Which Nissan SUV to pick: Nissan Rogue vs Murano

Nissan offers no less than six sport utility vehicles, including the smallest, the Kicks, followed by the Qashqai, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and the very imposing Armada. In this test, we will compare two of them: the compact 2021 Rogue and the mid-size Nissan Murano. These two Nissan SUVs represent excellent value for money, and the Rogue is the Japanese manufacturer's most popular SUV and one of the best-selling SUVs in North America. Below is a quick Rogue vs. Murano comparison.

Some will remember that when it was released in 2003, the Murano was not only quick to become popular, it was simply a smashing success. In fact, at the time, it was described by Nissan as a "sculpture on wheels" and its popularity has only grown since. Many years later, this category of vehicles has taken over the entire industry, and practically all manufacturers offer a range of SUVs in their line-up. The reasons for the immense popularity of SUVs are very easy to understand, yet with so many choices, it becomes difficult to pick one!

Murano vs Rogue

Since everyone's needs, budgets and expectations are different, when shopping for a vehicle it's essential to know what you're getting into. This is clearly a very important expense, unless of course if you have an unlimited budget, so the vehicle you want must check most of your boxes before you can make up your mind. Seeing how Nissan has already won you over, let’s go over the major differences between the Murano vs the Rogue.

2021 Nissan Rogue

Fresh from the factory, the 2021 Nissan Rogue gained several new features this year, including a more powerful engine. It's a 2.5 L, 4-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a new and improved CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that promises to deliver better fuel economy, which is expected to be around 8.0 L/100 km. All-wheel drive is standard on the Platinum variant and available on S and SV models.

Murano

The Murano, meanwhile, uses a 3.5 L V6 engine with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. An Xtronic CVT transmission accompanies it and intelligent all-wheel drive is available on the SV, SL and Platinum models, while the S relies on front-wheel drive. Its combined fuel consumption rating is 10.2 L/100 km.

The capabilities of the two Nissan SUVs

In terms of cargo capacity, the Rogue offers you up to 2,098 L behind the front seats, and the Murano a little less with 1,897 L. The Murano's towing capacity is of 680 kg, or 1,500 lbs., while the Rogue can tow up to 500 kg, or 1,102 lbs.

Standard equipment on the Murano includes Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Driver Alertness, heated front seats, 60/40-split reclining rear seats with central armrest, an 8-inch color display, and much more. A voice recognition system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and Bluetooth hands-free text messaging are standard features on both the Rogue and the Murano.

Safer than ever

Nissan takes the safety of its passengers very seriously. Depending on the version you choose, among the driver-assistance technologies  included in our two SUVs are Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, the Intelligent Emergency Braking System, the Intelligent Emergency Brake System with Pedestrian Detection, Brake Assist, Steer Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, RearView Monitor, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Rear Sonar System, Front and Rear Sonar System, Nissan Vehicle Dynamic Control, the Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist, High Beam Assist and Road Sign Recognition, to name a few.

One of the special features of the new Rogue, but not yet available for the Murano, is the choice of 11 exterior colours, 4 of which are available with a black roof. What’s more, you'll have a few options for the interior too, including light-brown Nappa leather, which forms a beautiful contrast with the black dashboard. Also worth mentioning is the floating center console, which is not only beautiful but also very practical with its additional storage spaces.

When you've made up your mind, stop for a visit at your Spinelli Nissan dealer on the West Island of Montreal, and we'll be happy to explore the financing options available to you.