Murano vs. explorer: the great american suv debate – which one will conquer the road?

In the ever-competitive SUV market, the Nissan Murano and Ford Explorer stand out as two popular choices for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, impressive performance, and a host of advanced features. But which one is the better choice for you? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison between the Nissan Murano and the Ford Explorer to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The Nissan Murano boasts a sleek and sophisticated exterior design, with sharp lines and a distinctive V-Motion grille. It has a slightly more compact build than the Explorer, with a length of 192.9 inches, a width of 76.6 inches, and a height of 66.7 inches.

The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, has a more rugged and muscular appearance, with a boxy silhouette and a prominent grille. It is slightly larger than the Murano, with a length of 198.3 inches, a width of 78.9 inches, and a height of 68.7 inches.

Interior Space and Features

Both the Murano and Explorer offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Murano has a seating capacity of five and provides ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. It features a well-appointed cabin with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The Explorer has a seating capacity of up to seven, with a third row that can be folded down to increase cargo space. It also offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin, with premium materials and a variety of advanced technologies.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient gear changes. The Murano achieves fuel economy ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The Ford Explorer offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer’s fuel economy ratings range from 21 mpg in the city to 28 mpg on the highway for the EcoBoost inline-four, and 18 mpg in the city to 24 mpg on the highway for the EcoBoost V6.

Safety Features

The Nissan Murano and Ford Explorer both come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features on both vehicles include:

• Anti-lock brakes
• Traction control
• Stability control
• Airbags
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Additionally, the Explorer offers advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Technology and Connectivity

The Nissan Murano and Ford Explorer offer a variety of advanced technology and connectivity features to keep you connected and entertained on the road. Both vehicles come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Murano’s infotainment system features a user-friendly interface and a variety of apps, including navigation, music streaming, and weather updates. The Explorer’s infotainment system offers a larger touchscreen and a more intuitive interface, with features such as voice recognition and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Towing and Cargo Capacity

If towing and cargo capacity are important to you, both the Nissan Murano and Ford Explorer offer impressive capabilities. The Murano has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and a maximum cargo capacity of 32.1 cubic feet behind the second row of seats.

The Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet behind the third row of seats.

Price and Value

The Nissan Murano has a starting price of around $33,000, while the Ford Explorer has a starting price of around $36,000. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels with different features and options, so the price can vary depending on the specific configuration you choose.

When it comes to value, the Nissan Murano offers a more affordable option with a lower starting price. However, the Ford Explorer offers a more spacious interior, higher towing capacity, and a wider range of advanced safety features.

Which SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a stylish and fuel-efficient SUV with a comfortable interior, the Nissan Murano is a great choice. If you need a more spacious SUV with higher towing capacity and advanced safety features, the Ford Explorer is a better option.

Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Passenger and cargo space: How many people and how much cargo do you typically transport?
• Performance and fuel economy: What level of performance and fuel efficiency is important to you?
• Safety features: Which safety features are most important to you?
• Technology and connectivity: How important are advanced technology and connectivity features to you?
• Towing and cargo capacity: Do you need a vehicle with high towing capacity or cargo space?
• Price and value: What is your budget and what features are most important to you for the price?

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the SUV that best meets your needs and provides the best value for your money.

Beyond the Comparison: Nissan Murano vs Ford Explorer

Reliability and Maintenance Costs: The Nissan Murano has a slightly better reliability rating than the Ford Explorer, according to J.D. Power. However, both vehicles have comparable maintenance costs.

Off-Road Capabilities: The Ford Explorer offers better off-road capabilities than the Nissan Murano, with available features such as four-wheel drive and a terrain management system.

Resale Value: The Nissan Murano typically has a higher resale value than the Ford Explorer, making it a better investment over time.

Hybrid and Electric Options: The Nissan Murano does not offer any hybrid or electric options, while the Ford Explorer offers a hybrid variant with improved fuel economy.

FAQ

1. Which SUV has a better interior?

Both the Nissan Murano and Ford Explorer offer spacious and comfortable interiors. However, the Explorer has a slightly larger interior with more seating capacity and cargo space.

2. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?

The Nissan Murano is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer, with fuel economy ratings of up to 28 mpg on the highway compared to 24 mpg on the highway for the Explorer.

3. Which SUV has more advanced safety features?

The Ford Explorer offers a wider range of advanced safety features than the Nissan Murano, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

4. Which SUV is better for towing?

The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the Nissan Murano, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds compared to 1,500 pounds for the Murano.

5. Which SUV has a better resale value?

The Nissan Murano typically has a higher resale value than the Ford Explorer, making it a better investment over time.