2021 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's design evolution, showcasing a modern aesthetic that rivaled the elegance of its classic predecessors. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with its blacked-out grille, aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive features that highlighted Volvo's attention to detail. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather upholstery. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, making long journeys a pleasure. The interior was a blend of simplicity and quality, with thoughtful touches like the Swedish flag tag and a well-integrated vertical touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano had a more conservative design approach, focusing on comfort and practicality. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were no longer groundbreaking but still appealing. The interior was straightforward, with controls intuitively placed for ease of use. The Murano's trims offered a range of features, from the base S with its essential tech and connectivity options to the luxurious Platinum trim with premium leather and a panoramic moonroof. The Murano prioritized passenger comfort with ample headroom and legroom in its two-row seating configuration, making it an ideal choice for commutes and road trips.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with its supercharged and turbocharged engine, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing a more suitable performance for the XC90. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these numbers, the XC90 was not a performance powerhouse, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured a single engine option, a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong low-speed acceleration, making it well-suited for city driving. However, the CVT transmission dulled its power at higher speeds, requiring patience for highway overtakes. The Murano excelled in comfort, with a smooth ride that absorbed road imperfections. Its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with practicality and luxury in mind. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous iterations, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was praised for its organization, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Murano provided up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, which was less than some competitors. However, it compensated with a user-friendly design, featuring a traditional shifter and a center console with ample storage. The Murano's focus on two-row seating resulted in excellent headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, with the second row offering partial reclining functionality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a straightforward menu layout and physical buttons for easy navigation. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose stereo and navigation.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from achieving the highest designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steel and innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor were available as options.