2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Nissan Murano had a design that was once ahead of its time, but by 2021, its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were standard fare. Its interior was more conservative, focusing on comfort and ease of use, making it an ideal SUV for commutes and road trips. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that all controls were intuitively placed, minimizing any learning curve for drivers.

The Murano came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim included features like 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added amenities such as power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, and a Bose premium stereo system. The top-tier Platinum trim boasted a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and ventilated front seats.

Volvo's 2022 XC90 showcased a significant evolution from its boxy predecessors, embracing a more luxurious and upscale image. The XC90's design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, all contributing to its athletic and poised stance. The interior was a blend of "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector handle, and a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console.

Volvo offered the XC90 with Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, the latter being a nod to the brand's commitment to going leather-free by 2030. The XC90's cabin was spacious and airy, enhanced by a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The SUV's air-conditioning system performed admirably during a heatwave, providing a comfortable sanctuary from the weather.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and came with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 engine delivered strong low-speed acceleration, making it great for city driving, though the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano's ride was comfort-first, with refined driving characteristics that made it an excellent choice for commuting and road trips. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many of its competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger to the turbocharged engine, boosting output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90's fuel efficiency varied by powertrain, with the T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and the T8 extended range model offering up to 66 MPGe and an EV range of up to 36 miles. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

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 rear seats in use. While this was less than some competitors, the Murano made up for it with ease of use and a focus on two rows of seating. The cabin featured ample headroom and legroom, with the second-row seats offering partial reclining functionality. Higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was best suited for children due to limited legroom and thigh support. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90's towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a sensible menu layout and hard buttons for easy navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that supported familiar smartphone gestures. However, the system could be glitchy and slow to respond. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display as part of the $1,650 Advanced package. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The XC90 offered multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features like a surround-view parking monitor, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition were available as options.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to provide semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.