The battle for suv dominance: gmc acadia vs. nissan murano – who will emerge victorious?

The GMC Acadia and the Nissan Murano are two formidable players in the mid-size SUV segment. Both vehicles boast impressive features, spacious interiors, and powerful engines. However, they differ in certain aspects, making it crucial for prospective buyers to weigh their options carefully. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the GMC Acadia vs. Murano, helping you make an informed decision.

Interior Space and Comfort

GMC Acadia: The Acadia offers ample headroom and legroom in all three rows of seats. The front seats are well-bolstered and provide excellent comfort for long drives. The second row is spacious enough to accommodate three adults comfortably, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use.

Nissan Murano: The Murano’s interior is slightly less spacious than the Acadia’s, but it still offers a comfortable and airy cabin. The front seats are supportive and feature adjustable lumbar support. The second-row seats are spacious, but the third-row seats are noticeably smaller than in the Acadia.

Cargo Capacity

GMC Acadia: The Acadia boasts an impressive cargo capacity of 79 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. With the third row in place, it offers 41.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is sufficient for most family needs.

Nissan Murano: The Murano offers less cargo space than the Acadia, with a maximum capacity of 67 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. With the third row in place, it provides 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which may be limiting for families with a lot of gear.

Powertrain and Performance

GMC Acadia: The Acadia comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offers an optional all-wheel-drive system. The Acadia provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, with ample power for highway cruising and towing.

Nissan Murano: The Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Murano offers a comfortable and refined ride, but its acceleration is slightly slower than the Acadia’s.

Fuel Economy

GMC Acadia: The Acadia’s fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, it gets 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Nissan Murano: The Murano’s fuel economy is slightly better than the Acadia’s, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, it gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

GMC Acadia: The Acadia comes standard with a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also offers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control as available options.

Nissan Murano: The Murano also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, it features rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and surround-view parking cameras as available options.

Technology Features

GMC Acadia: The Acadia features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. It also offers a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and a sunroof as available options.

Nissan Murano: The Murano’s infotainment system is slightly larger, with a 9-inch touchscreen. It also includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Upgraded options include a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and a sunroof.

Price and Value

GMC Acadia: The GMC Acadia has a starting price of $33,995 for the base SLE trim. The top-of-the-line Denali trim starts at $49,495.

Nissan Murano: The Nissan Murano has a starting price of $32,990 for the base S trim. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $46,790.

Which One is Right for You?

The GMC Acadia and Nissan Murano are both excellent mid-size SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Acadia offers more interior space, a more powerful engine, and a more comprehensive set of safety features. However, the Murano has slightly better fuel economy, a more user-friendly infotainment system, and a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

The GMC Acadia and Nissan Murano are two highly capable mid-size SUVs that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. By carefully considering the differences highlighted in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and budget. Whether you prioritize space, performance, or value, both vehicles offer something to appreciate.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which SUV has more interior space?
A: The GMC Acadia has more interior space than the Nissan Murano, offering more headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Acadia has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Murano, with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower compared to the Murano’s 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Murano has slightly better fuel economy than the GMC Acadia, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive compared to the Acadia’s 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has more safety features?
A: Both the GMC Acadia and the Nissan Murano offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Acadia offers slightly more advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, as standard.

Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The Nissan Murano has a slightly larger infotainment system than the GMC Acadia, with a 9-inch touchscreen compared to the Acadia’s 8-inch touchscreen. However, both systems offer similar features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.