What To Know
- The Nautilus also offers a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a host of connected car features.
- If you’re looking for a sleek and sporty SUV with a spacious interior and a more affordable price, the Nissan Murano is a great choice.
- The Murano gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Nautilus gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city….
The midsize SUV segment is a fiercely competitive one, with numerous automakers vying for market share. Two of the most popular contenders in this class are the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, style, and performance, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Nissan Murano against the Lincoln Nautilus to determine which SUV emerges as the superior choice.
Exterior Design: Sleek vs Stately
The Nissan Murano exudes a sleek and sporty aesthetic, with its sharp lines, flowing curves, and aggressive front fascia. The V-Motion grille and boomerang-shaped taillights are distinctive design cues that set the Murano apart from its rivals. In contrast, the Lincoln Nautilus adopts a more stately and sophisticated appearance. Its boxier silhouette, chrome accents, and elegant grille evoke a sense of luxury and refinement.
Interior Comfort and Features: Technology vs Opulence
Inside, the Nissan Murano offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. The Murano also boasts a generous amount of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families or those who frequently transport large items.
The Lincoln Nautilus takes interior comfort to a new level. Its plush leather seats, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The Nautilus also offers a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a host of connected car features.
Performance and Handling: Power vs Refinement
Under the hood, the Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The Murano’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) offers smooth and efficient gear changes.
The Lincoln Nautilus offers a more refined and powerful driving experience. Its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus also features an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
Safety Features: Advanced vs Comprehensive
Both the Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Murano comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Nautilus goes a step further, offering additional features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and evasive steering assist.
Fuel Economy: Efficiency vs Luxury
In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Murano has a slight edge over the Lincoln Nautilus. The Murano’s CVT helps it achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Nautilus, with its more powerful engines, returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value: Affordability vs Exclusivity
The Nissan Murano has a more affordable starting price than the Lincoln Nautilus. The base Murano S trim starts at around $32,000, while the top-of-the-line Platinum trim costs around $45,000. The Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, has a starting price of around $42,000 for the base Standard trim, and the top-of-the-line Black Label trim costs around $60,000.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Nissan Murano and the Lincoln Nautilus are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of comfort, style, and performance. However, each vehicle has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re looking for a sleek and sporty SUV with a spacious interior and a more affordable price, the Nissan Murano is a great choice. However, if you prioritize luxury, refinement, and advanced safety features, the Lincoln Nautilus is the better option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
The Lincoln Nautilus has a more powerful engine option, the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
The Nissan Murano has a slightly better fuel economy than the Lincoln Nautilus. The Murano gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Nautilus gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
The Nissan Murano has a more spacious interior than the Lincoln Nautilus. The Murano offers 116.2 cubic feet of passenger space and 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Nautilus offers 107.3 cubic feet of passenger space and 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space.