2021 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the robust Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end that appeared intimidating in rearview mirrors, and its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar featured high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious environment that felt more like a cockpit than a typical SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano had a design that once seemed ahead of its time but had become more mainstream. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were now standard in car design. The interior was conservative, focusing on comfort and ease of use, making it ideal for commutes and road trips. The Murano's trims ranged from the base S with essential features to the luxurious Platinum, which included a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and premium leather. The Murano prioritized practicality, with controls conveniently placed to minimize the learning curve for drivers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift from style to performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. This engine delivered 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. It could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, it wasn't the fastest in its class. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, all with standard four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, though the Velar lacked a low range for more challenging terrains.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and came with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The V6 provided strong low-speed acceleration, making it suitable for city driving, though the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride that absorbed road imperfections well. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many midsize and even some compact SUVs.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a middle ground in size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. Despite its size, it didn't offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design, while stylish, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not the most spacious in its class, the Murano excelled in ease of use, with a practical interior design featuring ample storage options. The focus on two rows of seating provided generous headroom and legroom for all passengers, with the second row offering partial reclining functionality. The SL and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate, adding convenience to its practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen managed smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen handled vehicle settings and climate control. Despite its high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a user-friendly menu layout and physical buttons for easy navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo and navigation. The Murano's infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible for all drivers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Murano boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360, including reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Additional features like forward automatic emergency braking and driver drowsiness monitoring were also standard. Optional safety features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control, enhancing the Murano's safety credentials.