2021 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

In 2021, Toyota crafted the RAV4 with deliberate ruggedness to capture the essence of a traditional SUV. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end represented a stark departure from the more approachable looks of previous generations and most compact crossovers at the time. While its aggressive exterior design for a family car set it apart from the crowd, it also contributed toward the perception that the RAV4 was more than just an ordinary vehicle.

Underneath its distinctive exterior, the RAV4 was much like its peers, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform utilized by many of Toyota's models. TNGA had proven to be a well-engineered foundation for a variety of vehicles ranging from sedans to minivans. This meant the RAV4's styling hinted at off-road prowess reminiscent of the 4Runner, while its mechanical components were more akin to the Camry.

Toyota provided additional styling options to boost the gasoline RAV4's appeal. The Adventure model added a retro touch with an Ice Edge (white) roof, coupled with orange interior accent stitching and trim. The TRD Off-Road variant offered matte black 18-inch wheels, standard LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trims, red interior accents, and a front skid plate.

The interior of the RAV4 included rugged styling cues such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, which served both functional and aesthetic purposes, setting the cabin apart from other Toyota models. Material quality was commendable in lower trims but didn’t elevate in line with the prices of higher trims. The TRD Off-Road test vehicle featured SofTex upholstery, which Toyota noted was lighter than leather and durable, but genuine leather wasn't available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

Conversely, a few years prior, the Nissan Murano had launched with a forward-thinking design that nearly seemed ahead of its time. By 2021, its L-shaped LED headlights and heavily contoured front end were considered more typical in car design. Its interior and dash, however, had always leaned towards conservative styling, which was fitting for a comfort-optimized SUV aimed at commutes and road trips. This restrained approach to design meant that controls were intuitively placed, minimizing any learning curve for new drivers.

The 2021 Murano was available in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim included 18-inch alloy wheels, manual front seats, dual-zone climate control, four USB ports, push-button start, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As one moved up the trims, the Murano SV added features like power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, remote start, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black roof rails, heated side mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The SL trim enhanced the offer further with 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ambient cabin lighting, a Bose premium stereo system, and navigation. The Platinum trim at the top-tier added luxurious touches such as a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, semi-aniline premium leather with Prima-Tex protection, dark wood interior accents, and ventilated front seats.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a single engine choice for its gasoline variant: a “Dynamic Force” 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine generated 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired solely with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and offered either standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). For more power, one could consider the 219-hp RAV4 Hybrid or the 302-hp RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid.

While the Dynamic Force inline-four engine delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder, achieving 40% thermal efficiency – a feat typically seen in racing engines – the overall driving experience didn't match the engine's capabilities. The transmission was often slow to shift and seemed hesitant, making the driving experience less engaging. Although the steering was responsive, it lacked the essential feedback, resulting in a somewhat videogame-like feel. The “Sport” driving mode added weight to the steering but didn’t improve responsiveness.

On highways, the RAV4 performed better, with low cabin noise for a non-luxury vehicle and a suspension system that effectively absorbed road imperfections. However, Toyota chose to focus on off-road capabilities instead of bolstering on-road dynamics. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models boasted features like a torque-vectoring rear axle and an 8.6-inch ground clearance. The TRD Off-Road further offered specialized suspension tuning and all-terrain tires. With a 3,500-pound towing capacity, these models were suited to handle rough terrains but had limitations in heavier off-road activities due to insufficient suspension articulation and shallow approach angles.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was paired with either standard FWD or optional AWD. This V6 engine provided strong low-speed acceleration and was ideal for urban driving. However, at higher speeds, the CVT slightly dulled the power delivery, causing a delayed response during rapid acceleration or overtaking on highways.

The Murano prioritized a comfortable ride, striking a balance between smooth handling and bump absorption, which made it an excellent choice for commuting and long road trips. Its 1,500-pound towing capacity was, however, on the lower side compared to many midsize and even some compact SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that resulted in competitive headroom for both rows, as well as decent outward visibility courtesy of ample glass areas. However, legroom in both rows lagged slightly behind many competitors, and the rear seat cushions were noted for their flat and hard nature, making them less appealing for long trips. The vehicle came standard with a 60/40 split-folding bench rear seat, but unlike some competitors, it didn’t slide fore and aft. Cargo space stood at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. Despite having a wide aperture that facilitated loading cargo, the cargo area's lip was higher than that of some rivals, particularly the Honda CR-V.

The RAV4's interior design emphasized ease of use, with oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls that remained functional even when wearing gloves. The center-console storage bin was commendable in size, as well as the space designed for smartphones ahead of the shifter, which offered wireless charging as an option. Still, these features slightly compromised the console's overall storage space and size of traditional SUV amenities such as large cupholders or loose change compartments.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Nissan Murano provided a more generous cargo space with up to 67 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. With rear seats in use, the Murano offered 32.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, falling short when compared to some two-row SUVs, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Passport, which provided up to 100.7 cubic feet.

Despite the lesser cargo space, the Murano excelled in user-friendliness with a center console laden with trays and cubbies, and a traditional shifter design. Its focus on providing ample space for two rows of seating translated into significant headroom and legroom for both rows, with the second-row seats offering partial reclining functionality for added comfort.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 included several tech features as standard, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month free subscription. Most trim levels were equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, while Limited models received an 8-inch display, and the RAV4 Prime was available with a 9-inch screen. Users had access to up to five USB ports scattered across both rows. There was also an available JBL premium audio system.

Toyota's infotainment system, though not groundbreaking, was user-friendly. The touchscreen was strategically positioned atop the dashboard, making it easy to read while driving. The interface included shortcut buttons for essential functions like navigation, Bluetooth, and audio. Despite being functional, the system lacked the dazzling graphics or features seen in some competitors. Notably, the gasoline RAV4 didn’t offer the head-up display (HUD) found in the Prime model, which could be a slight letdown for tech-savvy shoppers.

In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system marked by a user-friendly menu layout and backed by hard buttons and dials flanking the screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, catering to the modern connected driver. Available tech additions comprised an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation integrated into the touchscreen system. These attributes made the Murano's infotainment system straightforward and functional for everyday use.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” rating, achieving top scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention technology. However, mixed headlight scores prevented it from attaining the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating. Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests.

Standard safety features under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trim levels offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and an optional 360-degree camera system as part of certain packages.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included newly standard features for 2021 such as reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Other standard features comprised rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

Previously standard safety features encompassed those found in its forward automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), forward collision warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Although certain features like a surround-view parking monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and front-and-rear parking sensors required additional costs, Murano's base safety features were comparably comprehensive.