Hyundai santa fe vs. nissan murano: the ultimate suv battle for 2023

In the competitive world of midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Murano stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, functionality, and performance, making them popular choices among families and adventure enthusiasts alike. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Murano.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Murano, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful 3.5L V6 engine that generates 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This difference in power translates into quicker acceleration and a more responsive driving experience for the Murano.

In terms of fuel economy, the Santa Fe has a slight edge over the Murano. The Santa Fe’s 4-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Murano’s V6 engine gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort

When it comes to interior space, both the Santa Fe and Murano offer ample room for passengers and cargo. The Santa Fe has a slightly larger cargo area behind the third row of seats, with 13.5 cubic feet compared to the Murano’s 12.3 cubic feet. However, the Murano has a more spacious cabin overall, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.

Both vehicles offer comfortable and well-appointed interiors. The Santa Fe features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Murano has a larger 9-inch touchscreen with Nissan’s intuitive navigation system.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both Hyundai and Nissan. Both the Santa Fe and Murano come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Murano also offers a surround-view camera system and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while these features are optional on the Santa Fe.

Technology and Connectivity

In terms of technology and connectivity, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Murano are both well-equipped. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports. The Murano has a slight edge in this category, thanks to its available wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Off-Road Capabilities

While both the Santa Fe and Murano are primarily designed for on-road driving, they both offer some off-road capabilities. The Santa Fe has a more advanced all-wheel-drive system than the Murano, with a locking differential and hill descent control. This gives the Santa Fe a slight advantage when tackling rough terrain or slippery conditions.

Price and Value

Pricing for the Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $28,200 for the base SE trim, while the Nissan Murano starts at $33,260 for the base S trim. The Santa Fe offers a more affordable entry point, while the Murano offers more standard features and a more powerful engine at a slightly higher price.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Murano are both excellent midsize SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Santa Fe is more fuel-efficient, has a larger cargo area, and offers a more advanced all-wheel-drive system. The Murano, on the other hand, has a more powerful engine, a more spacious cabin, and a more comprehensive suite of standard safety features.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel economy, cargo space, and off-road capabilities, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great option. If you prefer a more powerful engine, a spacious cabin, and a comprehensive safety package, the Nissan Murano is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Murano have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a longer powertrain warranty than the Nissan Murano, with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty compared to the Murano’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Q: Which SUV has a better resale value?
A: According to Kelley Blue Book, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly better resale value than the Nissan Murano.