2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Nissan Murano

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it evolved into a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with premium options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and large nameplate lettering. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was less intuitive than newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano had a more conservative design, with its once cutting-edge exterior now blending into the mainstream. Its interior was comfort-focused, making it an ideal choice for commutes and road trips. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding more features like power-adjustable seats, adaptive cruise control, and a premium Bose stereo system. While it lacked the cargo space of some competitors, the Murano excelled in ease-of-use, with a well-organized cabin and ample headroom and legroom for passengers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road prowess. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in some side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a single 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The V6 offered strong low-speed acceleration, but the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano prioritized comfort, with a refined ride that absorbed bumps and handled corners well. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, lower than many midsize and compact SUVs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort, with insufficient thigh support and a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but luggage space was still restricted.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not class-leading, the Murano's interior was user-friendly, with a traditional shifter and ample storage options. It excelled in passenger comfort, providing generous headroom and legroom in both rows, with partially reclining second-row seats.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while advanced, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with standard reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features included forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and driver drowsiness monitoring. Optional upgrades included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control.