2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Nissan Murano

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 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 and straightforward 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 an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to luxurious touches like a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and premium leather in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that was both elegant and sporty. Its exterior was a testament to Land Rover's ability to scale down the grandeur of the larger Range Rover into a sleek, compact package. The Velar's design featured a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive roofline, all contributing to its unmistakable Range Rover identity. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, with a focus on aesthetics and functionality. The interior boasted a polished black center stack, aluminum accents, and a reconfigurable instrument panel, all contributing to a luxurious driving experience. Despite its stylish appeal, the Velar's interior space was more limited compared to other SUVs, a trade-off for its striking design.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a single engine option, a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The V6 provided robust power and impressive low-speed acceleration, making it well-suited for city driving. However, the CVT tended to dull the engine's power at higher speeds, which could be a drawback for those seeking quick highway overtakes. The Murano prioritized comfort, delivering a smooth ride that absorbed road imperfections while maintaining stable handling. Its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was both agile and refined. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, generating 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the turbo-four provided adequate performance, it required a firm press on the accelerator for spirited driving. The Velar's optional air suspension with adaptive dampers offered a plush ride and could adjust the vehicle's height for improved clearance. For those seeking more power, the Velar offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 hp and 395 hp. This powertrain delivered the performance expected from a luxury SUV while enhancing fuel efficiency.

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 compensated with user-friendly features like a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims. The interior was designed for practicality, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows, and the second-row seats offered partial reclining functionality for added comfort.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while visually stunning, sacrificed some interior space for its sleek design. It provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The stylish exterior resulted in reduced headroom for rear passengers and limited visibility due to thick pillars and small windows. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, highlighted a focus on aesthetics over practicality. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a straightforward menu layout, complemented by physical buttons and dials for easy navigation. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allowed seamless smartphone connectivity. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its reliability and user-friendly interface. It featured a simplified layout with customizable options and a voice assistant activated by "Hey Land Rover." Additional tech included a PM2.5 air filter, a heated windshield, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo as standard.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but it performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.