Crossover competitors: nissan murano vs kia sportage – which offers the best value?
What To Know
- The Nissan Murano has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
- The Nissan Murano has a starting price of $33,260 for the base S trim.
- The Murano offers a more luxurious and spacious interior, while the Sportage provides better fuel efficiency and a more affordable starting price.
The Nissan Murano and Kia Sportage are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a blend of style, practicality, and performance. In this detailed comparison, we will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two formidable rivals, helping you make an informed decision about which SUV is the right choice for your needs.
Exterior Design
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano exudes a sleek and sophisticated exterior design. Its sculpted body lines, chrome accents, and panoramic moonroof create a striking presence on the road. The signature V-Motion grille and boomerang-shaped headlights add to its distinctive character.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage, on the other hand, showcases a more rugged and athletic design. Its sharp angles, bold grille, and muscular fenders give it a commanding stance. The tiger-nose grille and LED headlights enhance its modern and aggressive appearance.
Interior Space and Comfort
Nissan Murano
Inside, the Nissan Murano offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The high-quality materials, comfortable leather seats, and ample headroom and legroom provide a luxurious and comfortable ride. The intuitive infotainment system and Bose premium audio system further enhance the driving experience.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage boasts a spacious and versatile interior. The ergonomic seats, generous headroom, and ample cargo space make it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The user-friendly infotainment system and premium audio system add to the overall comfort and convenience.
Performance and Handling
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Murano’s all-wheel-drive system enhances stability and traction in all driving conditions.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter inline-four and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. The base engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine delivers 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel-drive system provide responsive handling and confident performance.
Technology and Safety Features
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. The NissanConnect infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, navigation, and a premium Bose audio system. The ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system provides added convenience and safety on long drives.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage also features an impressive array of technology and safety features. The UVO infotainment system provides similar connectivity options and navigation functionality. The Kia Drive Wise suite of safety systems includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Fuel Efficiency
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive model slightly reduces fuel efficiency to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers better fuel efficiency than the Murano. The base 2.5-liter engine achieves 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine delivers slightly lower fuel economy at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Pricing and Value
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano has a starting price of $33,260 for the base S trim. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $46,610. The Murano offers a good value for its price, considering its spacious interior, premium features, and robust performance.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has a starting price of $25,990 for the base LX trim. The top-of-the-line SX Prestige trim starts at $36,790. The Sportage offers excellent value for its price, providing a well-rounded SUV with an impressive array of features and capabilities.
Which One Is Right for You?
The Nissan Murano and Kia Sportage are both excellent choices for those seeking a midsize SUV. The Murano offers a more luxurious and spacious interior, while the Sportage provides better fuel efficiency and a more affordable starting price. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Nissan Murano has a more powerful engine with 260 horsepower, compared to the Kia Sportage‘s 240 horsepower.
Q: Which SUV has a larger cargo space?
A: The Kia Sportage has a larger cargo space with 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row of seats, compared to the Nissan Murano‘s 32.1 cubic feet.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Kia Sportage is more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway compared to the Nissan Murano‘s 28 mpg.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Nissan Murano and Kia Sportage have received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Q: Which SUV has a more user-friendly infotainment system?
A: The NissanConnect infotainment system in the Murano is generally considered to be more user-friendly and intuitive than the UVO system in the Sportage.