2019 Nissan Murano vs the Competition

Although Nissan and Toyota are familiar rivals, comparing the Murano against the Highlander reveals some noticeable differences. The Murano starts this matchup with a price advantage of $3,020, only the first example of the exceptional value it provides. You'll find plenty of premium features on the Murano which require a higher trim level or costly options on the Toyota Highlander.

For example, you'll enjoy the comfort and convenience offered by the standard dual-zone automatic air conditioning system. The Murano features a standard Intelligent Key which lets you lock, unlock, and start the vehicle with the touch of a button and no need to fumble around with a traditional key. Standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio provides thousands of hours of commercial-free music, talk, sports, news and much more. Greater rear leg room found inside the Murano is sure to be appreciated by rear seat occupants on extended journeys.

The Murano offers a standard Integrated Navigation System with Voice Activation to allow you to reach your destination safely and on-time. An optional auto-dimming rear view mirror and garage door transmitters are also great convenience features offered on the Nissan Murano. Drivers will find themselves having to reach deeper into their wallets in order to find equivalent features on the Toyota Highlander.

Next up to challenge the Nissan Murano is the Ford Edge. Although the Edge begins this comparison with a slight price advantage, let's see just how much the initial $980 in savings fares against the Murano.

Taking a glance at standard engines, performance, and efficiency -- the Murano simply delivers more than the Edge. Its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine is not only larger in size than the 2.0-liter I4 found in the Edge, it's also more powerful. In addition to greater power, the Murano also offers superior fuel economy across city, highway, and combined ratings. Not only will you be able to go further on a tank of gas thanks to superior engineering and design, the Murano will also allow you to do so while spending less at the pump. While Nissan drivers will fill up using regular unleaded, the Edge requires more costly premium unleaded fuel.

While superior power and fuel economy help invigorate every commute in the Murano, drivers will also be impressed by the sophisticated features found inside the cabin. Relax inside by using the standard dual-zone automatic climate control system. Standard satellite radio provides endless hours of entertainment on even the longest road trips. You'll always arrive on-time and safely thanks to a standard Integrated Navigation System with Voice Activation.

Automatic Emergency Braking Mitigation provides a helping hand when you need it most and is included on every trim level of the Nissan Murano. You'll be required to step up to a higher trim level in order to receive this groundbreaking safety technology on the Ford Edge. Exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals offer greater visibility and help alert drivers of your lane changing intentions. Again, this feature requires another step up in trim level at Ford.

While Lexus is certainly an established name in the luxury segment, will it be able to compete with the outstanding value and premium features found on the Nissan Murano? Let's take a closer look.

Comparing base prices of both models, the Nissan Murano holds a staggering $10,850 price advantage over the Lexus RX 350. For its $43,820 base price, the RX still only sends power to the front wheels and requires you to spend even more in order to receive all-wheel drive capability found on the Murano S. Smart shoppers are sure to recognize the clear advantage for the Nissan Murano.

In terms of driveability and handling, the Murano continues to shine. Its 3,912 pound curb weight tops the Lexus by a hefty 475 pounds which contributes to its fun-to-drive characteristics. A smaller turning radius also makes it nearly effortless to maneuver the Murano in or out of a tight space.

The benefits of driving a Nissan Murano continue when you step inside the cabin. A standard Integrated Navigation System with Voice Activation is great for exploring a new city or finding a new restaurant. You'll have to check a costly option box in order to receive navigation on the Lexus RX. Greater cargo volume inside the Murano means you'll be able to fit that extra suitcase or two when packing for a weekend getaway. Offering more front and rear head room, front and rear shoulder room, and rear head room than the Lexus RX -- the Murano gives both drivers and passengers plenty of room to get comfortable.

Winner - Nissan Murano

Now that we've thoroughly examined the competition, it's clear that Toyota, Ford, and Lexus have no match for the impressive Nissan Murano. Its exceptional value, impressive performance, premium features, and groundbreaking safety technologies have helped make the Murano a hit with buyers across the country.

Don't just take our word for it. The Nissan Murano has been named Best 2-Row SUV for the Money by the experts at U.S. News & World Report. 2019 marks the second consecutive year that the Murano has received this prestigious honor. Big Nissan invites you to come experience all that the striking Nissan Murano has to offer.