2020 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offering a straightforward choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test model featured the SL trim with front-drive, the SL Premium Package, and additional accessories, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, highlighted by its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. A thoughtful touch was the padded center console sides for driver comfort.

The 2020 Nissan Murano, with its updated grille and LED lights from the 2019 refresh, retained an attractive yet not particularly modern design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, the Murano offered more standard features in midrange and higher trims. The Murano SV included heated mirrors and adaptive cruise control, while the SL added traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim featured a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Murano's wheels varied from 18-inch to 20-inch designs, all with all-season tires. Inside, the Murano's Platinum grade offered premium materials, though the center stack and console design felt dated. Despite this, the Murano provided a more upscale feel compared to the Rogue, with intuitive controls and a comfortable driving experience.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single powertrain: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's performance was adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. The CVT managed power well, but acceleration, especially on highways or inclines, was underwhelming. The EPA estimated 29 mpg for FWD models, but real-world testing showed only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by heavy steering and CVT drone.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Murano boasted a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest, the Murano excelled at highway speeds, aided by a quiet CVT. The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, competitive for its class. Available in FWD and AWD, the Murano handled well but exhibited body lean. Its four-wheel independent suspension smoothed out road imperfections, offering a comfortable ride. The Murano's steering was responsive, though not particularly agile, and it had a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior posed challenges for taller drivers, with limited seat adjustability. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort and visibility, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a total of 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Rogue also featured underfloor storage and a Divide-n-Hide cargo system.

The 2020 Nissan Murano excelled with its Zero Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort. It offered more headroom than the Lexus RX and superior shoulder room in the second row. The Murano had 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Rogue, with similar head- and legroom. Cargo space was less than the Rogue, with 32.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 67.0 cubic feet with seats folded. Despite this, the Murano's low cargo floor and easy-to-fold seats made it practical. Standard features included dual-zone climate control and keyless entry, with options for leather seating and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades offered SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response and subpar voice recognition.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and four USB ports. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose system and navigation. Murano Platinum models had NissanConnect Services, offering remote functionalities and emergency services. The Murano's tech was user-friendly, though not cutting-edge.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist. The Rogue received a 4-star NHTSA rating and missed a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to headlight and passenger protection issues.

The 2020 Nissan Murano included Safety Shield 360 on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. It lacked advanced tech like ProPilot Assist. The Murano earned "good" IIHS ratings, except for headlights, and received five-star NHTSA ratings, except for a four-star rollover rating.