2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional aesthetic with its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end. Its interior maintained a conservative style, prioritizing comfort and ease of use over flashy innovations. The Murano's cabin was designed with practicality in mind, ensuring that controls were intuitively placed, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a straightforward, 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 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its 2021 redesign, presenting a mature and sophisticated exterior. It shared design elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's interior featured a layered dash design, offering a modern and detailed look. The center console was notably spacious, thanks to an electronic gear selector, and included practical features like a wireless charging pad and ample storage. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row provided comfort for passengers, while the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were commendable.

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 robust 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 well, though its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, benefited from a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, with its variable compression technology, provided a noticeable boost in performance and efficiency, achieving an impressive 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway. The Rogue's CVT was also updated, offering a wider range of gear ratios for improved responsiveness. The chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power adeptly, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride with minimal body roll, while the electric power-assisted steering provided good feedback.

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 in higher trims. The interior was designed for convenience, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows, and the second-row seats offered partial reclining for added comfort.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with numerous compartments for passengers' belongings. It provided 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Rogue's second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, offering flexibility for passengers and cargo alike. The thoughtful design and ample storage made the Rogue a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a straightforward menu layout, complemented by physical buttons for ease of use. Standard connectivity included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for an 11-speaker Bose stereo and navigation.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a significant technology upgrade, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. It offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver-assist system, was available, integrating with the navigation system for proactive speed adjustments.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue also included Safety Shield 360 across all trims, with features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. It offered ten airbags and extended crumple zones for enhanced safety. ProPilot Assist, available on the Rogue, provided advanced driver assistance, and the model received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.