Mid-size SUVs and crossovers continue to be the vehicle of choice for many families due to their right-sized interiors with spacious seating and generous cargo capacity. The Nissan Murano is one such mid-size CUV that impresses on many fronts, including with its powerful V6 engine, premium interior and advanced technologies.
If the 2021 Nissan Murano has attracted your attention, you may be wondering how this stylish SUV stacks up against similar mid-size vehicles. Many Murano shoppers may also consider models like the 2021 Honda Pilot, another mid-size SUV that's popular with families. In this review, we'll go over how the new Murano and Pilot SUVs stack up in crucial areas that matter the most to motorists, including features, pricing, technology, efficiency and capability.
The team at Eddie Tourelle's Northpark Nissan invites you to consider the following head-to-head comparison when shopping the 2021 Nissan Murano and Honda Pilot models. If you have any questions about this mid-size SUV rivalry following this comparison review, don't hesitate to reach out to our sales specialists for assistance with your new SUV search.
The 2021 Nissan Murano and 2021 Honda Pilot are mid-size SUVs that provide standard V6 performance and ample interior space, but there are some key differences. Even though both models are motivated by 3.5-liter V6 engines with similar output, the new Murano weighs far less than the Honda Pilot, partly due to its smaller footprint.
The Murano boasts a classic 5-passenger mid-size SUV layout, with generous cargo capacity behind its second-row seats. In contrast, the Honda Pilot sports three-row seating, and the standard cargo space behind its third row is far smaller than what you'll find in the Nissan SUV.
Thanks to its lower weight, tighter turning diameter and sportier driving dynamics, the 2021 Nissan Murano is certainly the more agile and fun-to-drive option between the two. If your family requires three-row seating, then Honda's Pilot is a worthy option, but if two rows of seating will do just fine, many drivers will prefer the handling and performance of the Nissan Murano.
Even though Honda's Pilot SUV is larger than the Murano, occupants in the first and second rows may not notice a difference in seating space, as the Nissan crossover presents similar legroom in both rows to that of its three-row competition.
Both of these mid-size SUVs for sale provide competitive pricing and desirable standard features like large touchscreen displays and smartphone integration, courtesy of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Murano boasts a lower starting MSRP and offers plenty of technologies not offered on the Honda Pilot, including Rear Automatic Braking and an Intelligent Around View Monitor.
See the following pricing and specifications comparison for more details on how Nissan's 2021 Murano stacks up against the Honda Pilot:
VS
2021 Nissan Murano
2021 Honda Pilot
MSRP*
$32,510
$34,930
Engine
3.5L V6
3.5L V6
Performance
260 HP
280 HP
Fuel Economy (2WD)
20 City / 28 Highway MPG
20 City / 27 Highway MPG
Standard Cargo Volume (cubic feet)
32.1
16.5
360-Degree Camera
Available
Not Available
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
3,823
4,004
Turning Diameter (feet)
38.7
39.4
Passenger Capacity
5
8
Front-Row Leg Room (inches)
40.5
40.9
Second-Row Leg Room (inches)
38.7
38.4
Drivers searching for an athletic new mid-size crossover SUV that presents advanced technologies with affordable pricing should see the 2021 Nissan Murano. If you need more convincing that this Nissan crossover SUV outshines its rivals from Honda and other automakers, contact our sales specialists for more details.
The team at our Covington, Louisiana, Nissan dealership will gladly help you compare your preferred new Murano SUV to other options to see how it stacks up against the competition. Select from four Murano editions for 2021: the S, SV, SL and Platinum. Each version of this premium mid-size CUV is available with Nissan's Intelligent AWD system that optimizes the torque split for confidence-inspiring traction and fuel-efficient performance.
Shop and compare the pricing of the 2021 Murano and Honda Pilot, and we're confident that you'll choose Nissan and its sporty mid-size crossover as your Slidell, LA, area family's next ride. If you'd like to trade in and trade up to a new Murano, utilize our online appraisal form to see what your current vehicle is worth when you upgrade.
*All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options. Dealer sets actual price.