2020 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update to incorporate newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow “thud” when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna was available in multiple trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding various features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition offered dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing style.

The 2020 Nissan Murano retained the face of the last generation of Nissan products, with a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs introduced in 2019. Despite these updates, the Murano’s exterior design remained attractive but not particularly modern. The Murano was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, with midrange and higher trims receiving more standard features. The interior, especially in the Platinum grade, featured luxe materials but dated housings, particularly in the center stack, console, and steering wheel. The Murano’s interior still seemed upscale compared to the most upmarket version of the 2021 Nissan Rogue.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with AWD versions offering better traction in inclement conditions but slightly lower fuel economy. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Murano wasn’t the quickest off the line but had no trouble overtaking vehicles on the highway. The CVT operated quietly, contributing to a “library level” sound in the cabin. The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined. It came standard with FWD, with AWD available. The Murano handled well with AWD but exhibited significant body lean. Its four-wheel independent suspension helped absorb bumps, providing a smooth ride. The Murano had a 1,500-pound towing capacity and offered a comfortable, if not particularly agile, driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2020 Nissan Murano’s standout feature was its Zero Gravity seats, 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 Nissan Rogue. The Murano had up to 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row upright and 67.0 cubic feet with it folded flat. Despite less overall cargo space than some competitors, the Murano’s low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats made it practical for daily use. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry, with available upgrades like leather seating and a dual-pane panoramic moonroof.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna’s base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers.

The 2020 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, and voice recognition. The updated touchscreen was user-friendly and attractive. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, and navigation with point of interest search and traffic functionality. Murano Platinum buyers had NissanConnect Services, offering features like automatic collision notification and remote functionalities. An Amazon Alexa skill was also available.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top ratings from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Nissan Murano featured Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Murano earned all "good" ratings from the IIHS except in the headlight category and a "superior" mark for front crash prevention. NHTSA ratings included five stars overall, with four stars for rollover.