2016 Nissan Murano vs. Its Competition

Kirk Bell Senior Editor

The Murano’s closest rival is the one that the development team behind the Murano had in mind from the start: the Ford Edge.

And just like the Murano, the Edge has also been recently redesigned, though with a different take on the same theme.

The Edge isn't as flamboyant as the Murano on the outside, but it is more daring under the hood, with a base turbocharged four-cylinder engine an an available turbo V-6.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee also can't be ignored.

As the best-seller in this segment of roomy mid-size crossovers with two rows of seating, it has a markedly more rugged presentation (and far more off-road ability), but it’s cross-shopped with the Murano surprisingly often.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport goes it a little more conservatively in styling and features, though its turbocharged four-cylinder engine will also likely do a bit better on fuel than the Murano’s V-6.

The Lexus RX 350 is what Nissan aspired to rival in designing and engineering this Murano, and its quiet interior and comfortable ride really do stand up against the manners of that luxury best-seller—even if the badge and dealership experience aren’t quite up to the same standards.