2020 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Nissan Murano maintained the appearance of the previous generation of Nissan products. It had undergone a styling update for the 2019 model year, featuring a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, added fog lights, new wheel designs, and additional paint color choices. Despite these updates, its exterior design was seen as attractive yet not particularly modern, especially as newer models like the redesigned Nissan Pathfinder and Armada debuted, leaving the Murano’s design feeling dated.

Nissan sold the Murano in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims for 2020. The midrange and higher trim levels included more standard features, such as heated outside mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and rear sonar in the Murano SV; traffic-sign recognition technology in the Murano SL; and a new leather-wrapped steering wheel in the top-tier Murano Platinum. The new exterior paint option was Super Black. The Murano rode on standard 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, with the SL and Platinum models featuring 20-inch wheels in varied finishes. Despite its older design, the Murano's interior presented a mix of luxe materials and dated components. Interior highlights included premium appointments in the Platinum grade and a generally upscale feel when stacked against models like the 2021 Nissan Rogue.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted clean lines and balanced proportions, which some might have found understated yet showcased a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. The Tiguan's design was expected to age well over time. Volkswagen had learned from its first-generation mistakes and made this second generation larger, nearly as spacious inside as the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento.

Inside, the Tiguan's construction reflected classic German automotive design with modern geometric interior forms and a purposeful, no-nonsense control layout. The engine start button's location was a minor oddity, placed on the center console rather than the dashboard. To elevate its somewhat somber interior tones, the Tiguan incorporated shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. Still, it contained more hard plastic than luxury competitors like Audi, and the steering wheel stalks felt slightly flimsy.

The Tiguan was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with additional sporty R-Line variants. Pricing for the Tiguan ranged from $25,245 to $39,095. Our test vehicle, with SEL trim and 4Motion AWD, came to $35,040 including destination.

The 2020 Nissan Murano, despite its age, was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While it might not have been the fastest off the line, it managed highway speeds comfortably and overtook other vehicles with ease. The powertrain included a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that operated quietly compared to other CVTs, contributing to what Nissan termed "library level" sound in the cabin. The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, which were decent numbers for its class, particularly for non-hybrid engines.

Standard Murano models were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The AWD Murano offered good road grip but tended to pass body lean to passengers during turns. However, its four-wheel independent suspension effectively absorbed bumps and vibrations.

The Murano’s drive experience leaned towards comfort and wasn’t particularly agile or sharp, comparable to cruisers like the Lincoln Nautilus. It featured a towing capacity rated at 1,500 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. The engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sent power to the front wheels by default, with the 4Motion AWD system available as an option. Despite being adequate, the Tiguan’s engine suffered from noticeable turbocharger lag, leading to a delay in response when the accelerator was pressed. This made the engine feel breathless during sudden acceleration or passing maneuvers, partly due to the vehicle’s nearly 4,000-pound curb weight.

The Tiguan returned an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD. During testing, the AWD model averaged 22.6 mpg. Driving the Tiguan was generally pleasurable with light yet responsive steering, compliant ride quality, and refined braking. However, its suspension struggled with sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks, diminishing its otherwise nimble handling.

On curvy roads, the Tiguan couldn’t match the performance of Volkswagen’s GTI, showing early tire grip loss and allowing too much body motion. However, it proved to be remarkably quiet and composed on highways, making for comfortable long-distance drives.

The 2020 Nissan Murano’s Zero Gravity seats were a standout feature, offering comfort praised for long drives, standard in the front and rear outboard seats. In terms of headroom, the Murano offered more than the Lexus RX but had less front legroom. It boasted superior shoulder room in the second row compared to the RX. Against the 2021 Rogue, the Murano offered more hip and shoulder room, contributing to 3 cubic feet more passenger volume.

The Murano, designed mainly for Empty Nesters, sacrificed cargo space for style. It offered up to 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row upright and up to 67.0 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Although not class-leading, it provided ample space for daily needs thanks to a low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats. Higher trims featured a power liftgate.

Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry were standard. Higher trims offered leather seating, heated steering wheel, and various memory features. A dual-pane panoramic moonroof was standard on Platinum models and optional on SL trims. Despite some challenges with smartphone storage in the center console, the Murano maintained simplicity and functionality in most interior controls.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan emphasized comfort with large doors and high seating points facilitating easy entry and exit. The front seats offered a broad range of adjustments, ensuring support and visibility, covered in convincing V-Tex leatherette upholstery. The dual-zone climate control system effectively maintained cabin comfort.

Generous back-seat space, equipped with AC vents and USB charging ports, provided excellent occupant support, even for taller passengers. The Tiguan excelled in accommodating reverse-facing child safety seats. The panoramic sunroof, with an operational wind deflector, added a luxurious touch. However, the vehicle was stingy with storage spaces, despite having a useful slot for a wireless charger in SE trim and above.

With 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, the Tiguan allowed versatile cargo and passenger configurations. Cargo space varied from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on the presence of a third row, with a maximum capacity ranging from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2020 Nissan Murano lagged behind competitors in tech features, though it updated sufficiently to remain relevant. All models came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, and voice recognition. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, and navigation with traffic function.

The Murano Platinum included NissanConnect Services, providing features like automatic collision notification, emergency call, and stolen vehicle locator, akin to GM’s OnStar system. Remote functionalities included start/stop, lock/unlock, flashing lights, horn sounding, and various alerts. Integration with Amazon Alexa was available at no extra cost.

For 2021, Volkswagen introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, starting with the SE trim. This system came with an 8-inch touchscreen offering quicker responses and additional features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi connectivity for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a suite of Car-Net connected services. However, some quirks in the interface and voice recognition technology were noted. Standard models featured a basic six-speaker system, whereas the SEL Premium R-Line received a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit instrumentation was standard for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, presenting a clean, understated approach to technology.

Nissan enhanced the 2020 Murano’s safety by including Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims. This suite featured 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. Standard equipment also included a rearview camera.

The Murano lacked advanced driver-assist technologies found in competitors, like the Nissan Rogue’s ProPilot Assist, which offered lane centering and more advanced features. The IIHS granted the Murano “good” ratings in most categories but did not rate the headlights and awarded a "superior" rating for front crash prevention. NHTSA gave the Murano five-star overall ratings, except for a four-star rating in the rollover category.

Volkswagen’s 2021 Tiguan came with IQ Drive as standard, providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. SE trims added adaptive cruise control, SEL trims incorporated lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and the SEL Premium R-Line included automatic high-beam headlights. Front and rear parking sensors were standard on higher trims.

Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist functioned effectively but had some responsiveness issues. The blind-spot warning indicator was prominent and easy to see. The parking sensors' automatic braking feature could be overly sensitive, abruptly stopping the vehicle when exiting driveways.

The Tiguan included Car-Net connected services with automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and Family Guardian alerts. IIHS awarded a “Top Safety Pick” to SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims due to LED headlights, while NHTSA had not completed its crash-test ratings for the vehicle.