Safety and style in midsize suvs: nissan murano vs toyota
What To Know
- The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV that has been a popular choice for families and adventure-seekers alike.
- With its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive performance, the Murano offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile and stylish vehicle.
- With its rugged exterior, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, the Highlander is a solid choice for families and those seeking a practical and reliable vehicle.
The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV that has been a popular choice for families and adventure-seekers alike. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive performance, the Murano offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile and stylish vehicle.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Murano exudes a bold and modern aesthetic. Its sculpted body lines, sharp angles, and striking grille create a distinctive presence on the road. The available 20-inch wheels further enhance the Murano’s sporty character, while the panoramic moonroof provides an airy and open feel to the cabin.
Interior Comfort
Inside, the Murano impresses with its spaciousness and comfort. The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials, and the seats offer ample support and adjustability. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Murano offers a choice of two powerful engines: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 182 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient gear changes. The Murano’s suspension system is well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride on the highway and confident handling in corners.
The Toyota Highlander: A Proven and Reliable Choice
The Toyota Highlander is another popular midsize crossover SUV that has earned a reputation for its dependability, spaciousness, and value. With its rugged exterior, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, the Highlander is a solid choice for families and those seeking a practical and reliable vehicle.
Exterior Design
The Toyota Highlander presents a more conservative and utilitarian design than the Murano. Its boxy shape and angular lines prioritize functionality over style. However, the Highlander still manages to look attractive with its available 19-inch wheels, sleek LED headlights, and a spacious rear cargo area.
Interior Comfort
The Highlander’s interior is spacious and well-equipped. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is filled with high-quality materials. The infotainment system is easy to use and features a large 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
Performance and Handling
The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander’s suspension system is tuned for comfort and stability, providing a smooth ride on all types of road surfaces.
Nissan Murano vs. Toyota Highlander: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Nissan Murano | Toyota Highlander |
| — | — | — |
| Exterior Design | Bold and stylish | Conservative and utilitarian |
| Interior Comfort | Spacious and comfortable | Spacious and well-equipped |
| Infotainment System | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Engine Options | 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp) | 3.5-liter V6 (295 hp) |
| Transmission | Continuously variable transmission (CVT) | Eight-speed automatic transmission |
| Fuel Economy (EPA est.) | 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway | 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway |
| Safety Features | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control |
| Price Range | $32,000 – $45,000 | $34,000 – $47,000 |
Which Crossover SUV is Right for You?
The Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander are both excellent choices in the midsize crossover SUV segment. The Murano offers a more stylish and sporty design, while the Highlander emphasizes practicality and reliability. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs.
Consider the Murano if:
- You prioritize style and performance
- You want a spacious and comfortable interior
- You appreciate advanced safety features
Consider the Highlander if:
- You value dependability and practicality
- You need a spacious cargo area for family outings
- You want a vehicle that is fuel-efficient and easy to drive
Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Titans
The Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander represent the best of what the midsize crossover SUV segment has to offer. With their stylish designs, spacious interiors, powerful engines, and advanced safety features, these vehicles are sure to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers. Whether you prioritize style, practicality, or a combination of both, the Murano and Highlander are worthy contenders.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
The Toyota Highlander has a slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Murano, with EPA estimates of 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway compared to 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for the Murano.
Which vehicle has a more spacious cargo area?
The Toyota Highlander has a more spacious cargo area than the Nissan Murano, with 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats compared to 11.6 cubic feet for the Murano.
Which vehicle has a better warranty?
The Toyota Highlander has a better warranty than the Nissan Murano, with a basic warranty of 3 years / 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 5 years / 60,000 miles compared to a basic warranty of 3 years / 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 5 years / 100,000 miles for the Murano.