When a consumer scans the market for a midsize SUV, the focus invariably shifts to talk of a third row. What if you don’t need one? What if you’re hunting for a spacious, capable utility vehicle that seats five comfortably with plenty of room for cargo?
Say hello to the 2024 Nissan Murano and 2024 Ford Edge. These two crossovers provide sizeable cabins with room for all your pickleball bags or the rewards of the day’s shopping spree. Let’s find out what else they offer.
2024 Nissan Murano
With contemporary exterior styling, a spacious cabin, current technology, and decent performance, the 2024 Nissan Murano attracts attention. If “really nice” was the lead characteristic for being a top recommendation, the Murano would be at or near the top of that list.
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 260 horsepower, it provides enough “oomph” to get around town quickly and handle freeway runs with aplomb. Our reviewer says driving the Murano is a “pleasant experience,” but it’s not sports-car agile. That assessment also transfers to the interior, which features seating for five with better-than-average legroom in the back seat. The Murano prioritizes comfort over excitement and hits the mark. Pricing starts at $39,580, including the destination charge.
Nissan Murano Highlights
A bit of luxury: Adults like nice things, and the Murano can be just that with its luxurious Platinum trim level. It’s loaded with premium features like extra-soft, semi-aniline leather seats with diamond-quilted inserts, heated and cooled front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and stylish 20-inch wheels.
Long hauler: Nissan developed Zero Gravity seats used in the Murano to reduce driver fatigue on long drives. That gets even better on the higher-end trim levels.
Safety tech: The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite combines desirable driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Murano models for sale near you.
2024 Ford Edge
When discussing the mainstays of this segment, the Ford Edge must be part of the conversation. It’s been around for nearly a decade, and that’s because it’s a competitive entry in the segment. Roomy, comfortable, and a clean exterior all add up to a good vehicle.
Able to carry five people and plenty of stuff while offering an elevated seating spot for the driver automatically puts it on plenty of shoppers’ lists. There are no significant updates for the 2024 model, as it’s the last year for the Edge. No replacement has been announced. It delivers excellent ride and handling with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out 250 horsepower, which is less than the Murano. However, moving up to the ST model gets you a 2.7-liter turbo developing 335 horsepower, making for a quick, sporty vehicle that handles curvy roads surprisingly well. Pricing on the Edge begins at $39,960, including destination fees.
Ford Edge Highlights
Standard AWD: The Edge offers a choice of two engines, but no matter which one you choose, all-wheel drive is standard equipment. It’s a $1,700 add-on for the Nissan Murano.
Infotainment: Every new Edge has a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen to control its user-friendly system. Wi-Fi and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration are standard.
Advanced driver assists: Ford offers one of the best driver assistance systems. Dubbed Co-Pilot360, it includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and navigation with real-time traffic updates come with the upgrade to Co-Pilot360 Assist.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Edge models for sale near you.
Similarities
These two hit the market in the same year and retain the qualities that made them popular with buyers: attractive exterior styling, a potent engine, a spacious cabin, and good technology.
Conclusion
The Nissan Murano and Ford Edge are on their way out. The Nissan model is expected to be redesigned for the 2025 model year, while Ford’s offering is simply done after 2024. Perhaps there’s a deal to be had on either of these as the Murano gets replaced and dealers need the space on their lots, or for the Edge as dealers are looking to move on to the next thing … and need the space on their lot. Regardless of their fates, these SUVs are closely matched in most categories. Get the one that speaks to you.
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 2024 Ford Edge | |
| Starting Price | $39,580 | $39,960 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT/FWD | 8-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg | 21 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | 2.7-liter turbo 6-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 192.8 inches | 188.8 inches |
| Width | 75.4 inches | 75.9 inches |
| Height | 67.8 inches | 68.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.8 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.5 inches | 42.6 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 40.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.5 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.9 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 32.1 cubic feet | 39.2 cubic feet |
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