2021 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Chevy Blazer

• 2021 Nissan Murano

  

  Starting at

  $32,810*

  2021 Chevy Blazer

  

  Starting at

  $28,800

  260 hp V6	Standard Engine	193 hp I-4
  67	Max Cargo Volume (cu.ft)	64.2
  Standard	Safety Suite	Available

  One of the best things about the fact that SUVs have become so popular is that it means you have a lot of options available to you when choosing one. A midsize SUV is a great pick for a lot of people because it gives you an ideal balance between the smaller compact options and larger full-size models. When trying to choose the right midsize SUV for you, it often helps to narrow down your focus and compare just two models, like the 2021 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Chevy Blazer. While the Blazer has a lot going for it, the superior standard performance of the Murano makes it a better choice for a lot of drivers.

  There are some decent engines available for the Chevy Blazer, but only for people willing to spend a lot more on higher trims. When looking at the starting trims and standard engines, the Nissan Murano’s 3.5L V6 with 260 hp absolutely crushes the Blazer’s standard 2.5L 4-cylinder with its 193 hp. The difference is so significant that it almost seems unfair to compare them; while the Blazer’s available 2.0L Turbo engine is closer to what Nissan gives you, the fact that you have to pay a lot more to get a trim that offers it seems like a poor decision on Chevy’s part.

  Inside these two vehicles, you will find a lot of similarities: both have standard 8-inch infotainment displays, with a number of great starting and available options. However, you get more cargo space inside the 2021 Nissan Murano, which makes it a more functional midsize option overall. What really sets the Murano apart, as far as we are concerned, are its safety features – the standard safety features from Nissan are far superior to what comes standard on the Chevy Blazer. Come visit us at Newton Nissan South today to learn more, and we will show you the full lineup of what Nissan has to offer.

• Performance

  

  When considering any type of vehicle, you always want to look at the engine to see the kind of performance it has to offer. While you might not immediately focus on the engine with something like a midsize SUV, it still matters and often dictates how much fun the vehicle will be to drive. With this in mind, it is clear that the 2021 Nissan Murano really leaves the Chevy Blazer behind, particularly in terms of the standard engines.

  Engine Options

  The Chevy Blazer has three different engines to choose from, but the most powerful options are locked behind higher trims that you have to pay more money to access. Looking at the first two trims, the Blazer only has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that offers just 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. For a midsize SUV, that is very low power and results in some notably underwhelming performance. At a higher price point, there is a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine available that offers 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is better, but really demonstrates just how poor the standard engine is.

  By comparison, the 2021 Nissan Murano has a single engine on offer, which is all you need since it is such a great one to begin with. You get a 3.5L V6 engine in the Murano that delivers 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque for much better performance than the starting Blazer models can even dream of offering. It really makes a big difference, plus the Continuously Variable Transmission in the Murano provides a smooth, responsive driving experience that offers a lot of enjoyment every time you get behind the wheel.

• Cargo Space

  

  One of the main reasons a lot of people choose a midsize SUV is for the great “middle way” it can provide between a large and small model. This means you can more easily fit something like the 2021 Nissan Murano into your lifestyle while still getting to enjoy a spacious and functional interior. Although the Chevy Blazer is a good size and has decent interior space, it comes up short of what the Murano has to offer.

  The Blazer has seating for up to five people, with two in the front and three in the rear seats. Cargo capacity depends on whether you have the rear seats up or down, which is generally true for most vehicles. With the rear seats up, there are just over 30 cu.ft. of cargo space in the back of the vehicle behind the seats, while the Blazer offers just over 64 cu.ft. of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded down.

  Room to Haul

  You get similar space with the Nissan Murano, though it ultimately gives you more. You still get enough room for up to five people inside the Murano, with two in the front and three in the back seats, but the usable space is generally more functional. With the rear seats up, you get more than 32 cu.ft. of cargo space in the back area, while you can get up to 67 cu.ft. of total cargo volume with the rear seats down. On paper, 3 cu.ft. might not seem like much, but in reality, that can make a significant difference if you are loading up your vehicle for a road trip, a weekend of camping, or stocking up with materials for a home improvement project.

• Safety

  

  No matter what kind of vehicle you are looking at, nothing is more important than how well it can help keep you safe on the road. With each passing year, new and exciting safety features are being introduced, and modern vehicles can include some of the most impressive active safety technology we have ever seen. While the Chevy Blazer has some good safety features to offer, they are almost entirely locked behind high trims and optional packages, while the Nissan Murano has nearly every safety feature as standard on every trim.

  Nissan Safety Shield 360

  For example, every Nissan Murano comes with cruise control, and most trims feature Intelligent Cruise Control that will react to changes in traffic. In addition to this, impressive safety systems like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Automatic Braking, and Blind Spot Warning are all standard on every trim. You also get Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a Rear Sonar System, and High Beam Assist on the 2021 Nissan Murano, regardless of what trim you choose.

  There are a few safety features that are optional, but you can see that all of the most important ones are standard. For example, while every trim comes with a Rear Sonar System, all models above the starting trim also feature a Front Sonar System. An Intelligent Around View Monitor is available on most models, which gives you a clearer view of the area around your vehicle, and the highest trim also features Traffic Sign Recognition to assist with alerts.

  Chevy Safety Features

  In comparison to this, the safety features of the 2021 Chevy Blazer are surprisingly unimpressive. The starting features on every model include basic mandated items like airbags and a rear vision camera, but otherwise completely lacks any of the advanced systems you get from Nissan. Looking at the highest trim of the Blazer, some systems like front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert do come standard, but this is only at a much higher price point. Even with the Premier trim for the 2021 Blazer, other safety systems like HD Surround Vision – similar to Nissan’s Around View system – and adaptive cruise control are still only available as part of an additional package rather than being standard.

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