2020 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and offered 182 horsepower. Higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $26,645, with a range of features and safety systems.

The 2020 Nissan Murano retained the face of the last generation of Nissan products, with updates in 2019 that included a refreshed grille, redesigned LED lights, and new wheel designs. Despite these updates, the Murano’s exterior design felt dated compared to newer Nissan models. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, the Murano saw midrange and higher trims gain more standard features. The Murano SV added heated mirrors and adaptive cruise control, while the SL included traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim featured a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Murano rode on 18-inch wheels, with 20-inch options for higher trims, and offered a new Super Black paint option.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. For those needing more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback’s design ensured less wear on components and a lower center of gravity, enhancing overall performance.

The 2020 Nissan Murano’s standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest, it performed well on highways. The CVT was quieter than typical CVTs, contributing to a “library level” sound in the cabin. The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined. Available in FWD and AWD, the Murano handled well but exhibited noticeable body lean. Its four-wheel independent suspension smoothed out bumps, providing a comfortable ride. The Murano’s steering was not particularly agile but was responsive enough for a comfortable driving experience. It had a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The Outback’s design prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk. The Outback’s proportions made it look smaller from the outside, which was appreciated in a market where cars tend to grow larger each year.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured Zero Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort for long drives. It offered more headroom than the Lexus RX but less front legroom. The Murano excelled in shoulder room, especially in the second row, and had 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Rogue. Cargo space was 32.1 cubic feet with the second row upright and 67.0 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the Rogue but sufficient for daily use. The Murano’s low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats facilitated storage. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry, with available upgrades like leather seating and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and easy to navigate. However, the system suffered from significant lag, affecting functions like navigation and volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the large screen and layout had potential if the lag and resolution problems were addressed.

The 2020 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly and visually appealing. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, and navigation. The Murano Platinum featured NissanConnect Services, offering functionalities similar to GM’s OnStar. An Amazon Alexa skill was also available, enhancing the Murano’s tech offerings.

The 2020 Subaru Outback’s standard safety suite included features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru’s EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off unexpectedly.

The 2020 Nissan Murano included Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Murano received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with all five-star marks except for a four-star rating in the rollover category.