2020 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Nissan Murano retained the familiar face of the previous generation of Nissan vehicles, despite receiving a styling update in 2019. This included a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, added fog lights, new wheel designs, and additional paint color choices. While these changes kept the Murano's exterior attractive, it didn't quite achieve a modern look, especially as newer models like the Nissan Pathfinder and Armada debuted with updated designs. The Murano was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with midrange and higher trims receiving more standard features. The interior, particularly in the Platinum grade, offered premium materials but felt dated, especially in the center stack and console areas. Despite this, the Murano maintained an upscale feel compared to the 2021 Nissan Rogue, with intuitive controls and a comfortable cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to reach prices upwards of $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and standard paint, wheels, and leather. The Range Rover's design, approaching its 10th anniversary, remained timeless with hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while comprehensive, was not as advanced as newer systems, requiring some patience to master.

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. The Murano's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, though it exhibited some body lean. With a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, the Murano was more of a cruiser than a sporty SUV.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Range Rover provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. Standard four-wheel drive and Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road capability, though the test vehicle was not pushed to its limits. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension delivered a classic wafting ride, while its steering was slow and syrupy. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured Zero Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort for long journeys. It offered more headroom and shoulder room than the Lexus RX, with a total passenger volume of 3 cubic feet more than the 2021 Rogue. Designed with Empty Nesters in mind, the Murano prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, offering up to 32.1 cubic feet with the second row upright and 67.0 cubic feet with it folded. The Murano's low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats enhanced usability, while standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, rear passengers enjoyed quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Cargo space was also restricted, with a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2020 Nissan Murano, while not leading in technology, offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Standard features included four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. Murano Platinum buyers received NissanConnect Services, offering remote functionalities and emergency services. An Amazon Alexa skill was also available.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment across three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed for keyless access during activities, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2020 Nissan Murano came with Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. It received "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for headlights, and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.