2020 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Nissan Murano, while updated in 2019 with a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs, retained a look that was attractive but not particularly modern. As newer models like the Nissan Pathfinder and Armada emerged with updated designs, the Murano's styling began to feel dated. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Murano offered more standard features in its midrange and higher trims, such as heated outside mirrors and adaptive cruise control in the SV, and traffic-sign recognition in the SL. The Platinum trim boasted a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. Despite its dated interior design, the Murano's Platinum grade featured premium materials, offering a somewhat upscale feel compared to the 2021 Nissan Rogue. The Murano's wheels ranged from 18-inch to 20-inch aluminum-alloy designs, wrapped in all-season tires, contributing to its overall ride quality.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, maintaining some of the original design's sophistication. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, quilted leather seats, and upscale materials, making it one of the poshest minivans available. The Pacifica's doors closed with a solid thud, and its sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride, enhancing its premium appeal.

The 2020 Nissan Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest off the line, it performed well on highways, aided by a quiet continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. It came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available, providing good road grip but some body lean. The Murano's four-wheel independent suspension helped absorb bumps, offering a comfortable ride. However, it lacked the connected drive experience of premium SUVs, focusing more on comfort with a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, or a hybrid powertrain with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, with 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD reducing these figures slightly. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured Zero Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort for long journeys. It offered more headroom than the Lexus RX but less front legroom, with superior shoulder room in the second row. The Murano had 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 2021 Rogue, with up to 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row upright and 67.0 cubic feet with it folded. Despite less cargo space than some competitors, the Murano's low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats made it practical for daily use. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry, with options for leather seating and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. It featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle provided best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters. The second- and third-row seats offered plenty of legroom, with Stow 'n Go seats available even on AWD models. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2020 Nissan Murano, though behind competitors in tech, offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. Murano Platinum buyers had access to NissanConnect Services, offering remote functionalities and emergency services.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a second-row in-seat entertainment system with games and multiple audio system upgrades, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features for family safety.

The 2020 Nissan Murano came with Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It received "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for headlights, and a "superior" mark for front crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with four stars for rollover.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.