Luxury vs. value: nissan murano vs. lincoln nautilus, which is the better choice?
What To Know
- The Nautilus, with its more powerful engine and upscale features, has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- Both the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants and prevent accidents.
- When it comes to pricing, the Nissan Murano offers a more affordable option compared to the Lincoln Nautilus.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two prominent contenders emerge: the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, comfort, and capability. However, discerning buyers may wonder which one reigns supreme in various aspects. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus, providing valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.
Exterior Design: Nissan Murano’s Boldness vs. Lincoln Nautilus’s Elegance
The Nissan Murano exudes a bold and muscular stance, with its sharp lines and angular contours. The distinctive V-Motion grille and floating roof create a dynamic and eye-catching presence on the road. In contrast, the Lincoln Nautilus embodies a more refined and elegant aesthetic. Its smooth, flowing lines and sleek silhouette evoke a sense of sophistication and luxury.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: Murano’s Practicality vs. Nautilus’s Opulence
Inside, the Nissan Murano offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of legroom and headroom. The seats provide ample support and adjustability, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants. The infotainment system is user-friendly and features a large touchscreen display. The Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, takes interior luxury to a higher level. The cabin is adorned with premium materials, including leather upholstery and wood trim. The seats are exceptionally plush and offer a range of advanced comfort features. The SYNC 4 infotainment system is intuitive and seamlessly integrates with smartphones.
Performance and Handling: Murano’s Versatility vs. Nautilus’s Refinement
Under the hood, the Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and can handle occasional towing tasks. The Murano’s handling is agile and responsive, making it easy to navigate both city streets and winding roads. The Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, offers a more refined and composed driving experience. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, providing a smooth and responsive acceleration. The Nautilus’s suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, resulting in a comfortable and controlled ride.
Fuel Economy: Murano’s Efficiency vs. Nautilus’s Luxury
When it comes to fuel economy, the Nissan Murano has a slight edge over the Lincoln Nautilus. The Murano’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Nautilus, with its more powerful engine and upscale features, has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features: Murano’s Comprehensive Protection vs. Nautilus’s Advanced Technologies
Both the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants and prevent accidents. The Murano comes standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Nautilus goes a step further with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite, which adds features such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist.
Off-Road Capability: Murano’s Limited Adventure vs. Nautilus’s Urban Focus
While both the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus are designed primarily for on-road driving, the Murano offers slightly better off-road capability. It features an all-wheel drive system with an available intelligent terrain management system that can adjust the vehicle’s settings for different driving conditions. The Nautilus, on the other hand, is more suited for urban environments and has a rear-wheel drive configuration as standard.
Price and Value: Murano’s Affordability vs. Nautilus’s Premium Positioning
When it comes to pricing, the Nissan Murano offers a more affordable option compared to the Lincoln Nautilus. The Murano’s starting price is around $32,000, while the Nautilus starts at around $43,000. However, the Nautilus comes with a higher level of standard features and luxury appointments, which buyers may consider worth the additional cost.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The choice between the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize affordability, versatility, and off-road capability, the Nissan Murano may be the better choice. However, if you seek a more luxurious, refined, and technologically advanced SUV, the Lincoln Nautilus is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Murano offers a slightly more spacious interior than the Lincoln Nautilus, with more legroom and headroom for both front and rear occupants.
Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: Both the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus have user-friendly infotainment systems, but the Nautilus’s SYNC 4 system is more advanced and offers a wider range of features.
Q: Which SUV is better for towing?
A: The Nissan Murano has a slightly higher towing capacity than the Lincoln Nautilus, with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. The Nautilus, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds.