2020 Nissan Murano vs 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered four trim levels—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $24,350 to $34,150, excluding destination charges. The CR-V LX featured standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, while higher trims boasted body-color trim, 18-inch wheels, and rear privacy glass. The interior of the CR-V was noted for its quality materials and construction, with a 2-tone tan-over-black interior treatment in the test vehicle. Despite some hard plastic, the materials did not feel cheap, contributing to a sense of value.

The 2020 Nissan Murano retained the styling of the previous generation of Nissan products, with updates in 2019 that included a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Murano was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, with midrange and higher trims receiving more standard features. The Murano's interior was a mix of premium materials and dated design elements, particularly in the center stack, console, and steering wheel. Despite this, the Murano still felt upscale compared to the 2021 Nissan Rogue, with intuitive controls and a comfortable cabin.

The 2019 Honda CR-V LX was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EX, EX-L, and Touring trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine was more responsive and offered better fuel economy, though it had issues in cold weather and with battery reliability. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, and dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric steering. The CR-V averaged 27.7 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 29 mpg combined rating.

The 2020 Nissan Murano was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Murano's powertrain was quiet and provided adequate acceleration on the highway. It achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Murano offered FWD as standard, with AWD available. The ride was comfortable, thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension, though it exhibited body lean in corners. The Murano had a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2019 Honda CR-V provided ample interior space, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed a 12-way power adjustable seat, and heated front seats were standard on all but the LX trim. The rear seats offered plenty of space and included air vents and USB ports. The CR-V excelled in cargo space, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured Zero Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort for long drives. The Murano offered more headroom than the Lexus RX but less front legroom. It had more shoulder room in the second row compared to the RX and the 2021 Rogue. The Murano's cargo space was 32.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 67.0 cubic feet with them folded down. The SUV had a low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats, making it practical for daily use. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry, with additional options like leather seating and a panoramic moonroof available.

The 2019 Honda CR-V's EX trim and above included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. Navigation was optional on the EX-L and standard on the Touring trim. The system had a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob and menu shortcut buttons, making it somewhat distracting to use. Voice activation was available but often misunderstood commands.

The 2020 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and voice recognition. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, and navigation. The Murano Platinum featured NissanConnect Services, offering functionalities similar to GM's OnStar. An Amazon Alexa skill was also available.

The 2019 Honda CR-V, except for the LX trim, came with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a road-departure mitigation system. The EX trim and higher also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating for headlight performance.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Murano received all "good" ratings from the IIHS except for headlights and a "superior" mark for front crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the Murano five stars overall, with four stars for rollover resistance.