2020 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It tended to blend into its surroundings without causing any embarrassment to its driver. Acura had long embraced LED headlights, and the MDX featured Jewel Eye headlights, which added a luxurious touch to the vehicle. These headlights included five LED elements per side and flanked a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo, giving the MDX an expressive front face. Despite its three-row configuration, the MDX maintained a sleek and low-slung profile, with chiseled details and a fast roofline. The interior followed a modern and simplistic approach, avoiding excessive padding and stitching. The center stack stood out with its twin infotainment screens—an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen. The vehicle exhibited high-quality materials and superior fit and finish, providing a solid and well-built feel.

Contrastingly, the 2020 Nissan Murano retained the face of older Nissan models despite updates in its 2019 model year, including a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, additional fog lights, new wheel designs, and new paint color options. While still attractive, its design was not particularly modern and appeared outdated next to newer Nissan models like the Pathfinder and Armada. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Murano introduced more standard features for midrange and higher trims, including heated mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition technology. The top-tier Murano Platinum added a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a new exterior paint option—Super Black. Murano’s wheels ranged from 18-inch to 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy, providing a sturdy aesthetic. Inside, the Murano’s premium appointments were most prominent in the Platinum grade, with a blend of luxe materials and dated housings. The center stack, console, and steering wheel appeared particularly old-fashioned. Despite this, the interior featured intuitive switches, knobs, and buttons, located in easily accessible areas.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain choices: a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, generating 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and all-wheel drive. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system delivered solid straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with its torque-vectoring technology. This technology directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, sharpening turn-in and improving handling. The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road bumps effectively, ensuring a comfortable ride for long journeys.

In comparison, the 2020 Nissan Murano’s standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produced a respectable 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Though not the quickest from a standstill, the Murano handled highway overtakes with ease. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated more quietly than typical CVTs, contributing to a quieter cabin. The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, which were commendable figures for its class. Available in front-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option, the Murano handled well but exhibited noticeable body lean when cornering. Its four-wheel independent suspension minimized cabin disturbances from bumps and vibrations. While it did not offer the connected driving experience of premium German SUVs, the Murano provided a comfortable cruising experience, placing it alongside the Lincoln Nautilus. Nissan rated the Murano’s towing capacity at 1,500 pounds.

The 2020 Acura MDX, a popular choice among families, featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, enhancing third-row access and allowing customizable legroom distribution. The MDX provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. With both rear rows folded, the cargo space reached a substantial 90.9 cubic feet, with additional storage options including a recessed cubby hole and underfloor storage. Up front, various storage solutions included a large glove box, sunglass pocket, and a flexible center console with ample space and connectivity options. The MDX’s tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making it a stylish yet practical alternative to a minivan.

Conversely, the 2020 Nissan Murano stood out with its Zero Gravity seats, offering exceptional comfort for long journeys. Though lacking in some dimensions compared to competitors like the Lexus RX, the Murano excelled in shoulder room for rear passengers. The Murano provided 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row upright and 67.0 cubic feet with the second row folded flat, which was slightly below average for its class but still functional. Its low cargo floor and easily foldable rear seats facilitated storage, complemented by a power liftgate on higher trims. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry increased convenience, while available features included leather seating, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof. The Murano’s design catered to easy ingress and egress, though the A-pillar slightly hindered forward visibility. Despite its dated center console, the Murano offered practical storage solutions, although smartphone storage and charging cord management had room for improvement.

The 2020 Acura MDX came well-equipped even in its base trim, featuring Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Technology Package added features like rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package further included an Active Damper System, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated seats, a surround-view camera, and additional USB ports. The optional Entertainment Package offered a rear DVD system, a 110-volt power outlet, wireless headphones, and either a 16.2-inch or 9.0-inch screen depending on the chosen package.

The 2020 Nissan Murano, while lagging behind its competitors in tech, provided standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, and voice recognition. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, and navigation with traffic functionality. Murano Platinum buyers benefited from NissanConnect Services, offering collision notification, emergency call, and remote functionalities, similar to GM’s OnStar service. Additionally, an Amazon Alexa skill could be added at no cost, enhancing the Murano’s technological offerings.

The 2020 Acura MDX boasted a suite of safety features under the AcuraWatch banner, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package introduced blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package added Head-Up Warning. Further safety features included a rearview camera (upgraded to surround-view in the Advance Package), various airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist (AWD models), tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and an electronic theft-deterrent system. Acura’s ACE body structure enhanced crash safety. The IIHS rated the MDX highly across all categories, earning “good” and “superior” ratings, with an overall five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured Safety Shield 360 as standard on higher trims, encompassing forward-collision warning with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A standard rearview camera was also included. Despite lacking advanced driver-assist technologies found in some competitors, the Murano’s IIHS ratings were strong, with "good" marks in most categories and "superior" in front crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the Murano five stars overall, except for a four-star rating in rollover testing.