Fuel-efficient face-off: nissan murano vs. santa fe – which is the greener choice?

The automotive landscape is brimming with exceptional SUVs, and two formidable contenders are the Nissan Murano and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both vehicles offer a captivating blend of style, functionality, and performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of these two SUVs, meticulously evaluating their key attributes to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Nissan Murano exudes a contemporary and sleek aesthetic, characterized by its sharp lines and bold grille. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe presents a more rugged and muscular stance, featuring a prominent grille and angular bodywork. Both SUVs offer a panoramic sunroof, adding an airy and spacious feel to the cabin.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Nissan Murano boasts a spacious cabin with ample room for both front and rear passengers. Its seats are generously padded and provide excellent support, while the dashboard layout is intuitive and user-friendly. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a similarly spacious interior, but its third row of seats is slightly more cramped than the Murano’s. However, the Santa Fe’s seats are equally comfortable and offer heated and ventilated options.

Performance and Fuel Economy

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 daily driving and highway cruising, while returning an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that generates 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The base engine offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine provides improved performance with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Nissan Murano and the Hyundai Santa Fe come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. The Murano also offers a 360-degree surround-view camera system, while the Santa Fe features a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

Technology and Infotainment

The Nissan Murano is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that also includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as a premium audio system.

Price and Value

The Nissan Murano has a starting price of $32,510, while the Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $29,090. The Murano offers a more spacious cabin and a more powerful engine, while the Santa Fe has a better fuel economy and a more comprehensive suite of technology features.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Nissan Murano is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a spacious and comfortable cabin, a powerful engine, and a bold exterior design. The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, is a more fuel-efficient option with a more comprehensive suite of technology features and a more rugged exterior design. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious third row of seats?
A: The Nissan Murano has a more spacious third row of seats than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a better fuel economy than the Nissan Murano, especially with the base engine.

Q: Which SUV offers more technology features?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more comprehensive suite of technology features than the Nissan Murano, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system and a premium audio system.