Fuel efficiency face-off: nissan murano vs chevy equinox – the thrifty suv battle

In the competitive world of midsize SUVs, the Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox stand out as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and functionality. However, understanding their unique strengths and differences is crucial before making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of the Nissan Murano vs. Chevy Equinox, helping you determine which SUV best aligns with your needs and preferences.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The Nissan Murano boasts a sleek and sophisticated exterior design with its signature V-Motion grille and floating roofline. Its muscular stance and sculpted body lines exude a sense of athleticism and presence. In contrast, the Chevy Equinox adopts a more rugged and utilitarian approach with its squared-off lines and bold grille.

In terms of size, the Nissan Murano is slightly larger than the Chevy Equinox. The Murano measures 192.9 inches in length, 76.4 inches in width, and 67.3 inches in height, while the Equinox comes in at 182.3 inches, 72.6 inches, and 66.2 inches respectively. The Murano’s larger dimensions translate into a more spacious cabin and increased cargo capacity.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the Nissan Murano, and you’ll be greeted by a premium and well-appointed interior. The cabin features high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a user-friendly dashboard. The NissanConnect infotainment system offers a wide range of features, including navigation, smartphone integration, and a premium Bose sound system.

The Chevy Equinox also offers a comfortable and spacious interior. The seats are supportive, and the dashboard is laid out in a logical and intuitive manner. The Equinox comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it can be upgraded to an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Murano can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph.

The Chevy Equinox offers a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 1.5-liter engine produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter engine generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Equinox can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds with the 1.5-liter engine and 6.8 seconds with the 2.0-liter engine.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Nissan Murano with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Chevy Equinox with front-wheel drive and the 1.5-liter engine achieves 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Equinox with the 2.0-liter engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control.

The Nissan Murano offers additional safety features such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Chevy Equinox also offers a variety of available safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

The Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox have comparable reliability ratings. According to J.D. Power, the Murano received a score of 79 out of 100 for predicted reliability, while the Equinox received a score of 81 out of 100.

In terms of ownership costs, the Nissan Murano is slightly more expensive to own than the Chevy Equinox. The Murano’s annual maintenance and repair costs are estimated to be around $500, while the Equinox’s costs are estimated to be around $450.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox are both excellent choices for midsize SUV buyers. However, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

If you prioritize style, interior space, and premium features, the Nissan Murano is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient and affordable option, the Chevy Equinox is the better choice.

Deciding Factors

To further assist you in making a decision, here are some key deciding factors to consider:

• Exterior design: The Nissan Murano offers a more stylish and sophisticated exterior design, while the Chevy Equinox adopts a more rugged and utilitarian approach.
• Interior comfort: The Nissan Murano has a more spacious and premium interior, while the Chevy Equinox offers a comfortable and functional cabin.
• Performance: The Nissan Murano has a more powerful engine and accelerates faster than the Chevy Equinox.
• Fuel efficiency: The Chevy Equinox is more fuel-efficient than the Nissan Murano, especially with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
• Safety features: The Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Murano has a slight edge with standard lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
• Reliability: The Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox have comparable reliability ratings.
• Ownership costs: The Nissan Murano is slightly more expensive to own than the Chevy Equinox.

Takeaways: The Ultimate Choice

Ultimately, the decision between the Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox boils down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value style, space, and premium amenities, the Nissan Murano is the superior choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable, fuel-efficient, and rugged SUV, the Chevy Equinox is the better option.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity?
The Nissan Murano has a larger cargo capacity than the Chevy Equinox.

2. Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
The Nissan Murano has a more powerful engine than the Chevy Equinox.

3. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Chevy Equinox is more fuel-efficient than the Nissan Murano, especially with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

4. Which SUV has a better interior?
The Nissan Murano has a more spacious and premium interior than the Chevy Equinox.

5. Which SUV is more reliable?
The Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox have comparable reliability ratings.