2023 Nissan Murano vs 2023 Toyota Highlander
* 2023 Nissan Murano vs 2023 Toyota Highlander *
How do you define a luxury-style SUV? For us, we believe that top performance and supreme comfort are the two factors that make a worthwhile experience for the whole family. As for the 2023 model year, Nissan and Toyota have put out a couple of good contenders. Today, Maus Nissan of New Port Richey will be taking a closer look at the 2023 Nissan Murano and the 2023 Toyota Highlander to help you decide which one may be the better ride for you and your loved ones. Feel free to check out our new inventory online at your convenience!
* 2023 Nissan Murano vs 2023 Toyota Highlander *
The Highlander isn’t the worst choice when it comes to luxury SUVs. It has enough power, but the interior is rather plain and minimal in terms of features centered around comfort. To be considered a luxury SUV, you should be able to experience a smooth and comfortable ride in every aspect. Thankfully, the new Murano makes up for what the Highlander lacks.
* Performance *
The new Murano comes with a 3.5L V6 engine supporting 260 horsepower and runs on an Xtronic CVT which is Nissan’s exclusive system that optimizes your ride for peak efficiency. That level of efficiency is reflected in the impressive fuel rating of 20 in-city and 28 highway miles per gallon. For a noticeably smooth ride, the Murano supports available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive consisting of state-of-the-art technology that allows the vehicle to automatically transfer power between the front and rear wheels as needed. Being able to switch between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive on a dime also helps with the Murano’s incredible fuel rating. And lastly, a 4-wheel independent suspension gives you more responsive handling on the road which can be felt in the smoothness of every drive.
The new Highlander technically has a little more power in its engine. To be precise, it comes with a 2.4L Turbo capable of 265 horsepower which is only 5 more than the Murano, but that’s not saying much compared to the rest of the build. It has a combined fuel rating of 25 MPG and only comes equipped with an available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive. This system works similarly to the Murano’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, but some people who have taken both for a spin may argue that Nissan does it better.
* Safety Features *
Nissan Safety Shield 360 (which comes in the Murano) consists of 6 standard safety features for your convenience and protection. These useful features include driver assist technologies that are designed to watch your every angle and either alert you or respond appropriately. But other than Nissan Safety Shield 360, the Murano can come with additional available technologies like Intelligent Around View Monitor which gives you an overhead 360 view of your surroundings, and Intelligent Cruise Control which actively keeps a good distance between you and the car ahead of you. Those are a couple of fan-favorite features of the Murano, but this amazing SUV is also capable of Hill Start Assist, Rear Door Alert, and Rear Automatic Braking. Plus, the useful Advanced Driver-Assist Display can show you turn-by-turn directions, your tire pressure, and a compass right in front of you where it’s easy to see.
Of course, the new Highlander supports Toyota Safety Sense to bring you standard safety features, but what else is there? Available features for the Highlander include a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. Compared to the Murano’s Intelligent features, the Highlander doesn’t seem to provide you with much.
* Interior *
The cabin area is where the Murano really shines, although it’s been hitting it out of the park already. It’s easy to maintain a cozy atmosphere with Intelligent Climate Control which actively adjusts the temperature to keep ideal levels, and this temperature-control technology continues on in the seats themselves. With climate-controlled front seats and a Zero Gravity design, every drive will feel light and effortless for maximum comfort. And while you’re kicking it back and relaxing, you can experience your favorite tunes with dynamic sound through the available Bose premium audio setup with 11 speakers that are carefully placed throughout the cabin for everyone to enjoy at maximum capacity. And for greater convenience, you can access your phone and map with voice commands.
You won’t find as complex a setup in the new Highlander, in terms of seating or technology. The front seats are heated and ventilated as with many other non-luxury SUVs. After going on a ride, you’ll miss the Murano’s Zero Gravity chair design. The Highlander also comes with an available 11-speaker setup, but the brand is JBL whereas many people would prefer the dynamic sound of Bose. Those are the Highlander’s most notable cabin features, and it’s not much compared to Nissan’s contender.
* Bottom Line *
If you’re looking for a true luxury SUV experience, you’ll find that there’s so much more to admire about the new 2023 Nissan Murano. Decent power, tech made for peak performance, and a cozy temperature-controlled cabin all effortlessly combine into the ride of your dreams!
* Take the 2023 Nissan Murano for a Test Drive! *
Want to know more about this incredible luxury-style SUV? Call Maus Nissan of New Port Richey today at (727) 999-6287 to learn more about the new 2023 Nissan Murano! You can also browse our new inventory online to see if we have any in stock.