2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Nissan Murano had a design that once seemed ahead of its time, but by 2021, its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end had become standard in car design. Its interior was more conservative, focusing on comfort for commutes and road trips. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that controls were intuitively placed, minimizing any learning curve for drivers. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding more features, from basic amenities like dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen to luxury touches like a panoramic moonroof and premium leather in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior was marked by a modest grille and elegant wheel arches, with a large presence at 77 inches tall and 205.1 inches long. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern trends, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability. The Nightshade Special Edition added modern touches with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, updating its look.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered 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 prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride that absorbed road bumps well, making it a great choice for commuting and road trips. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, lower than many midsize and even some compact SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots gave it a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

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 this was less than some competitors, the Murano excelled in ease-of-use, with a traditional shifter design and a center console full of trays and cubbies. Its focus on two rows of seating provided ample headroom and legroom, with partially reclining second-row seats for added comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort across its three rows, with features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. The center console and glove compartment offered ample storage, and rear passengers had access to cup holders and power outlets. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a user-friendly menu layout and physical buttons for easy navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the 4.5-inch driver information screen was outclassed by modern digital dashboards. The Sequoia offered WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio, with available upgrades like a 12-speaker audio system and a premium audio package with 14 JBL speakers.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with standard driver assistance features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available as upgrades.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Toyota Safety Sense P included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes, among other features. The Sequoia also included a full complement of airbags and child safety features.