NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: The Agents Make Their Pick — And The WINNER Is...

If you haven't noticed by now, I've been steadily beating a drum. Well, not literally. There's been a consistent theme with our coverage of the 2014 New York Auto Show and it's very simple: if you're in-market for an all-new automobile, you're going to LOVE the New York show.

Most of the concepts that did turn out have been seen extensively already. There's nothing wrong with that but the big show in the Big Apple lacked a bit of sizzle. The good news is that folks looking to buy a set of wheels were hit from all angles with new product. So, that's the positive note.

If you were an Agent on the floor this made naming a BEST car at the show a bit difficult. It's sort of an unwritten rule that a car that's appeared before can't win. BUT, there was one vehicle, in particular, that had me excited BEFORE the show and when I finally saw it, the sport-utility vehicle juiced me up.

That would be the all-new Nissan Murano, folks.


2014 New York Auto Show



Sporting a design influenced by the all-new Sport Sedan Concept we saw in Detroit, it's a good looking SUV. It's edgy and has a bit of spunk. We like that. And then if you actually take a second to check out the interior it's pretty bananas — in a good way. With that light colored interior and white wood — it looks like a BMW Individual trim — it looks snazzy as hell.

Of course the doors still shut in that Nissan way. They're tinny. But we're sure most buyers won't care or will be whisked away by its sporty design and plenty of space in all directions.

Speaking for myself here, I am really looking forward to Nissan's new design direction. In recent years the only cars that stood out were the 370Z and GT-R. Perhaps we're going to see a more lively and vivacious Nissan going forward? Let's see how the next-gen Maxima turns out.

Congratulations, Nissan!


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The 2014 New York Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.


2014 New York Auto Show

JDMUSMuscle - 4/24/2014 11:47:46 PM

-3 Boost

I agree. Something about the Nissan SUVs was not really appealing to me, but this new Murano is just amazing to say the least. I can even see myself buying this instead of the new Infiniti QX70....uh...maybe not. But I am that fond of this new SUV.

And I would say the new S63 AMG Coupe looks really scary, in a good way. I really hope Infiniti will one day make an amazing looking coupe like that one, as we all know we can not really expect Lexus, Acura and Cadillac to do that kind of job.

bnilhome - 4/25/2014 10:10:42 AM

+5 Boost

I honestly hope this article is a joke. While I do think the interior is fine, there is just way too much going on with that exterior...almost in an Aztek way (not quite that bad though). It feels like Nissan couldn't make up its mind on what it wanted to do here. I think Nissan could have a more edgy Murano without going over the top, but I'm honestly shocked that this was the top pick from the supposed car experts on here.

leej - 4/25/2014 1:29:44 PM

-2 Boost

Everyone has an opinion...we really shouldn't be rude if it is something we do not agree with. Anyone who likes clean, simple lines with a minimalistic 'less is more' mindset will not like this vehicle. And those who see clean, simple lines as, well...that...simple, might find that design perspective as boring, and they will love this design. There are plenty of options out there today for both slants, so let the people enjoy what they want to enjoy and don't be ugly about other people's choices.

bnilhome - 4/25/2014 3:46:14 PM

+3 Boost

Leej-Did you just make this comment in response to my post? I don't think I was being rude at all, and honestly was in shock that this would be the selection for best of show. The last product that came out so overstylized and polarizing like this was the 4G TL back in 2009, where some people seemed to like the boldness, while many did not. I honestly think Nissan went way overboard in a bad way here (on the exterior).

Second, it's ok to be critical on here. I see you have been critical in other posts, calling the Honda Civic "a total mistake" and that all BMWs are "total fail." And you seemed to take offense too when somebody suggested banning unions when the SC governor addressed this topic.

Dexter1 - 4/25/2014 3:38:22 PM

+4 Boost

I am assuming the author reads Braille.

BimmersNme - 4/25/2014 8:17:59 PM

+3 Boost

An absolute mess chosen as "Best Pick". You've got a bizarre taste 00R. Definitely the Japanese brands are in desperate need of European designers.

JDMUSMuscle - 4/25/2014 11:04:17 PM

-1 Boost

I'm pretty sure that's the case. I believe that's why Ferrari took Mazda's goofy face design on their FF, and that's why BMW 7 series copied Lexus LS' rear lights.

Europe worshippers always make me laugh.

JDMUSMuscle - 4/25/2014 11:06:10 PM

-1 Boost

I already get that the Europe worshippers believe the Japanese and the Americans make inferior products that are trash, and the Europeans are like gods, but really, I really don't think this car deserves to get bashed.

bnilhome - 4/27/2014 2:45:23 PM

+1 Boost

I don't think this is a Japanese vs European thing. I honestly think that the new Lexus NX was a great offering, as well as the TLX. I just think that this new Murano went a bit too far with this new design, similar to the 4G TL back in 2009.

leej - 4/27/2014 4:26:52 PM

+1 Boost

First off...the Agents on this site are not 'auto experts' (whatever that is), but they are auto enthusiasts. Enthusiasts have opinions, and that's what this thread is...an opinion piece. I completely expect the European to have their design sensibilities insulted by the newest Murano and then to clearly blast it...it's what they do, and that is their opinion. Nissan will find plenty of buyers for the new Murano because they knew exactly what they were doing when they created this design.

iamdabest1 - 4/28/2014 9:05:46 PM

+1 Boost

while i know im in the minority here, i actually do like this new murano, but liked other cars at the show more, the Nissan sport sedan concept i thought was nicer, as was the corvette zo6,lexus RC-F, bmw M3, bmw M4, maserati ghibili, jaguar f type, audi rs7 i felt were the best of the show.
btw, in person the lexus nx200 is really nice, im positive most people will like it once its out there...