2020 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its rugged reputation. The Adventure trim, introduced earlier, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring AWD system and multiple driving modes. For 2020, the TRD Off-Road trim elevated this further with specialized wheels, tires, and suspension, offering a robust ride across various terrains. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique features, though it maintained the Adventure's overall look. Inside, it featured TRD logos, rubber mats, and a mix of quality materials, contrasting with some cheaper plastics. Positioned near the top of the RAV4's trim levels, the TRD Off-Road offered a blend of ruggedness and comfort, with a price reflecting its extensive features.

The 2020 Nissan Murano retained the styling of the previous generation, with updates in 2019 that included a refreshed grille and new LED lights. Despite these changes, its design felt less modern compared to upcoming Nissan models. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Murano offered more standard features in midrange and higher trims, such as heated mirrors and adaptive cruise control. The Platinum trim added a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Murano's wheels varied by trim, with the SL and Platinum featuring larger, more stylish options. Inside, the Platinum grade offered premium materials, though some elements felt dated. Despite this, the Murano maintained an upscale feel, with controls that were intuitive and well-placed.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it wasn't available in the TRD Off-Road trim. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain provided adequate performance, especially in Sport mode, though a turbocharged engine would have been preferable at higher altitudes. An 8-speed automatic transmission handled power delivery, occasionally struggling with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with various terrain settings and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 performed well in urban settings, though its all-terrain tires weren't ideal for fast driving on mountain roads. Fuel economy averaged 23.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Murano's strength lay in its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest, it excelled at highway speeds. The CVT was notably quiet, contributing to a serene cabin environment. The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, competitive for its class without a hybrid option. Standard FWD could be upgraded to AWD, which improved road grip but resulted in noticeable body lean. The Murano's four-wheel independent suspension absorbed bumps well, enhancing ride comfort. It wasn't as agile as some competitors but provided a comfortable cruising experience, with a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, with a low and sporty driving position in the 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap heat, but the optional Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, air vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was generous, with a dashboard shelf and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A robust roof rack and optional hands-free power liftgate enhanced utility.

The 2020 Nissan Murano's standout feature was its Zero Gravity seats, offering exceptional comfort for long journeys. It provided more headroom than the Lexus RX but less front legroom, while excelling in shoulder room. Compared to the 2021 Rogue, the Murano offered more hip and shoulder room, resulting in 3 cubic feet more passenger volume. Designed for Empty Nesters, the Murano prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, offering 32.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 67.0 cubic feet with them folded. Despite less cargo space than some rivals, its 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, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof. The A-pillar slightly hindered forward visibility, and the center console lacked dedicated smartphone storage.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured user-friendly technology, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The 8-inch system, standard in the TRD Off-Road, suffered from glare but was otherwise satisfactory. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot available for a fee after a trial period. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for volume and tuning. Upgrades included navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was impressive, accurately responding to commands. The optional Technology Package added wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable settings.

The 2020 Nissan Murano lagged behind competitors in technology but offered essential features. Standard equipment included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. The interface 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 traffic functionality. Murano Platinum buyers received NissanConnect Services, offering features similar to GM's OnStar, with remote functionalities and customizable alerts. An Amazon Alexa skill was available for free.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering advanced safety features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and blind spot assist. These systems operated smoothly, encouraging drivers to keep them active. A 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services was included, providing collision notification and emergency assistance. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance, though headlight performance varied.

The 2020 Nissan Murano included Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, featuring forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. A rearview camera was also standard. The Murano lacked some advanced safety tech found in rivals and the Nissan Rogue. IIHS crash tests rated the Murano "good" in most categories, with a "superior" mark for front crash prevention. NHTSA ratings were mostly five stars, except for a four-star rollover rating.