Crossover SUVs are the up-and-coming models in America. But not all of them are popular. The Nissan Murano is probably one of Nissan's less familiar SUVs to many, despite being around since 2002. Let's see how the Murano's current model compares to the very familiar and bestselling 2018 Ford Edge.
Styling: 2018 Nissan Murano
While the original Murano somewhat broke the styling mold when first launched, this latest version is a lot more conventional and has more than a hint of Nissan's other cars and SUVs. This Nissan's still one of the more attractive models in its class with a nice blend of macho, sporty and contemporary styling.
In most company, the Ford Edge is hard to beat when it comes to looks, but the Edge has got its work cut out here alongside the Nissan. The Ford looks how we expect and SUV to look and the Edge can also be very sporty if you specify it that way. It's a close-run thing, but the Ford still just gets edged out here by the Murano.
Engines and Performance: 2018 Ford Edge
Whether you want an economical and modern turbo-four, a traditional V-6, or a rip-roaring turbo V-6 with power to spare, the Ford Edge has it covered. All three engines are excellent, but if your budget can run to the Edge Sport with its sensational 315 horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 you're sure to agree the Edge is worth the extra expense.
Nissan doesn't bother offering a choice of engines for the Murano, so it's a take-or-leave-it situation with its 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and CVT combination. It's certainly not a bad combination, but the lack of choice and relative lack of power hands an easy victory here to the Ford.
Fuel Economy: 2018 Ford Edge
For a sizeable vehicle that's only available with a V-6 powerplant, the Nissan Murano isn't terrible on gas. Front-wheel drive versions of the Nissan are rated at 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg combined.
Fuel economy can get as poor as 17/24/20 mpg with the all-wheel drive Edge Sport, but the availability of that turbo-four sees the Ford beat the Nissan here with front-wheel drive versions being rated as good as 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg combined.
Size and Practicality: 2018 Ford Edge
With the Murano costing a little more than the Edge, it might come as a surprise that the Ford offers considerably more interior space. At 192.4-inches, the Murano is actually 4.3-inches longer than its Ford rival, but by almost every other measure the Edge is bigger. There's more room in the front and rear seats of the Edge and there's considerably more cargo space as well, which makes the Ford look like pretty good value for money in this company.
The Nissan Murano is a handsome vehicle, and if you're looking for something that helps you stand out in the crowded midsize SUV crowd, the Murano is a winner. But by just about every yardstick, the 2018 Ford Edge is a better way to go. The Edge is bigger, more practical, more powerful, more fun, and cheaper than the Nissan. What more could you really ask for?