Zeeboy47 - as avtoller says above, my choices back in Mar/Apr '05 were down to the exact 2 you are considering. I was comparing a '05 HL V6 AWD w "B" (leather) Pkg. against the Murano SL w sunroof. Equipped that way, the 2 are almost identical in price. As background, I have had several Toyota and am pleased with the service I get at the local Toy. store. I have not had a Nissan since about 1996 so am not as familiar with the local Nissan service shop. I did, however, have an acquaintance in sales at the local Mercedes shop which is common ownership with the Nissan shop.
For me, the "pros" of the Murano were"
- I like the Murano styling (some don't),
- I liked the extra interior features of the Murano (sorry, can't remember them all now but 6 CD changer, dual zone A/C, information screen were some),
- I liked the 3.5L Nissan engine which has an excellant reputation. It had 245hp and 246 lb/ft torque,
The "cons" of the Murano were:
- the CVT tranny concerned me,
- the 18" wheels were going to make snow tire buying expensive.
- the AWD system was only part-time as opposed to HL's full-time.
- research on web sites tutned up numerous complaints about the alternators (since the subject of a recall) and the CVT tranny failing in some cars (warranty item but still??).
- as I was dealing away a one year old RAV4, my deal at Toyota was slightly better.
The "pros" of the Highlander w B pkg:
- a proven vehicle since 2001, with great resale values,
- the 3.3L V6 not quite as strong at 230hp & 242lb/ft torque but the HL a few pounds less so difference was negligible (pounds per hp very close),
- the interior was far superior in feel, fit and finish and I wanted leather which the MO SL did not have at that level,
- the styling of the HL is more conservative than that of the MO, but I liked the HL styling w the B Pkg alloy wheels and I added the chrome side step rails and color keyed rear deflector. I agree the Base HL is quite bland.
- I would have probably said the MO drove a bit "nicer" initially, but having had my HL now for almost 4 months, I must say I really enjoy driving the HL and I like the overall vehicle more every day.
- the rear area behind the rear seats of the HL is better shaped and more spacious than the MO's space there (I have a 115# dog who rides back there).
- the HL is a few inches shorter than the MO and fits in my garage better (a very minor point tho).
The "cons" for the HL were:
- no sunroof at this level,
- some say the styling is boring but w B pkg I find it conservatively attractive.
- not as well equiped inside as the MO, but the interior feels more quality than the MO. The MO dash is more "modern", the HL dash is more "traditional".
They are both very good vehicles - I guess the keys for me in favor of the HL were:
- Toyota reliability and resale,
- Toyota quality
- I was very concerned about the comments on the MO alternator and CVT problems (Highlander sites had no such serious matters),
- fulltime AWD for HL vs part-time for MO.
I got the '05 Highlander in Indigo Ink (blue) with Grey Leather and added chrome step rails and rear spoiler. I am very pleased with my vehicle and it runs flawlessly. I is an extremely comfortable hiway cruiser, while not being overly large in town.
When I see Muranos on the road, I still like them; but I am glad I went for the Highlander.
Hope this helps but everyone is different and has different likes/dislikes. Incidently, the B Pkg includes seat heaters so the leather is not so cold in the winter.
Good luck - both are excellant.
