The 2024 Nissan Murano and 2024 Chevrolet Blazer are 2-row midsize SUVs that take very different approaches when it comes to wooing car shoppers looking for a stylish SUV.  

The Murano opts for a luxurious angle. Its exterior is curvaceous, and the interior is designed to coddle occupants with extremely supportive seats. This Nissan SUV delivers a calming driving experience that many SUV shoppers will love.

On the other side of this SUV aisle is the Chevrolet Blazer. It’s the cross-trainer sneaker to the Murano’s dress loafer. It has an edgier-looking exterior that borrows heavily from the Chevrolet Camaro muscle car. An optional V6 with more than 300 horsepower helps deliver on this Chevy’s performance image, too.

Let’s explore the highlights of the Murano and Blazer to see how they compare.  

2024 Nissan Murano

The 2024 Murano has a starting price of $39,580, including factory-to-dealer delivery fees, and is available in four trims: SV, SL, Midnight Edition, and Platinum. 

Standard features are abundant and include heated and power-adjustable front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and ambient interior lighting. Power comes from a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on all trims. 

Nissan Murano Highlights

Smooth and comfy ride: This generation of Murano dates back to the 2018 model year, though it can still teach younger rivals a thing or two about ride quality. The cabin is extremely quiet as the suspension coolly absorbs the worst bumps, ruts, and potholes thrown its way.

NASA-inspired seats: The Murano is one of a number of Nissan vehicles with what’s called Zero Gravity seating. Their design and pressure point technology was inspired by none other than NASA. So yes, research that goes into space travel makes its way into Nissan’s posh midsize SUV. 

Feature-rich Platinum model: It’s not inexpensive, with an asking price hovering around $47,000, but we think the Platinum trim could be ideal for SUV shoppers who want a luxury ride but don’t need or want a luxury label. The Murano Platinum has leather seating upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a moonroof, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. It rides on attractive 20-inch alloy wheels, and to help avoid curbing these beauties, it comes with a handy surround-view parking camera.  

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Murano models for sale near you. 

2024 Chevrolet Blazer

2024 Chevrolet Blazer RS in red

The 2024 Blazer starts at $36,795 and comes with a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. During testing we’ve been impressed by the performance and efficiency of this powertrain. For extra speed, a 308-hp V6 is available in the Blazer 3LT and Premier and is standard on the sporty RS. Like the Murano, all trims are front-wheel drive but can be optioned with AWD. 

Chevrolet Blazer Highlights 

Engine choices: We think the Blazer’s turbo 4-cylinder delivers the passing power and overall oomph SUV shoppers will want. It returns an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined in city and highway driving – a respectable figure among midsize SUVs. The available V6 is quicker but thirstier at 22 mpg combined. Still, if towing is a priority, it’s the V6 that uncorks the Blazer’s max rating of 4,500 pounds. 

Racy-looking exterior: We think the Blazer does a great job when it comes to blending SUV practicality in a shape that has more than a hint of American muscle car. The nose of the Blazer looks very much like its sports car Chevy cousin, the Camaro. 

Excellent infotainment system: The 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen is within easy reach. Among competing midsize SUVs, we think it’s one of the easiest systems to master after only a few minutes of familiarization. You could probably navigate the large icons and menus with mittens on, should you so choose. Wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and four USB ports are standard.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Blazer models for sale near you. 

Similarities

The Murano and Blazer trade a little SUV practicality in the name of style. Both have less cargo space than boxier and more utilitarian midsize SUVs. They’re still highly capable of getting five adults comfortable where they need to go, however. 

Conclusion

These fashion-forward midsize SUVs are ideal for those who don’t need massive cargo holds or 3-row seating and want something distinctive parked in their driveway or garage. The Murano is akin to piloting a rolling spa with space for five onboard. Its ride is supple, and the interior – while looking a little dated here and there – still feels a cut above many competing models. 

With the Blazer, you get a more energetic design, one that gives it a Camaro-for-the-carpool-lane vibe. The acceleration of the V6 and its towing capacity are great, even if we think the standard turbo 4-cylinder represents a better value. 

Which is ultimately the “winner” here is more about what you’re after in an SUV. Luxury trimmings and mellow driving manners, go Murano. Racier garb and peppier performance, veer toward the Blazer.

  2024 Nissan Murano  2024 Chevrolet Blazer
Starting Price  $39,580 $36,795
Popular Powertrains      
Engine  3.5-liter V6 Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower  260 hp @ 6,000 rpm 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque  240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
Transmission  CVT  9-speed automatic 
Fuel economy  20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined 
Also Available  AWD 3.6-liter V6, AWD
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-Star  5-Star
Max Seating Capacity 
Wheelbase  111.2 inches  113.0 inches 
Overall Length  192.8 inches  191.8 inches 
Width  75.4 inches  76.7 inches 
Height  67.8 inches  67.0 inches 
Turning Diameter  38.7 feet  38.7 feet 
Headroom, Front  39.9 inches 39.8 inches 
Headroom, 2nd Row  39.8 inches  38.6 inches 
Legroom, Front  40.5 inches  41.0 inches 
Legroom, 2nd Row  38.7 inches  39.6 inches
Shoulder Room, Front  59.5 inches  59.1 inches 
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row  58.8 inches 58.6 inches
Cargo Volume  32.1 cubic feet   30.5 cubic feet 





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