2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional aesthetic by 2021. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were no longer groundbreaking but still appealing. Inside, the Murano maintained a conservative yet functional cabin, prioritizing comfort over flashy design. This approach ensured that controls were intuitive and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable SUV for daily commutes and long road trips. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding progressively more features, from basic amenities like dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen to luxurious touches like a panoramic moonroof and premium leather in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more refined and upscale design, reflecting Buick's shift towards a fully SUV lineup. The Enclave's mid-cycle refresh brought new exterior styling elements, including a distinctive grille and updated fascias. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with the Avenir trim featuring exclusive design elements and advanced comfort features like massaging front seats. The Enclave's three-row seating provided ample space for passengers, making it a practical choice for families. The Enclave came in Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with the Avenir offering the most luxurious experience, including a premium ride suspension and advanced technology features.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided strong low-speed acceleration, making it well-suited for city driving. However, the CVT could dull the engine's power at higher speeds, requiring a bit of patience for highway overtaking. The Murano prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride that absorbed road imperfections well, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel. Its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a responsive and smooth driving experience. The Enclave's ride quality was enhanced by the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. This setup allowed the Enclave to handle various terrains with ease, offering a quiet and comfortable ride. The Enclave's towing capacity was a robust 5,000 pounds, making it a more capable choice for those needing to tow trailers or boats.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with the seats in use. While this was less than some competitors, the Murano excelled in passenger comfort, providing generous headroom and legroom in both rows. The interior was designed for convenience, with a traditional shifter and a center console filled with storage options. The SL and Platinum trims added a hands-free power liftgate for easier access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, being one of the larger SUVs in its class, provided ample space for passengers in all three rows. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults, and the second-row captain's chairs made access easy. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience, and the restyled center console with push-button transmission gears provided a modern touch.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. The system could pair up to 10 devices, with two active simultaneously, and included a built-in WiFi hotspot. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave also offered advanced features like a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a digital rear camera mirror, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it "Good" ratings in most crash tests.