2020 Nissan Murano vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2020 Nissan Murano retained the familiar face of the previous generation of Nissan vehicles. Despite receiving a styling update in 2019, which included a refreshed grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, added fog lights, new wheel designs, and additional paint color choices, the Murano's exterior design remained attractive but not particularly modern. As newer models like the redesigned Nissan Pathfinder and Armada debuted, the Murano stood out as one of the few models without Nissan's latest design language. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Murano offered more standard features in its midrange and higher trims, such as heated outside mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and rear sonar in the SV, and traffic-sign recognition technology in the SL. The Platinum trim boasted a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and a new exterior paint option, Super Black. The Murano's wheels varied by trim, with standard 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels on the base model, 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy Dark Metallic Finish wheels on the SL, and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in a Dark Hyper Silver finish on the Platinum. Inside, the Murano's Platinum grade featured premium appointments, though the interior design felt dated, particularly in the center stack, console, and steering wheel. Despite this, the Murano maintained an upscale feel compared to the 2021 Nissan Rogue, with intuitive controls and a logical layout.

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3's formula, offering a small SUV with a luxury level of refinement akin to larger BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as visually appealing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. Available trims included the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. Standard features on the sDrive30i and xDrive30i included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate, with many of these options standard on the M40i trim, which also featured 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2020 Nissan Murano was powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest off the line, the Murano excelled at highway speeds, easily overtaking other vehicles. Its powertrain included a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which operated quietly compared to other CVTs, contributing to a "library level" sound in the cabin. The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, which were respectable figures for its class without a hybrid option. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The AWD-equipped Murano offered good road grip but exhibited noticeable body lean. Its four-wheel independent suspension minimized bumps and vibrations, enhancing cabin comfort. While not as agile or sharp as premium German SUVs, the Murano provided a comfortable cruising experience, similar to the Lincoln Nautilus. Nissan rated the Murano with a 1,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, both equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine provided solid acceleration for city driving and highway speeds. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, especially at low speeds, with a 17-mile electric-only range. It could be recharged in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. For a true performance experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The X3 M performance model, with 473 horsepower, catered to those seeking speed and family space.

The 2020 Nissan Murano's standout feature was its Zero Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort for long journeys. These seats were standard in the front row and for rear outboard passengers. The Murano offered more headroom than the Lexus RX but less front legroom, while excelling in shoulder room, providing over an inch more than the RX in the second row. Compared to the 2021 Rogue, the Murano offered more hip and shoulder room, resulting in 3 cubic feet more passenger volume. Designed with Empty Nesters in mind, the Murano prioritized plush accommodations over cargo space, offering up to 32.1 cubic feet with the second row upright and 67.0 cubic feet with it folded flat. Despite less cargo space than the class average, the Murano's low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats enhanced usability. A power liftgate was standard on the top two trims. The Murano featured standard dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry, with available features like leather-appointed seating, a heated steering wheel, and remote engine start. A dual-pane panoramic moonroof was standard on the Platinum trim and available on the SL. The Murano's interior offered easy ingress and egress, though the A-pillar affected forward visibility. The center console lacked practical smartphone storage, with cords hanging out from the front.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it offered 28.7 cubic feet. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Nissan Murano lagged behind competitors in tech but offered upgrades to remain competitive. It featured an 8-inch infotainment system touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, and voice recognition. The updated touchscreen presented options attractively. Rear passengers had access to two USB ports for charging. Upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, and navigation with point of interest search and traffic functionality. Murano Platinum buyers received NissanConnect Services, offering features like automatic collision notification and remote functionalities. An Amazon Alexa skill was available for free.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. It offered both touch operation and an iDrive dial, catering to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto optional. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. Gesture control was available, allowing basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who gesticulate while speaking.

For 2020, the Nissan Murano included Safety Shield 360 as standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A rearview camera was also standard. The Murano lacked advanced driver-assist technology like Nissan's ProPilot Assist. IIHS crash tests rated the Murano "good" in most categories, with a "superior" mark for front crash prevention. NHTSA ratings included five stars overall, with four stars for rollover.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.