Rav4 or murano? expert analysis of toyota vs nissan’s top suvs
What To Know
- The gasoline-powered RAV4 achieves up to 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The hybrid version boasts an exceptional 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
- The Murano has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $33,635 for the base S trim.
The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with automakers vying for dominance. Two prominent contenders are the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Murano. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and performance, making them popular choices among SUV enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Toyota RAV4 against the Nissan Murano to determine which SUV reigns supreme.
Performance and Powertrain
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 offers a range of engine options, including a robust 2.5-liter inline-four producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. For fuel efficiency, there’s a 2.5-liter hybrid system that pairs the gasoline engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 219 horsepower. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Nissan Murano
The Murano features a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Fuel Economy
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4’s fuel economy is impressive, especially with the hybrid system. The gasoline-powered RAV4 achieves up to 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The hybrid version boasts an exceptional 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Nissan Murano
The Murano’s fuel economy is not as impressive as the RAV4’s. The V6 engine returns 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4’s interior is spacious and well-appointed. It offers ample seating for five passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. The infotainment system is user-friendly and features a large touchscreen display.
Nissan Murano
The Murano’s interior is equally spacious, but it exudes a more luxurious ambiance. The cabin is adorned with premium materials and features a panoramic sunroof. The infotainment system is intuitive and offers a wide range of connectivity options.
Cargo Capacity
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 offers a generous amount of cargo space. Behind the rear seats, there’s 37.6 cubic feet of space, which expands to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Nissan Murano
The Murano offers slightly more cargo space than the RAV4. Behind the rear seats, there’s 39.6 cubic feet of space, which expands to 71.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Safety and Reliability
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Nissan Murano
The Murano has also received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It offers an equally impressive array of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
Price and Value
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has a starting MSRP of $27,975 for the base LE trim. The top-of-the-line Limited trim starts at $38,125.
Nissan Murano
The Murano has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $33,635 for the base S trim. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $46,895.
Verdict: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Murano is a matter of personal preference. Both SUVs offer excellent performance, fuel economy, and safety features. However, the RAV4 stands out with its superior fuel efficiency and lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Beyond the Comparison: Key Considerations
- If fuel economy is your top priority, the Toyota RAV4 is the clear winner.
- If you desire a more luxurious interior, the Nissan Murano is a better choice.
- If you need a spacious cargo area, the Nissan Murano offers slightly more space.
Popular Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Nissan Murano has a more powerful engine, with 260 horsepower compared to the RAV4’s 203 horsepower.
Q: Which SUV gets better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota RAV4 gets better fuel economy, especially with the hybrid system.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Murano has a slightly more spacious interior, offering more headroom and legroom.
