Toyota Venza or Nissan Rouge 2014

[gladaki]

Tomorrow I will be taking test drive for Honda civic and cx 5. Good idea to test those cars before finally setting for Rogue.

[CarlLester]

At least you've got your colour sorted out.

[ernie]

Haven't driven a North American Rogue but the rental we had in Iceland was the Euro version (Qashqai diesel). Enjoyed it. We put it through hell and it passed with flying colours.

We did own the previous X-trail model and enjoyed it very much. Likely would have kept it but we couldn't get it imported into the States (it was never available down here and Nissan USA wouldn't/couldn't get the proper paperwork to satisfy the government on emissions, safety systems etc..).

Earlier this year we bought a 2014 Pathfinder and I really love it. It's been on two cross country trips so far with the family.

To be honest we only really buy Volvos and Nissans at this point because we find them to be the most comfortable for long hauls. And with kids karate tourneys, my 4 or 5 hockey tourneys a year, visiting family 2500 km away the creature comforts became paramount. Which is why the Pathfinder won out over the Highlander and Pilot. But i've gone off topic....

To sum up...I prefer Nissan overall for comfort. But I know people with a Venza who very much like that car. It's not my cup of tea (complete honesty: the dashboard and the placement of the gear shift grinds my gears).

[socktape]

My Dad was looking at a Rogue quite seriously after owning an X-Trail for years. When it came down to buying it he went with the Ford Escape instead, mostly due to the extra 80 hp that the ecoboost gives you.

[Hack&Lube]

As I posted in the other thread where the OP asked,

I've test driven a Venza. It feels basically like a big heavy Camry from the driving position which bored me. The rear seats, space, layout, windows feels luxurious and limo like back there though. The flip down seat levers from the rear hatch are cool too.

[manwiches]

I agree with Hack&Lube. I test drove one when we bought the CX5, and it felt too heavy and old manish for me. But also agree with the quality of the finish on the interior. Definitely doesn't feel like a 30k-35k car.

[alan21]

I recently test drove both and I definitely feel you get more for your buck with the fully loaded Rouge. It drove very nicely and with all the upgrades, it's like a luxury vehicle without the luxury pricing.

[gladaki]

Originally Posted by manwiches

I agree with Hack&Lube. I test drove one when we bought the CX5, and it felt too heavy and old manish for me. But also agree with the quality of the finish on the interior. Definitely doesn't feel like a 30k-35k car.

I will be doing a test drive for CX5 Today. Drove RAV4 to be frank didnt find much difference between my 1998 nissan altima and 2014 Rav4. Its sports and economy switch are ridiculous.

[manwiches]

I'm not sure if I said it in the thread I started a while back regarding my car purchase experience, but I found that the CX5 was above and beyond better than all the comparables. It had one of the best exteriors, clean and sleek. The interior felt like a BMW. Simple and elegant, with high end finishings. The seats are great, and the dash is clean. The dash is relatively easy to use, and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Most important, it was a great drive. My favorite out of all the Crossovers I test drove (The Escape was actually comparable)

- Nissan Rogue - Underpowered and underwhelming inside. Front screen was also tiny as hell. That being said, they redesigned since, and I haven't seen it.
- Toyota Venza - Nice outside, gorgeous inside, but drove too heavy and felt like a couch on wheels. I'm not 65 yet.
- Honda CRV - Not a bad car, drive is expected from a Honda (i.e. nothing flashy or underwhelming, just right). Interior is alright (I used to own a new generation Civic back when they came out, and it's similar to that) But man that backend is huge...
- Ford Escape - The second best car we test drove. Beautiful exterior, really nice front seats and dash (albeit a bit too busy for my liking). It seemed Ford cheaped out on rear seats though, and the steering wheel felt like it was built from Fisher Price (Cheap). The ride was equal to the CX5 though.
- Buick Encore - Gorgeous car. There's no doubt about it. Exterior and interior. The drive was horrendous though. So underpowered, and felt clunky.
- Mitsubishi RVR - Expected exterior (nothing flashy or underwhelming), Interior was a little more sporty and not as high end. The dash was probably my favorite out of any car though. Mitsu is doing something right with their MiVEC system. If I could swap that into my CX5, I'd be happier than a pig in ****.
- Hyundai Santa Fe - To be honest, never looked at it. I wanted to, but my wife was adamant about not getting a Hyundai, so I never bothered. I've heard nothing but great things though, and have heard from friends that have bought a Santa Fe that the CX5 and Escape were close competitors for them also.

Anyhow, my two cents on the Crossover front, as I recently test drove almost all of them.

[Table 5]

The CX5 will definitely drive the best out of anything on your list.

If you're open to sedans, check out the Mazda 6 while you're at the dealership. Supposed to be a really great car as well...has been getting great reviews all over.

[Ruttiger]

Originally Posted by Table 5

My MIL is on her 4th Murano already (It drives me insane that she would buy the same car so many times in a row) and she loves it. I've driven it a few times, and while it has the CUV tipsiness that comes in the category, it is quite comfortable, well appointed, and rides nicely.

Why on earth would you care that much?

P.S. I have no horse in this race but have been satisfied with my Toyotas over the years (Tercel, Corolla, Rav 4)- I don't need anything flashy - reliable, good on gas, and hold their value - they hit my criteria.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Ruttiger

Why on earth would you care that much?

Because I'm a car guy and don't think of them as appliances. Every opportunity to buy a new car is an adventure to try something new and interesting.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Because I'm a car guy and don't think of them as appliances. Every opportunity to buy a new car is an adventure to try something new and interesting.

I'm the same way. I just sold a car I loved (300c AWD) that was becoming unreliable. It would have made sense to pick another one up, but I had to go a different direction just to dabble in another type of car.

[automaton 3]

We were very impressed with the CX5 as well. It felt a touch underpowered, but I think they have added a 2.5L engine now which should be better.

We also looked at most of the crossovers, and ended up purchasing a Jeep Grand Cherokee instead, which has been excellent.

[gladaki]

I am wondering if any one can give me drive away price of Rogue and CX 5. Will be thankful if some one can PM me.
It will help me in understanding negotiation room.

Drove CX 5 today its a great ride. Also drove Honda didnt like it and way expensive. Came down to rogue SL and cx5 GS
Thanks

[taco.vidal]

One of my older uncles (over 70) has a Venza. He seems to love it and they do a lot of roads trips visiting family in western Canada. It seems like a great car, though definitely a stereotypical "old man" car.