The Ultimate Comparison: Nissan Murano vs Ford Edge - Which Crossover is Better?
When you're in the market for a midsize crossover SUV it can be tough to pick the right one. Two heavyweights that tend to draw attention in this category are the Nissan Murano and the Ford Edge. Both offer a blend of style performance and comfort that makes them great choices for families or individuals looking for a spacious and reliable ride. But which one truly stands out? Let’s get into the details to help you decide which SUV is better suited to your needs.
Comparing Nissan Murano and Ford Edge
In this article we'll cover everything from performance to interior comfort safety features and technology. Our goal is to help you find the best crossover that fits your lifestyle and budget. Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
- Performance and Engine Power 1.1 Nissan Murano’s Engine 1.2 Ford Edge’s Engine
- Interior Comfort and Space 2.1 Seating Comfort 2.2 Cargo Space
- Safety Features
- Technology and Infotainment
- Fuel Efficiency
- Pricing and Value
- Consumer Reviews and Reliability
- Pros and Cons of Each
- Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
- FAQ
Performance and Engine Power
Performance is one of the most critical factors to consider when picking an SUV. You want something that has power when you need it but is also smooth and comfortable for those long drives.
Nissan Murano’s Engine
The Nissan Murano comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which provides a smoother driving experience compared to traditional automatic transmissions. This combination gives the Murano a relaxed and calm drive focusing more on comfort than sheer power.
One of the benefits of the Murano’s CVT is that it helps optimize fuel economy making it a little bit more efficient than some of its competitors. However one common complaint about the CVT is that it can make the engine feel less responsive especially when you're trying to accelerate quickly.
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Pros:
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Good fuel economy for a V6 engine
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Cons:
- The CVT can feel sluggish during rapid acceleration
- Lacks the sporty feeling some drivers desire
Ford Edge’s Engine
The Ford Edge offers a couple of engine options to suit different driving preferences. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that provides 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. For those looking for more power the Edge ST model features a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that pushes out a whopping 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provides a more traditional shifting experience than the Murano's CVT. The Edge is known for having more sporty handling and a better driving experience than the Murano particularly in the ST model which has performance tuning for those who enjoy spirited driving.
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Pros:
- Multiple engine choices for different needs
- Sportier handling than the Murano especially with the Edge ST
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Cons:
- The more powerful V6 engine sacrifices fuel efficiency
- Can feel a bit firm over bumps compared to the Murano’s smooth ride
Interior Comfort and Space
Interior comfort is essential when looking at midsize crossovers since these vehicles are often used for family trips or long commutes. Let’s compare the interiors of the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge.
Seating Comfort
Both SUVs provide seating for up to five passengers but the way they approach comfort and design is a bit different.
Nissan Murano’s Interior
The Murano is praised for its high-quality materials and Zero Gravity seats which are designed to reduce fatigue on longer journeys. The seats are plush and supportive while the cabin has a more upscale feel than some might expect from Nissan. The rear seats are spacious enough to accommodate adult passengers comfortably and the panoramic sunroof option adds an extra touch of openness to the cabin.
Ford Edge’s Interior
The Edge also offers comfortable seats but it leans more towards a sporty look. The front seats are supportive with ample bolstering particularly in the Edge ST model. The interior is practical with a focus on being user-friendly rather than overly luxurious. Rear passengers have a fair amount of legroom although the overall comfort may not match the premium feel of the Murano.
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Murano Pros:
- High-quality and comfortable seats for long drives
- Premium cabin materials
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Edge Pros:
- Sporty seating particularly in ST model
- User-friendly and practical design
Cargo Space
Cargo space is another critical factor for buyers who need to haul groceries sports gear or other bulky items.
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Nissan Murano Cargo Space:
- Offers 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which expands to 67 cubic feet when you fold the seats down.
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Ford Edge Cargo Space:
- Offers a slightly larger space with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
If cargo space is your top priority the Ford Edge has a bit of an edge (pun intended) over the Murano.
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge come with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assist technologies.
Nissan Murano Safety
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 includes standard features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection Blind Spot Warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert Lane Departure Warning High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.
The Murano has earned a solid reputation for safety earning good ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.
Ford Edge Safety
The Ford Edge is also well-equipped in the safety department with its Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. This includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert Lane-Keeping System and Pre-Collision Assist. Additionally the Edge can be equipped with more advanced safety tech like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering.
Both vehicles offer strong safety packages though some users report that Ford’s Lane-Keeping System can be overly sensitive.
Technology and Infotainment
Modern SUVs are packed with technology and infotainment options to keep you connected on the go.
Nissan Murano’s Tech
The Murano comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The user interface is easy to navigate but it may feel a bit outdated compared to some newer competitors. The Bose Premium Audio System is available on higher trims and provides impressive sound quality for music lovers.
Ford Edge’s Tech
The Edge features the SYNC 4A infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen on most models providing a larger and more modern feel than the Murano. SYNC 4A is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has a clean and responsive interface. The Ford Edge’s tech is definitely more up-to-date and the larger screen enhances the user experience.
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Murano Tech Pros:
- Straightforward infotainment system
- Premium audio option
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Edge Tech Pros:
- Larger 12-inch screen
- Responsive and modern infotainment
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important consideration for many buyers. Here's how the two compare.
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Nissan Murano Fuel Economy:
- The EPA estimates that the Murano gets about 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This is quite good for a V6-powered SUV.
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Ford Edge Fuel Economy:
- With its base four-cylinder engine the Edge delivers an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However opting for the performance-oriented Edge ST with the V6 will drop those numbers down to around 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to price both crossovers are competitively priced but there are some differences to consider.
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Nissan Murano:
- The starting price for the Murano is around $34,000. The fully loaded Platinum trim can go up to $45,000.
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Ford Edge:
- The Edge starts at around $37,000 for the base SE model and goes up to about $48,000 for the performance-focused ST model.
While the Murano offers a bit more value in terms of lower starting price the Edge's performance and technology features might justify the higher cost for some buyers.
Consumer Reviews and Reliability
Both the Murano and Edge have generally positive reviews from consumers.
- The Murano is praised for its comfortable ride and premium interior materials but some users criticize its lack of sporty performance.
- The Edge receives high marks for its powerful engine options and technology features but its reliability scores have occasionally been lower than average for the class.
Pros and Cons of Each
Nissan Murano
Pros:
- Comfortable ride with smooth handling
- High-quality interior materials
- Good fuel economy for its class
Cons:
- CVT transmission can be sluggish
- Smaller cargo space than the Edge
Ford Edge
Pros:
- Multiple powerful engine options
- Modern and responsive tech
- Larger cargo capacity
Cons:
- More expensive than the Murano
- Sporty ride can be less comfortable for some passengers
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
When it comes down to the Nissan Murano vs Ford Edge decision it really depends on what you’re looking for in a crossover SUV.
- If you value a smooth ride comfort-focused interior and a slightly lower price point the Nissan Murano might be the better choice for you.
- However if you want powerful engine options a sporty driving experience and up-to-date technology the Ford Edge is the clear winner.
According to Alex Collantes an automotive enthusiast "I think both the Murano and Edge have their strengths but for someone who enjoys driving I would lean toward the Edge especially if you go for the ST model. It just has that extra kick that makes driving more fun."
FAQ
Q: Which has better fuel economy the Nissan Murano or Ford Edge?
A: The Ford Edge has slightly better fuel economy in its base model but the Murano holds its own especially with its V6 engine.
Q: Which SUV is more spacious the Nissan Murano or Ford Edge?
A: The Ford Edge offers more cargo space making it a better choice if you need to haul a lot of stuff.
Q: Is the Nissan Murano or Ford Edge better for families?
A: Both are good options but the Murano’s comfort-focused interior might make it more family-friendly for long road trips.
References:
- Nissan Official Website
- Ford Official Website
- NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings
- Automotive Consumer Reviews ( Edmunds MotorTrend )
In conclusion choosing between the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge really comes down to personal preferences whether you prioritize comfort and style or power and technology.