2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 remained stylish. Inside, the Murano maintained a conservative yet functional design, prioritizing comfort and ease of use. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that controls were intuitive and accessible, 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 luxury touches like a panoramic moonroof and premium leather in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan designed with family convenience in mind. Its sliding side doors and spacious interior made it a practical choice for families, offering easy access to rear seats and ample cargo space. The Odyssey's design, while adhering to traditional minivan aesthetics, included stylish elements like kinked sliding doors and dark gray aluminum wheels on the Elite trim. The interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials and numerous storage solutions. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats and comfortable third-row seating provided flexibility and comfort for passengers. The Elite trim featured premium amenities like leather upholstery, a tri-zone climate control system, and an onboard vacuum cleaner.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered standard front-wheel drive with an option for all-wheel drive. The Murano excelled in low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT could dampen power at higher speeds. Its comfort-first ride absorbed road imperfections well, making it a suitable choice for long journeys. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many midsize and even some compact SUVs.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or a hybrid powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes could become overworked on long descents, leading to pedal vibration. Overall, the Odyssey provided a pleasant driving experience, balancing performance with practicality for family use.

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 this was less than some competitors, the Murano compensated with user-friendly features like a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims. Its focus on two rows of seating provided ample headroom and legroom, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. With wide-opening doors and a low step-in height, access was easy. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats provided a massive 144.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Magic Slide second-row seats added flexibility, allowing for various seating configurations. The Odyssey's interior was designed for family convenience, with numerous storage solutions and comfortable seating for all passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's intuitive layout and physical controls made it user-friendly. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo and navigation.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a range of technology features, though its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technologies. The rear-seat entertainment system, standard on Touring and Elite trims, included a 10.2-inch display and wireless headphones. However, the system felt outdated compared to rivals. The Elite trim also featured an 11-speaker audio system and wireless charging.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings. The Odyssey received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.