Nissan Murano vs Chevy Blazer

For over 20 years, the Nissan Murano has been an exceptionally stylish entry in the mid-size 2-row crossover segment. Though the name is much older, the Chevrolet Blazer is a newer entry in the mid-size crossover segment, having entered it for the 2019 model year.  It joins the Murano as a noticeably stylish choice in the segment. KBB.com (Kelly Blue Book) compared these two models directly, and Nissan of Rochester reported what they had to say.

Though both models are noticeably stylish in a largely staid segment, KBB.com quickly points out that they each venture in a different direction. The Blazer is inspired by Chevrolet’s Camaro, which has its last year in 2024. The front is as close to the Camaro as possible on a crossover, and the side surfacing details and interior all echo a muscle car aesthetic. 

In keeping with a model that shares its name with a brand of elegant glass sculptures, the Murano opts for a more luxurious aesthetic. The exterior curves are abundant and elegant, and the interior is designed to provide comfort and support. Following through with its appearance, the Murano, in KBB.com’s words: “…delivers a calming driving experience that many SUV shoppers will love.”

Distinct Powertrain Differences

One way the Murano delivers on the luxury experience is with the effortless power from its standard 3.5-liter V6, which produces a smooth, linear 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The smoothness is enhanced by the lack of gear changes from the robust, continuously variable transmission. The transmission also helps the Murano turn in an EPA-estimated mpg of 20 city/28 highway/23 combined. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for $1,700.

For all its muscle car looks, the Blazer’s standard engine is a 228 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. It has a peak torque of 258 lb-ft and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine has a fuel economy edge of 22 city/29 highway/25 combined. The Blazer also comes standard with FWD and available AWD.

The Blazer RS model’s engine is a 3.6-liter V6, similar to the standard engine in the Murano. However, it produces more power, 308 hp, and 270 lb-ft of torque. It is also paired with the 9-speed transmission and has an estimated fuel economy of 19 city/27 highway/22 combined.

Exterior Themes Follow Throughout the Interior 

KBB.com highlighted Murano’s Zero Gravity seating, of which the design and pressure point technology was derived from NASA’s studies on the subject. They also point out that the top-ranging Platinum model does an excellent job of delivering a luxury SUV experience without the luxury brand. The Platinum features leather seating upholstery that is ventilated in the front seats and heated in the front and rear. There is an 11-speaker Bose audio system with ambient LED interior lighting. It rides on attractive 20-inch alloy wheels, which you can keep scar-free with the standard surround-view parking camera. 

The Blazer carries its muscle SUV idea to the interior. It includes a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, which KBB.com found to be particularly easy to use, particularly with wireless smartphone compatibility. 

When it comes to interior room, the models are within an inch and a half for all the headroom, legroom, and shoulder room stats. The Murano offers more cargo space, with 32.1 cubic feet to the Blazer’s 30.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 67.0 to the Blazer’s 64.2 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are lowered.

KBB’s Conclusion

KBB.com didn’t declare a winner but just pointed out that the winning vehicle for you depends on what you want. The Murano is the comfortable one, described as “…akin to piloting a rolling spa with space for five onboard.” The Blazer stays close to its Muscle car inspiration, with KBB.com describing it as a “Camaro-for-the-carpool-lane,” and while they found the acceleration of the V6, they think the standard engine is the better choice. 

You probably already know which of these stylish models better suits you and your family. If that choice is for the Murano, you will find a good choice, all with AWD, at Nissan of Murano. Pay us a visit and take a relaxing test drive in the Murano.