2020 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Nissan Murano had a design that echoed the last generation of Nissan products. Although it received a styling update in 2019 with a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, added fog lights, new wheel designs, and additional paint color choices, its exterior design remained attractive but not particularly modern. This became more apparent as newer models like the redesigned Nissan Pathfinder and Armada debuted, leaving the Murano as one of the few models without Nissan’s latest design language.

Nissan offered the Murano in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades for 2020. Midrange and higher trims received more standard features, such as heated outside mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and rear sonar in the SV, and traffic-sign recognition technology in the SL. The top-tier Platinum trim added a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Murano rode on standard 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, with the SL and Platinum trims featuring 20-inch wheels in different finishes. Despite its dated interior design, the Murano’s premium appointments in the Platinum grade gave it an upscale feel, with switches, knobs, and buttons that were intuitive and easy to reach.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo’s image with its design, maintaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design went for a sportier look, and the base Momentum trim had a more understated appearance.

The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" and "60" series models. Its interior embodied “Swedish minimalism,” with thoughtfully arranged, nice-looking materials. The matte-finish wood trim had a natural appearance, and the wool upholstery option was unique. The Orrefors crystal shifter in the Inscription trim added a high-end touch, though it seemed out of place in the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest off the line, it performed well on the highway. The powertrain included a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that operated quietly, contributing to a “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 respectable figures for its class.

The Murano came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The AWD system provided good road grip but also transmitted some body lean to passengers. The four-wheel independent suspension helped mitigate bumps and vibrations, enhancing ride comfort. The Murano had a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, positioning it as a comfortable cruiser rather than a sporty or agile SUV.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

The T5 came standard with FWD, with AWD optional, while AWD was standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the T8’s impressive power, the small engine struggled with flexibility, and the gasoline engine often had to assist even at low speeds. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was only practical at low speeds with gentle acceleration. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. Most XC90 models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 Nissan Murano’s Zero Gravity seats were a standout feature, providing exceptional comfort for long drives. The Murano offered more headroom than the Lexus RX but less front legroom. It excelled in shoulder room, especially in the second row, and had 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 2021 Rogue. The Murano had up to 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row upright and 67.0 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Despite having less overall cargo space than the class average, the Murano’s low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats made it practical for daily use.

The Murano’s interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry as standard. Available features included leather-appointed seating, a heated steering wheel, memory settings for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors, and remote engine start with climate control functionality. The Platinum trim offered a dual-pane panoramic moonroof. However, the center console lacked practical storage space for smartphones, leaving charging cords hanging out.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in the second and third rows lacked support. An optional power moonroof extended across the first two rows, enhancing the spacious feel. The XC90 featured standard four-zone climate control with an optional filtration system.

The Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Forward visibility was limited due to the tall hood. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, which was near the bottom of the segment. The XC90 did offer a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, and voice recognition. The touchscreen was user-friendly and visually appealing. Rear passengers had access to two USB ports for charging. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, and navigation with point of interest search and traffic functionality. The Platinum trim included NissanConnect Services, offering features like automatic collision notification, emergency call, and remote functionalities.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. It also had two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. Available features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display (HUD). The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive and easy to use, though the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

For 2020, the Nissan Murano included Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims. This suite 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. The Murano received all "good" ratings from the IIHS except in the headlight category and a "superior" mark for front crash prevention. The NHTSA gave the Murano five-star ratings in all categories except rollover, where it received four stars.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and responsive assistance.