Nissan Rogue Vs. Murano: Choosing a Family SUV

The Nissan Rogue and Murano SUVs are great options in a competitive used car market. Any of these models can become your universal family vehicle, suitable for long-distance traveling. They offer a good mix of sedan-like comfort, advanced safety features, powerful engines, and plenty of usable interior space. This used Nissan Murano and Rogue comparison will help you determine which model is right for you.

When it comes to space and carrying capacity, the smaller compact SUV Rogue overtakes the larger Murano. With all the seats up, the Rogue boasts 39.3 cubic feet and 70.0 cu ft with the rear seats folded down. In contrast, the midsize Murano offers just 64.0 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down and 31.6 cu ft with them in place.

Both Nissan SUVs are equipped with high-power engines, but Murano has a slight advantage here:

• The Rogue has a 2.5-liter V4. It is connected to a continuously variable transmission and produces 170 hp at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Power is directed either to the front or to all four wheels.
• The Murano can boast a 3.5-liter V-6. The 24-valve block with two overhead cams produced 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 240 feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Like the Rogue, this SUV comes with variable transmission and can be front-wheel or four-wheel drive.

You may find a used Nissan Rogue in one of three trims: S, SV, and SL.

• The Nissan Rogue S is the entry-level version. It is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, electric mirrors with LED turn signals, LED running lights, cruise control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, rearview camera and stereo system with four speakers with an additional audio jack and USB connector.
• The mid-level SUV Rogue SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, a six-way power driver seat, rear safety glass, a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and a NissanConnect smartphone integration system.
• The luxury Rogue SL has 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and mirrors, leather upholstery, fog lights, roof rails, 360-degree Nissan Around View parking camera, a large 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with built-in GPS navigation, and premium 9 Bose stereo speakers.

The Nissan Murano has four trims: S, SV, SL, and LE.

• The least expensive version, the Murano S, comes poorly equipped. It includes only keyless entry and ignition, rear safety glass, reclining rear seat, telescopic steering wheel, 7-inch monochrome infotainment screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-turn mechanism, cruise control, and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack.
• Murano SV adds fog lights, roof rack, automatic headlights, heated front seats, a 7-inch color infotainment display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth connectivity, rear camera view, stereo with satellite radio, and a USB connector, and a redesigned steering wheel.
• With the SL trim level to all the above mentioned, you will get a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated mirrors, rain sensors, a heated steering wheel, a power door, a driver-seat memory function, and a high-end nine-speaker Bose stereo and hard-drive audio storage.
• The top-of-the-line SUV Murano LE adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a powerful telescopic steering wheel, heated rear seats, bi-xenon headlights, and wood trim.

A used car without defects is rare luck, and each model has specific weak points. Nissan cars are durable enough but used Rogue and Murano SUVs may have similar weaknesses. Fortunately, you can inspect them, if you know what to check. Below we have collected the basic checklist of what elements to pay attention to when buying one of these models.

• Carefully inspect the Nissan exterior and interior before purchasing. The paintwork often fades, chrome peels off, luxurious leather is susceptible to abrasion, and the plastic interior quickly gets squeaky.
• Check the trunk lift mechanism. It is subject to rapid wear.
• Don’t neglect a test drive. The variator is a weak point in both Rogue and Murano SUVs. It can make noise at maximum engine speed.
• Nissan Murano may be susceptible to regular fogging of windows. If you have a chance, take it for a test drive when it’s raining and check whether the condensation accumulates in the cabin.

• The Nissan Rogue is a perfect vehicle for calm drivers who want to travel comfortably with the whole family for long distances. It has a lot of space for passengers and slightly more cargo room than Murano. The Rogue is also a wise choice in terms of fuel economy. The EPA fuel economy rate may vary depending on the trim, but the Rogue beats the Murano anyway. The most efficient Rogue models get 27/35 mpg city/highway.
• Although the Murano is a family car, it will delight you with the engine power and acceleration dynamics. It will be your better choice if you appreciate a luxury interior look and a variety of tech features.

So, if you are looking for power and luxury, the Murano is the right choice for you. For more space and solid fuel economy, go with Rogue. And don’t forget to take each of them for a test drive to compare your feelings behind the wheel.

Come to Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis today, and we will choose the best options for you!