Toyota Rav4 Vs Nissan Murano: Which One Is The Ultimate Suv Champion?

In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Murano stand out as two popular choices for drivers seeking a blend of practicality, style, and performance. Both vehicles offer a compelling package, but which one emerges as the superior option? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Murano, providing a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Powertrain:

1. Engine Options:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 offers a choice of two powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter hybrid system delivering a combined output of 219 horsepower.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano comes equipped with a single powertrain option, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.

2. Transmission:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 is available with either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the hybrid model.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano exclusively uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

3. Fuel Efficiency:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 offers better fuel economy than the Murano. The EPA estimates the RAV4’s combined fuel economy at 28 mpg for the gasoline model and up to 41 mpg for the hybrid variant.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano has a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg.

Design and Styling:

1. Exterior Design:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 features a rugged and adventurous exterior with sharp lines and a bold front grille.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano exhibits a sleek and sophisticated design with a sloping roofline and a distinctive V-motion grille.

2. Interior Design:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4’s cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with a user-friendly infotainment system and comfortable seating.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano’s interior is luxurious and refined, featuring premium materials and a panoramic moonroof.

Features and Technology:

1. Infotainment System:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano offers an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

2. Safety Features:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a comprehensive suite of safety features including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano offers Nissan Safety Shield 360, a similar suite of safety features that includes lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.

Cargo Space and Towing Capacity:

1. Cargo Space:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 provides 39.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano offers 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

2. Towing Capacity:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Driving Dynamics and Handling:

1. On-Road Performance:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 offers a comfortable and composed ride, with responsive handling and a well-balanced suspension.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano provides a smooth and refined ride, with agile handling and a well-tuned suspension.

2. Off-Road Performance:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 offers better off-road capabilities thanks to its available all-wheel drive system and rugged suspension.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano is primarily designed for on-road use and may struggle in challenging off-road conditions.

Pricing and Availability:

1. Pricing:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 has a starting price of $26,975 for the base LE trim and can go up to $34,980 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano has a starting price of $32,990 for the base S trim and can go up to $46,490 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim.

2. Availability:

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 is a widely available vehicle and can be found at Toyota dealerships across the country.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano is also widely available and can be found at Nissan dealerships across the country.

Final Verdict:

The Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Murano are both excellent compact SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The RAV4 offers better fuel economy, more cargo space, and superior off-road capabilities. On the other hand, the Murano provides a more luxurious and refined interior, a more powerful engine, and a smoother ride. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences, needs, and budget.

Wrap-Up:

In the realm of compact SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Murano stand out as formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of features, performance, and style. While the RAV4 excels in fuel efficiency, cargo space, and off-road prowess, the Murano captivates with its luxurious interior, powerful engine, and smooth ride. The decision between these two exceptional vehicles rests upon your priorities and preferences. Whether you seek adventure or refinement, practicality or indulgence, the RAV4 and Murano await your verdict.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Which vehicle offers better fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Murano?
A: The Toyota RAV4 offers better fuel economy than the Nissan Murano. The RAV4’s combined fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg for the gasoline model and up to 41 mpg for the hybrid variant, while the Murano’s combined fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg.

Q2: Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Murano?
A: The Toyota RAV4 offers more cargo space than the Nissan Murano. The RAV4 provides 39.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, while the Murano offers 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Q3: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine, the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Murano?
A: The Nissan Murano has a more powerful engine than the Toyota RAV4. The Murano’s 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, while the RAV4’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.