2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

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 sportiness. The straightforward layout of controls minimized the learning curve for drivers, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable and user-friendly 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 upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its iconic broad and rounded face while introducing subtle changes like a vertical accent strip under the mirrors. The most notable update was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, enhancing its modern appeal. Inside, the Range Rover's cabin was simplified with fewer buttons, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a contemporary look. The interior boasted premium materials, including leather and rich wood trim, exuding luxury. Despite its size, the Range Rover offered a refined and quiet ride, with a solid feel and excellent off-road capabilities, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium luxury SUV experience.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was equipped with 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 standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The V6 provided strong low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT slightly dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano's ride was comfort-focused, with refined handling that absorbed road imperfections well, making it a great choice for commuting and road trips. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many midsize and even some compact SUVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a mild hybrid system, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 provided impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the P530 offered even more power. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed ride. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like rear-wheel steering and the Terrain Response system, making it a versatile choice for both urban and rugged environments.

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 like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Passport, the Murano compensated with user-friendly features like a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims. The interior was designed for convenience, with ample storage options and a focus on two-row seating, providing generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover excelled in interior space, with ample room in the first two rows and excellent outward visibility. The front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions for added luxury. Storage options were plentiful, including dual glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, along with climate controls and USB-C ports. An optional third row provided additional seating, though space was limited for adults. Cargo capacity ranged from 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row to 93 cubic feet with all seats folded, with a split tailgate and adjustable air suspension for easier loading.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a straightforward menu layout, supported by physical buttons and dials. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration made smartphone connectivity easy. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo and navigation, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. While the screen's placement required more attention, some climate controls were cleverly designed for ease of use. The base Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone app control.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing. However, some advanced features found in rival luxury SUVs were not included.