transmission response
Excellent throttle response and brakes
Handles much smaller than it is
Small turning circle
Quiet and refined V6 - oozes class
Very comfortable
Great sound system
Exceptional headlights - night driving is easy
Smooth, smooth, smooth and SOLID. Feels as if it will last forever.
Dealer service
Dislikes:
Interior materials are not of the same quality as the 2006. Previously soft surfaces are now hard and don't look "premium".
Needs more power, but my wife thinks it is OK. Why did Honda detune it instead of keeping it at the Accord's 271hp? I'd describe the power as "adequate".
Light-colored seat fabrics are prone to marking.
Only 14mpg city! Yikes! What is the variable cylinder displacement system for?
I don't like the blocky shape but my wife does.
Blind spots make it hard to back up
Is bigger really better? This thing is bigger than it looks.
Would we get it over again? Yes!
Al,
nice rundown / comparison. my girlfriend has an 07 pilot, and it's turned out to be a very comfortable vehicle to travel in when my kids are visiting. as you pointed out, there's ridiculous amounts of room, and the third row is actually livable.
i do disagree on the soft touch material though. the dash and door panels are rock hard. they look nice, but they're not what i would call high quality. the only soft touch material is on the armrests.
fuel economy is also disappointing. we drive from san angelo to san antonio (200 highway miles each way) and only see 19 mpg. kind of sad, considering it's just a dressed up minivan..and everyone says that crossovers are supposed to be soooo much more fuel efficient.
i just read the motortrend wrap up of their year with the hyundai veracruz. avg 16.1 mpg. OUCH!!!
seriously, the myth that these cross-overs are more efficient than the truck-based suvs needs to stop. as long as they don't try to keep weight down, they get the same fuel economy.
the sad thing is the minivans that crossovers replaced were more space efficient AND got better fuel economy (because they didn't weigh as much).
I knew the Murano would win, but I didn't think it would cost that must less than the other two. I thought the Ford Edge would come in last, but judging from the review, it looks like they gave it an edge (no pun intended) over the Pilot. For some reason, I can't stand the Pilot.