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The 2016 Nissan Murano emerged victorious in a rigorous five-SUV comparison, praised for its premium interior, comfortable ride, and powerful V-6 engine, despite some practicality trade-offs. In a competitive field that included the Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and Kia Sorento, the Murano distinguished itself by offering a near-luxury experience at a midsize SUV price point. This comprehensive review breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of each contender to help you make an informed decision.
Judges evaluated these SUVs on a wide range of criteria, including ride comfort, interior quality, technology, performance, and family-friendly features. A key requirement was that each vehicle had to have a final price, including its destination fee, of less than $45,000. The scoring was a weighted combination of:
The final rankings and key specs are summarized in the table below:
| SUV Model | Final Ranking & Score | Engine | Notable Strengths | Key Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | 1st (811 points) | 3.5L V-6 | Premium interior, comfortable seats, powerful engine | Significant blind spots, less cargo storage |
| Ford Edge | 2nd (779 points) | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | Excellent ride quality, superior Sync 3 tech | Accelerator lag, high price without AWD |
| Kia Sorento | 3rd (740 points) | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | Spacious backseat, great value, lots of tech | Noisy ride, sluggish acceleration |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | 4th (706 points) | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | Nimble handling, good value | Cheap interior materials, poor visibility |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 5th (694 points) | 3.6L V-6 | Superior towing, off-road capability | Truck-like ride, tight cabin space |
The Murano won over judges by prioritizing comfort and style. Its 3.5-liter V-6 engine provided effortless acceleration, making it feel like the quickest SUV in the group. Inside, the cabin was described as an "upscale cocktail lounge," with high-quality materials and incredibly comfortable "Zero Gravity" seats for both front and rear passengers. However, this focus on style came with drawbacks. The swooping exterior design created massive blind spots, particularly due to wide C-pillars, and it lacked the clever storage solutions and under-floor cargo space found in some rivals.
Finishing a close second, the Ford Edge excelled in several key areas. Its ride quality was deemed "terrific," blending comfort and quietness comparable to luxury vehicles. The biggest improvement was the SYNC 3 multimedia system, which judges hailed as the best in the challenge for its speed, simplicity, and intuitive interface. It also boasted a family-friendly interior with the most rear hip room. The main criticism centered on its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which suffered from noticeable accelerator lag, making it feel unresponsive compared to the Murano's V-6.
As corporate cousins, the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offered compelling value but with different strengths.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee finished last in this specific comparison but serves a different purpose. It was the only SUV with legitimate off-road capability and a massive 6,200-pound towing capacity. If you need to tow a large boat or venture off the pavement, the Grand Cherokee is the clear choice. For daily driving, however, its truck-like ride transmitted more road imperfections into the cabin, and its interior felt less spacious and modern than the car-based crossovers.
Based on our assessment of the 2016 Midsize SUV Challenge, your choice depends heavily on your priorities:
Ultimately, the Nissan Murano secured its victory by delivering a refined and enjoyable driving experience that resonated most with judges and shoppers alike.
