2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Murano

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional look with its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end. Its interior was conservative, focusing on comfort for commutes and road trips. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that controls were intuitive and easy to use. The Murano offered trims from S to Platinum, each adding features like adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing its appeal as a comfort-optimized SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged appearance. However, its design felt disjointed, with elements like the swooping character line adding unnecessary visual weight. Inside, the asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements provided a unique look, while the infotainment system was positioned for easy access. The Bronze Edition featured light grey fabric upholstery, which was less practical for families due to its tendency to attract dirt. Higher trims offered more conventional materials, but the overall design and materials quality lagged behind competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The V6 provided strong low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano excelled in comfort, offering a smooth ride and refined handling, but its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, generating 243 horsepower. It also employed a CVT and offered all-wheel drive through an electric motor on the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than its gasoline counterparts. The hybrid powertrain provided a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power, though the engine's drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration. The ride was comfortable, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections, and the cabin remained quiet at highway speeds.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not the most spacious, it compensated with user-friendly features like a hands-free power liftgate in higher trims. The Murano prioritized passenger comfort with ample headroom and legroom in its two rows, and the second-row seats could partially recline for added comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were plentiful, with trays and bins throughout the cabin. The second row was spacious, offering sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench seat. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a straightforward menu layout, supported by physical buttons and dials. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration made smartphone connectivity seamless. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker Bose stereo and navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical controls for climate settings. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Murano included Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor were optional.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems required fine-tuning, such as the adaptive cruise control's abrupt stops and the lane-keep assist's steering resistance.