2020 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Murano came bearing the face of the last generation of Nissan products. Although its look had been refreshed for the 2019 model year with an upgraded grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, additional fog lights, new wheel designs, and more paint color choices, its exterior design was considered attractive yet not particularly modern. Midrange and higher trim levels added more standard features in 2020. For instance, the Murano SV was outfitted with heated outside mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and rear sonar. The Murano SL added traffic-sign recognition technology, while the top-tier Murano Platinum boasted a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and the addition of Super Black as a new paint option.

The 2020 Murano was equipped with standard 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, while the SL and Platinum trims enjoyed 20-inch wheels with more refined finishes. Despite its dated interior elements reminiscent of the year 2014, the Murano’s Platinum grade still exuded a sense of luxury with premium materials. However, the center stack, console, and steering wheel betrayed its age. In areas such as control placement and ease of reach, the Murano remained commendable, resonating a sense of upscale comfort compared to even the most upmarket version of the 2021 Nissan Rogue.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue’s styling was distinctly modern and more SUV-like. Its exterior sported dark gray plastic cladding covering the lower perimeter, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection that conveyed ruggedness, although perhaps a bit too audaciously on the rear bumper. The Rogue featured clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and proper proportioning that lent a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic. The Rogue offered aluminum wheels up to 19 inches and optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment for a custom look.

The 2021 Rogue was available in four trims: S, SV, SL, and the new Platinum, each carrying progressively more upscale features. Our tested Rogue SL incorporated accessories like a panoramic glass sunroof and Almond color leather interior, emphasizing improved roominess and quality. Controls were strategically arranged for ease of use, and the Platinum trim took luxury further with semi-aniline quilted leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting.

The 2020 Nissan Murano's 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered a hearty 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, making it strong but not the quickest. Once up to highway speed, the Murano was capable of efficient overtaking. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed quietly, aiming for "library level" sound inside the cabin, though it lacked the eight- or nine-speed automatic transmissions common among competitors. This translated to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The Murano's front-wheel-drive came standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The AWD improved road grip, though the vehicle transmitted noticeable body lean to passengers. Its four-wheel independent suspension relatively cushioned the cabin from road bumps and vibrations. The Murano leaned towards being a comfortable cruiser similar to the Lincoln Nautilus, and though not particularly nimble, its steering was responsive. Notably, the Murano had a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque—adequate for daily driving but lacking in robust power. Its CVT performed decently, with programmed ratios mimicking traditional automatic transmissions. The available all-wheel drive and 8.2 inches of ground clearance, alongside new Snow and Off-Road driving modes, enhanced the Rogue's capability to venture off-road. Expected future additions like a turbocharged engine hinted at more power prospects.

Fuel economy for the tested front-wheel-drive Rogue SL was around 27.5 mpg on mixed-road driving loops, slightly below the EPA estimate of 29 mpg. The new Rogue's ride and handling, supported by a strut front and multi-link rear suspension system, felt smooth and athletic. Contributing features like Brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, as well as Vehicle Motion Control, created a predictable and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2020 Nissan Murano's Zero Gravity seats were lauded for their exceptional comfort, both for the front row and rear outboard passengers. Despite having more headroom than the Lexus RX, the Murano offered less front legroom. However, it excelled in shoulder room, granting over an inch more space in the second row compared to the RX. Although the Murano surpassed the Rogue in hip and shoulder room, both models shared similar head- and legroom, contributing to the Murano having 3 cubic feet more passenger volume.

Targeted towards Empty Nesters, the Murano offered plush accommodations but sacrificed cargo space for style, providing up to 32.1 cubic feet with the second row upright and up to 67.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The easy folding rear seats and a low cargo floor made storage efficient.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue also benefited from updated Zero Gravity seats. Improved from its predecessor, the new seats came in various upholstery options across the trim levels, with higher trims offering more luxurious finishes. The Rogue’s rear-seat space increased, with generous headroom and legroom, and the rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees for easier passenger loading. With rear side window sunshades and a rear-seat reminder system, the Rogue catered well to families.

Nissan also focused on reducing interior noise, enhancing the driving experience with aerodynamic improvements and acoustic materials. The Rogue's redesigned electronic shifter freed up space under the center console for additional storage, and ample door-panel pockets and a multifunctional center armrest added convenience.

Cargo-wise, the Rogue supplied 31.6 cubic feet in the S and SV trims and 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo management system. This increased to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, offering substantial storage comparable to the segment's best.

In the technology department, the 2020 Nissan Murano lagged behind its peers but provided essential features. Standard on each Murano was an 8-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. Available upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system and navigation with point of interest search and traffic functionality. Murano Platinum models included NissanConnect Services, offering functionalities similar to General Motors’ OnStar, and an optional Amazon Alexa skill added a modern touch.

Conversely, the 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment setup. Standard features in the S trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a six-month trial of the Nissan Concierge Personal Assistant. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration. The SL Premium Package and the Rogue Platinum boasted a larger 9-inch touchscreen, navigation with real-time traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay, advanced voice recognition, and a Bose premium audio system.

Notably, the Rogue's Platinum trim featured wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display, making it technologically superior to its predecessor.

The 2020 Nissan Murano added Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite as standard in its SV, SL, and Platinum trims. This included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Despite lacking the advanced driver-assist technology of newer models, the Murano earned commendable crash test results, with top marks except in the rollover category, where it received four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 Nissan Rogue emphasized safety with standard Safety Shield 360 across all trims, which included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was standard starting with the SV trim, incorporating the improved ProPilot Assist with lane-centering. Upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology debuted in the SL Premium Package and Rogue Platinum, enhancing real-time navigation-assisted driving.

Nissan further equipped the Rogue with ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. The structural enhancements aimed for improved crash energy deflection, promising substantial protection in collisions.