What To Know
- The Nissan Murano and Hyundai Santa Fe are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and style.
- The Nissan Murano’s V6 engine returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Santa Fe, on the other hand, provides slightly more cargo space, a wider range of engine options, and a more rugged exterior.
The Nissan Murano and Hyundai Santa Fe are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and style. These vehicles are ideal for families seeking a spacious and versatile ride. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Murano and Santa Fe, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your next family SUV.
Design and Exterior
The Nissan Murano boasts a sleek and contemporary design with sharp lines and a bold front grille. Its elongated silhouette gives it a sporty and dynamic appearance. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, exudes a more rugged and muscular stance with its boxy shape and pronounced fender flares. Both SUVs offer a range of exterior color options to suit your preferences.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Murano’s cabin is spacious and well-appointed, featuring high-quality materials and a user-friendly dashboard layout. The Santa Fe’s interior is equally spacious and offers a premium feel with its soft-touch surfaces and intuitive infotainment system. Both vehicles provide ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows, making them comfortable for long journeys.
Engine and Performance
The Nissan Murano comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and responsive acceleration. The Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 191 horsepower and a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four with 277 horsepower. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering impressive power and efficiency.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for both the Murano and Santa Fe. They come equipped with a suite of advanced safety technologies, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe offers an additional blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Murano provides 32.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and 67.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Santa Fe offers slightly more cargo space, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats down. Both SUVs feature versatile seating configurations and ample storage compartments for added convenience.
Technology and Infotainment
The Murano and Santa Fe are equipped with state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and premium audio systems. The Murano’s NissanConnect system is user-friendly and offers a wide range of apps and features. The Santa Fe’s UVO infotainment system is equally intuitive and provides access to connected services and navigation.
Fuel Economy and Price
The Nissan Murano‘s V6 engine returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Santa Fe’s 2.5-liter inline-four engine offers slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine returns 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Pricing for the Murano starts at around $32,000, while the Santa Fe starts at around $28,000.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Nissan Murano and Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent choices for families seeking a versatile and comfortable SUV. The Murano offers a sleek design, a spacious interior, and a powerful V6 engine. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, provides slightly more cargo space, a wider range of engine options, and a more rugged exterior. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prioritize style, space, or performance, the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Santa Fe are worthy contenders in the midsize SUV segment. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, versatility, and safety, making them ideal for families on the go. By carefully considering the key differences outlined in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe‘s 2.5-liter inline-four engine offers slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Murano’s V6 engine.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe provides slightly more cargo space than the Nissan Murano, with 72.1 cubic feet behind the second row of seats.
Q: Which SUV has more advanced safety features?
A: Both the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Santa Fe offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Santa Fe offers an additional blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower starting price than the Nissan Murano.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe is available with an optional all-wheel drive system with a terrain management system, which provides enhanced off-road capabilities compared to the Nissan Murano.