In the United States, the crossover market is unique in the fact that every mainstream automaker offers one which can’t even be said for compact cars or SUVs. From entry-level brands that include Ford and Kia up to luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti, crossovers have become a major force on the roadway. Like the wide number of brands, the styling of each crossover differs from boxy to round and from rugged to elegant. Recently, I had the opportunity to check out two of the more stylish crossovers on the market that also both happen to be the first major redesign for each automaker. While the Nissan Murano has been on the market since 2002 with its polarizing style, the Chevrolet Equinox has come on strong since its ground-up redesign last year. Although Chevrolet markets the Equinox as a compact crossover and Nissan lists the Murano as a mid-size offering, looking at them both side by side on paper make them a perfect duo for this comparison review.

Murano vs Equinox Exterior Comparison

When it comes to exterior designs, the Nissan Murano and Chevy Equinox are probably two of the most stylish crossovers on the market but each takes a unique approach. Building off the unique design of the original Murano, the second-generation model has featured its identifiable bullet-shaped design since its 2007 introduction, while the Equinox is definitely more conventional but uses some of Chevy’s popular design cues including the split front grille. Each has widely flared ...

wheel arches and distinguishable beltlines although the Equinox gives off a slightly more upscale appearance than the sporty Murano. The straighter roofline and slightly squared off rear end not only adds to the Equinox’s styling, but it also helps give Chevy’s compact crossover a cabin that isn’t much smaller than the mid-sized Murano.

The decision for best exterior design was basically a push, but for the sake of “some has to win,” this category goes to the Chevy Equinox for its vast improvement plus the ability to incorporate a familiar Chevrolet design. Other stylish crossovers on the market include the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-7 with both offering fresh, stylish designs that help break the mold of boring, boxy crossovers.

Murano vs Equinox Interior Comparison

Chevrolet has definitely come a long way with the interior styling of the Equinox, but the Murano benefits from Nissan’s excellent fit, finish, quality and technology. Even though this Murano featured the leather interior and the Equinox had the standard cloth interior, it is unlikely the Chevy could have competed against the Nissan even with the $1,050 leather interior upgrade as the Murano’s cabin was almost as luxurious as the Equinox’s close cousin, the Cadillac SRX. On more than one occasion, the Nissan’s interior was mistaken for an Infiniti with its rich leather, soft touch points and incredible layout. The Equinox is able to squeak out a win when it comes to occupant safety though as it gets a quadruple five star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) while the Murano gets four star frontal ratings.

Between technology, comfort and materials, the Nissan Murano was an easy choice for this category. Other crossovers that offer similar interior comfort and cabin technology as the Murano include the 2011 Kia Sorento and the heavily updated 2011 Ford Edge.

Murano vs Equinox Performance Comparison

Like almost every other aspect of these two crossovers, the biggest difference will come down to a matter of personal preference. As close as the other categories were, the powertrains for these two models were almost identical with the Chevy equipped with the optional ($1,500) 3.0-liter direct injection V-6. This engine is good for 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano’s standard 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Despite the closely matched engine output, the two vehicles feel noticeably different while driving due to the different transmissions used. The Murano’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) gives it a sportier driving dynamic, while the Equinox’s six-speed automatic seems better tuned for fuel economy. The Chevy Equinox V-6 gets EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway and the Murano gets 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Murano also feels sportier than the Equinox when it comes to everyday driving and handling.

Considering how evenly matched these two competitors were in horsepower and fuel economy, the winner of this category is the Nissan Murano thanks to its more enthusiastic driving experience. In this price range, the best bang for the buck comes from the upcoming 2011 Ford Edge Sport that shares the same 305-horsepower V-6 as the Ford Mustang.

Murano vs Equinox Pricing

Both models we tested were the middle trim level offerings with the Chevrolet Equinox 2LT FWD having a total price of $30,755 and the Nissan Murano SL 2WD coming in at $36,535. Each model came with similar levels of optional equipment including a navigation system, hard drive music storage, backup camera and power liftgate. Even with its luxurious interior, it is hard to justify the Murano’s steep price tag especially considering the Infiniti EX35 has a starting MSRP about $3,000 less than this test model.

The clear advantage between these two crossovers is when the starting MSRP is factored in is the Chevy Equinox with a base price almost $6,000 less than the Murano and an as-tested price with almost the same disparity. For more options among affordable crossovers, also check out the Kia Sorento ($19,995), Mitsubishi Outlander ($20,840) and the Toyota RAV-4 ($21,500).

Winner:

In just about every category, both crossovers were almost identically matched, but thanks to its superior value and overall improvement compared to its predecessor, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox came out as our top choice in this comparison. While the previous generation Equinox was often considered an also-ran in the crossover segment, the latest model has what it takes to make the Equinox a benchmark among crossovers. As for the Murano, it is still a perfect vehicle for someone looking to buy a crossover that doesn’t blend in with the crowd.

Select Photos by Jeffrey N. Ross
Vehicles provided by Nissan North America and General Motors