Looking for a comfortable and feature-packed SUV? We pit the Nissan Murano against the Ford Edge in a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Features
The Nissan Murano and Ford Edge are two stylish and feature-packed SUVs that aim to provide drivers with a comfortable and tech-savvy ride. But how do they stack up against each other in terms of design and features?
Exterior Dimensions and Style
When it comes to exterior dimensions, the Ford Edge is slightly longer and wider than the Nissan Murano. The Edge measures 188.8 inches in length and 75.9 inches in width, while the Murano comes in at 192.4 inches in length and 75.4 inches in width. However, the Murano is slightly taller, with a height of 67.8 inches compared to the Edge’s 66.3 inches. In terms of style, both SUVs boast sleek and aerodynamic designs, with the Murano featuring a more aggressive and angular front grille and the Edge sporting a more curvesome and harmonious facade.
Interior Space and Comfort
Step inside, and you’ll find that both SUVs offer ample interior space and comfort. The Murano boasts 39.6 inches of legroom in the front and 38.7 inches in the rear, while the Edge offers 40.3 inches in the front and 39.9 inches in the rear. Both vehicles feature premium materials, including available heated and cooled seats, and offer plenty of cargo space – 39.6 cubic feet in the Murano and 39.2 cubic feet in the Edge. But which one provides the most comfortable ride?
Infotainment and Tech Features
When it comes to infotainment and tech features, both SUVs are packed with the latest goodies. The Murano features an available 8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and a 11-speaker Bose premium audio system. The Edge, on the other hand, boasts a available 12-inch touchscreen display, SYNC 3 infotainment system, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. Additionally, both vehicles offer advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. But which one offers the most intuitive and user-friendly interface?
Performance and Handling
When it comes to getting from point A to point B, both the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge have a lot to offer. But which one takes the lead in terms of performance and handling? Let’s dive in and find out.
Engine Options and Power
Under the hood, the Nissan Murano boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out a respectable 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides smooth acceleration and decent fuel economy. The Ford Edge, on the other hand, offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that cranks out 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both Edge engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
So, which engine is better? Well, that depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for raw power, the Edge’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is the clear winner. But if you prioritize fuel efficiency, the Murano’s CVT might be the way to go.
Transmission and Fuel Economy
Speaking of fuel economy, both the Murano and Edge offer respectable numbers. The Murano’s CVT helps it achieve an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Edge’s eight-speed automatic transmission allows it to get an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, it’s worth noting that the Edge’s fuel economy numbers vary depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.
Suspension and Steering
When it comes to handling, both the Murano and Edge offer a smooth, comfortable ride. The Murano features a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout with an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system, while the Edge offers FWD or AWD configurations, depending on the trim level. In terms of suspension, the Murano boasts a independent strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, while the Edge features a MacPherson strut front suspension and an integral link rear suspension.
So, which one handles better? Well, the Edge’s more advanced suspension system and more precise steering make it a bit more agile and responsive than the Murano. But both vehicles are designed to provide a comfortable, confident driving experience, rather than a thrilling, race-inspired ride.
Safety Features and Ratings
When it comes to safety, both the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge are well-equipped to protect their occupants. But which one comes out on top?
Crash Test Results and Safety Stars
Both vehicles have impressive crash test results, with the Nissan Murano earning a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Ford Edge isn’t far behind, with a 4-star overall rating. However, the Edge did receive a perfect 5-star rating in the NHTSA’s side crash test, while the Murano received 4 stars. Over at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), both vehicles were named Top Safety Pick+, with the Murano earning “Good” ratings (the highest rating) in all crashworthiness tests. The Edge also earned “Good” ratings in most tests, but received a “Marginal” rating in the IIHS’s small overlap front test.
Advanced Safety Features and Driver Aids
So, what sets these vehicles apart when it comes to advanced safety features? Both the Murano and Edge offer a range of features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants. The Murano’s Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and intervention, and blind spot monitoring. The Edge, on the other hand, offers a similar suite of features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. However, the Edge’s Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering is a notable feature that’s only available on higher trim levels.
Airbags and Seatbelts
In the event of a crash, a vehicle’s airbag system is crucial. The Nissan Murano boasts a comprehensive airbag system, with 10 airbags, including dual front, front side, and side-curtain airbags. The Ford Edge isn’t far behind, with a total of 8 airbags, including dual front, front side, and side-curtain airbags. When it comes to seatbelts, both vehicles offer three-point belts for all seating positions, along with features like pretensioners and load limiters to ensure maximum protection. The Edge does offer an additional feature, however – its Rear Inflatable Seatbelts, which are designed to distribute the force of a crash across the chest and help reduce the risk of injury.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to making a purchasing decision, the price of a vehicle is often a top consideration. But it’s not just about the sticker price – you also want to know what you’re getting for your money and how it will affect your wallet in the long run. In this section, we’ll dive into the pricing and value of the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge, exploring the features and costs associated with each model.
Base Model Pricing and Features
The base model of the Nissan Murano, the S trim, starts at around $31,000. For that price, you’ll get a respectable set of standard features, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a range of safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Ford Edge, on the other hand, starts at around $29,000 for the SE trim, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a more limited set of standard safety features.
Trim Levels and Option Packages
Both the Murano and Edge offer a range of trim levels and option packages to choose from, depending on your needs and budget. The Murano’s mid-level SV trim adds features like heated seats and a power driver’s seat, while the top-of-the-line Platinum trim includes luxury touches like a panoramic sunroof and premium leather seats. The Edge, meanwhile, offers an SEL trim with features like a heated steering wheel and a power liftgate, as well as a Titanium trim with premium leather seats and a 12-speaker audio system.
Fuel Economy and Cost of Ownership
But what about the cost of owning one of these vehicles over time? The Murano’s 3.5-liter engine gets an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Edge’s 2.0-liter engine gets an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. When it comes to maintenance costs, the Murano tends to be a bit more expensive, with an estimated average annual cost of around $450. The Edge, on the other hand, has an estimated average annual cost of around $350. Add it all up, and the Edge seems to be the more budget-friendly option – but is it worth sacrificing some of the premium features and performance of the Murano?
Interior Comfort and Space
The Nissan Murano and Ford Edge are both designed to provide a comfortable and spacious interior for drivers and passengers alike. But how do they stack up against each other?
Seating Capacity and Legroom
When it comes to seating capacity, both the Murano and Edge can accommodate up to five passengers. However, the Murano offers slightly more legroom in the front seats, with 39.6 inches compared to the Edge’s 39.5 inches. The real difference is in the rear seats, where the Murano provides a whopping 38.7 inches of legroom, while the Edge offers 39.2 inches. But here’s the thing: the Edge’s rear seats are slightly wider, making it easier for three adults to sit comfortably.
So, which one is better? Well, that depends on your priorities. If you want more room to stretch out in the back, the Murano is the clear winner. But if you need to fit three people in the backseat regularly, the Edge might be the better choice.
Cargo Space and Storage
Cargo space is where the Edge really shines. With the rear seats up, the Edge offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Murano’s 32.1 cubic feet. And when you fold down the rear seats, the Edge’s cargo space expands to 73.4 cubic feet, while the Murano’s maxes out at 67.0 cubic feet. That’s a significant difference, especially for families or road trippers who need to haul a lot of gear.
But here’s the thing: the Murano’s cargo area is slightly more accessible, thanks to its lower lift-over height and wider cargo opening. So, if you’re looking for a SUV that’s easy to load and unload, the Murano might be the better choice.
Material Quality and Ergonomics
When it comes to material quality, both the Murano and Edge offer premium materials and comfortable ergonomics. The Murano’s interior is particularly impressive, with available features like heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The Edge, on the other hand, offers a more minimalist design aesthetic, with a focus on clean lines and intuitive controls.
But here’s the thing: the Edge’s interior feels slightly more modern and upscale, thanks to its available features like a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a massive 15-inch touchscreen. The Murano’s interior tech, on the other hand, feels slightly more dated. So, if you’re looking for a SUV that’s going to impress your friends and family with its cutting-edge tech, the Edge might be the better choice.
Towing Capacity and Capability
When it comes to towing, both the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge are designed to help you haul your gear with confidence. But how do they stack up against each other?
Maximum Towing Weight and Payload
The Nissan Murano has a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for small to medium-sized trailers, boats, or campers. In contrast, the Ford Edge boasts a more impressive maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, making it a better option for those who need to haul heavier loads. But what does this mean in real-world terms? To put it into perspective, 1,500 pounds is roughly the weight of a small popup camper, while 3,500 pounds is comparable to a mid-sized travel trailer.
Trailer Sway Control and Towing Features
Both vehicles feature advanced trailer sway control systems, which work to stabilize your trailer and prevent it from swaying or fishtailing while driving. The Ford Edge takes it a step further with its Tow Package, which includes a Class II trailer hitch, wiring harness, and hitch receiver. The Nissan Murano, on the other hand, offers a more basic towing package that includes a hitch receiver and wiring harness.
Off-Road and Inclement Weather Performance
While neither the Nissan Murano nor the Ford Edge is designed for extreme off-roading, they both have features that help them handle rough terrain and inclement weather. The Murano’s available all-wheel-drive system, for example, can send up to 50% of its power to the rear wheels, improving traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The Ford Edge, on the other hand, features an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can adapt to changing road conditions in real-time, providing better grip and control in rain, snow, or mud. So, whether you’re driving on wet pavement or navigating a dirt road, both vehicles are designed to keep you moving with confidence.