2020 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not ostentatious but rather practical, with features like a dished hood that improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The subtle bulging of the fenders provided both functional wheel travel space and a visual cue of the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a luxurious experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional yet somewhat plain dashboard. The infotainment system, though comprehensive, was surrounded by a sea of buttons and switches, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Murano sported a design that, while updated in 2019, felt somewhat dated compared to newer Nissan models. Its exterior was attractive but lacked the modern flair of its siblings. The Murano was available in several trims, each offering a range of features, with the Platinum grade boasting premium appointments. Inside, the Murano's interior was a mix of luxurious materials and dated design elements, particularly in the center stack and console. Despite this, the Murano maintained an upscale feel, with controls that were intuitive and easy to reach, providing a comfortable and user-friendly experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, made the Land Cruiser a formidable vehicle both on and off the road. Its off-road capabilities were further enhanced by a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adapt to various terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility, making long journeys comfortable.

The 2020 Nissan Murano, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest, it performed well on highways, aided by a quiet CVT. The Murano's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Murano provided a smooth ride, though it exhibited some body lean. Its four-wheel independent suspension helped absorb road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. The Murano's towing capacity was rated at 1,500 pounds, suitable for light-duty tasks.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for versatility, with features like skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack catering to both urban and off-road adventures. Its three-row configuration offered ample space for families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior boasted a four-zone climate control system and numerous cup holders, while a split tailgate added a touch of retro charm. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity of 8,100 pounds made it a capable hauler, and its interior was equipped with practical features like a cooling box and an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Nissan Murano excelled in passenger comfort, thanks to its Zero Gravity seats, which were highly regarded for long-distance comfort. The Murano offered generous headroom and shoulder room, with a total passenger volume exceeding that of the Rogue. While cargo space was slightly below average, the Murano's low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats made it practical for everyday use. Standard features included dual-zone climate control and keyless entry, with options for leather seating and a panoramic moonroof. The Murano's interior was designed with comfort in mind, though its center console lacked modern practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a range of tech updates, including a Qi-compatible charging station and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Toyota Premium Audio with 14 JBL speakers, navigation, and various audio options, though it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a standout feature, providing selectable views for navigating tight spaces and trails.

The 2020 Nissan Murano, while not leading in tech, offered a solid suite of features. Its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with four USB ports and a six-speaker audio system. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. Murano Platinum models featured NissanConnect Services, offering remote functionalities and emergency assistance. The Murano's tech package was user-friendly, with an attractive interface and convenient connectivity options.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, though not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision systems, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and various safety assist features, ensuring a comprehensive safety package.

The 2020 Nissan Murano came with Safety Shield 360 as standard on higher trims, including features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rollover rating. While lacking some advanced driver-assist features, the Murano offered a solid safety suite for its class.