Suv showdown: nissan murano vs hyundai tucson – which reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Hyundai Tucson, with its more efficient engines, boasts an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the 2.
- However, the Murano offers a more powerful engine and a more luxurious interior, while the Tucson boasts better fuel economy and a more comprehensive suite of safety features.
- The Nissan Murano offers a more luxurious and spacious interior, while the Hyundai Tucson provides a more comprehensive suite of safety features.
In the competitive realm of midsize SUVs, the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Tucson stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and technology. However, each SUV has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to weigh the options carefully before making a decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of the Nissan Murano vs Hyundai Tucson, empowering you to make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Murano exudes a bold and muscular stance, with its sharp lines and aggressive grille. Its distinctive “floating” roof design adds a touch of sophistication to its overall appearance. In contrast, the Hyundai Tucson adopts a more understated approach, featuring a sleek and streamlined profile. Its angular headlights and cascading grille give it a modern and aerodynamic look.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Nissan Murano offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces create a luxurious ambiance. The Hyundai Tucson also boasts a roomy interior, but it may feel slightly more cramped in the rear seats. However, it redeems itself with its generous cargo space, which is larger than the Murano’s.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Nissan Murano comes equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It provides ample acceleration and smooth power delivery. The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four and a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four. The latter produces more horsepower and torque than the Murano’s V6, resulting in quicker acceleration. However, the Murano’s superior handling and suspension tuning give it an edge in terms of overall driving dynamics.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many SUV buyers. The Nissan Murano achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with its V6 engine. The Hyundai Tucson, with its more efficient engines, boasts an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the 2.5-liter inline-four and 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four.
Technology and Features
Both the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Tucson come packed with an array of advanced technology and convenience features. The Murano features a user-friendly infotainment system, a Bose premium audio system, and a suite of safety technologies, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The Tucson counters with an even more comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offers a wireless charging pad and a panoramic sunroof, which are not available in the Murano.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount for SUV buyers, and both the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Tucson have earned top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Murano received a five-star overall safety rating, while the Tucson achieved a four-star overall safety rating. However, the Tucson’s comprehensive suite of safety features gives it a slight edge in this category.
Price and Value
The Nissan Murano has a starting price of around $33,000, while the Hyundai Tucson starts at a slightly lower price of around $26,000. However, the Murano offers a more powerful engine and a more luxurious interior, while the Tucson boasts better fuel economy and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. Ultimately, the best value proposition depends on the specific priorities and budget of each individual buyer.
Recommendations: The Verdict
The Nissan Murano and Hyundai Tucson are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and technology. The Murano stands out with its bold design, spacious interior, and powerful engine. The Tucson, on the other hand, excels in terms of fuel efficiency, safety features, and value for money. Ultimately, the best choice between the two SUVs depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has a better interior?
A: The Nissan Murano offers a more luxurious and spacious interior, while the Hyundai Tucson provides a more comprehensive suite of safety features.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Hyundai Tucson boasts better fuel economy than the Nissan Murano, with both engines achieving higher EPA ratings.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: Neither the Nissan Murano nor the Hyundai Tucson is particularly well-suited for off-roading, as they are primarily designed for on-road performance.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: Both the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Tucson offer competitive warranties, with 3 years/36,000 miles of basic warranty coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain warranty coverage.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: According to J.D. Power, the Hyundai Tucson has a slightly higher reliability rating than the Nissan Murano.
