Your mileage may vary, but right on Ford’s own online configurator, the Blue Oval is eager to knock nearly five grand off the price of a vehicle. Incentives and financing rates don’t always figure into a comparison test because they’re moving points and hard to nail down, but Ford’s made “Employee Pricing” and other deep discounting part of their sales strategy for some time now.

However, I still think the Murano offers slightly better value for money. For one thing, it’ll do better on resale, simply because it’s not going to be up against discounted 2018 models in two years.

For another, and this ties in with fuel economy scores too, there’s something about a V6 which a 2.0L turbo can’t quite match as a long-term proposition. Sure, the Edge’s power-packed four-banger has torque to beat the Murano’s V6 and horsepower to meet it, but the real-world fuel economy of the Edge sits at a greater gap from its actual performance than the Murano. If asked to prognosticate, I’d guess that the Nissan’s less stressed V6 and CVT combination will have fewer quirks outside the warranty period and will likely rate better in the used market.

Official results for the Edge’s 2.0L EcoBoost in AWD form are 11.8 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway. The Murano rates at 11.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 L/100 km on the highway. Granted, that’s regular for the boosted engine and premium for the Murano (you can also run regular, for a mild penalty), but the Nissan doesn’t appear thirstier at all. And, if emissions are the culprit, doesn’t VW’s lesson show that maybe boosted isn’t best when it comes to thrift?

Conclusion

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of most of Ford’s range. The F150 EcoBoost actually returned acceptable economy on a roadtrip, and both the Fiesta ST and the Focus ST were excellent performers. Add in a deep and abiding love for the Mustang GT and even a fondness for the Fusion, and Ford can seemingly do little wrong.

However, in this case Platinum trumps Titanium. The Murano is nicer to drive, more economical to run, and it manages to look more daring while still being cheaper. The looks might be its Achilles’ heel, actually, as many of the values it represents would be attractive to more conservative buyers.

The Ford looks to be the more conservative ride. But, with an older and trickier Sync system, turbocharged power that doesn’t always deliver on its economy promises, and a surprisingly high price tag, there are a few risks.

Thus, we suggest putting your money in Platinum. It’s flashier, yes, but this time it’s also more valuable and precious.

Warranty:
3 years/60,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 5 years/100,000 km roadside assistance

Pricing: 2015 Ford Edge Titanium
Base Price: $41,119
Options: $7,750 – Equipment Group 302A (Blind spot monitoring system, remote start, auto-dimming exterior driver’s mirror, heated steering wheel, lane departure warning system, enhanced park assist, split-view camera, HID lights, rain sensing wipers, heated rear seats, heated/cooled front seats, 2nd row inflatable safety belts) $3,800, Canadian Touring Package (panoramic roof, voice-activated navigation) $2,000, Bronze Fire clear coat paint $450, rubber floor mats $150, class II trailer tow package $500, 20-inch wheels $850
Destination: $1,690
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $50,659

Warranty:
3 years/60,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 3 years/60,000 km roadside assistance

Pricing: 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum
Base Price: $43,498
Options: $300 – Pearl White paint $300
Destination: $1,750
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $45,648

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