The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer and Nissan Murano trade a dollop of practicality for added personality and style. These 2-row midsize SUVs are a little more indulgent than competing models, many of which can be more focused on providing cavernous cargo holds or kid-friendly 3-row seating.
Both the Blazer and Murano are strictly 5-seaters and each rolls into the 2024 model year with minimal changes. Having first arrived for the 2019 model year, the Blazer’s one notable update is that all trims come standard with heated front seats. As for the Murano, Nissan dropped the previous entry-level S model from the 2024 lineup. This means it has a higher starting price than before, though the new base trim is better equipped. Nissan looks to be preparing to release an all-new Murano for 2025.
Let’s see how these two compare by exploring highlights of the Chevrolet Blazer and Nissan Murano.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer comes with a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and 9-speed automatic transmission. All trims are front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is optional. During road tests we’ve enjoyed this engine’s balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The EPA-rated combined average of 25 mpg combined is a few MPGs more than the Murano’s best. Pricing starts at $36,795, including delivery charges.
Chevrolet Blazer Highlights
Camaro-like design: The Blazer SUV has a definite familial link to its muscular Chevrolet kin, the Camaro sports car. This is most evident in its front-end design, which closely mimics the aggressive snout found on the Camaro.
Two engine choices: We’ve already mentioned the 228-hp turbo 4-cylinder does a fine job getting the Chevrolet Blazer down the road. Also offered is a 308-hp V6 that gives this SUV a real turn of speed. It’s the one to choose if you need the Blazer’s max towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.
Awesome infotainment: We’re fans of the design and functionality of the Blazer’s 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and four USB ports are standard. Unlike some other systems, frequently used controls aren’t buried in layers of confusing menus.
No more sizzling seats or freezing steering wheels: Remote start is great in that it allows you to warm or cool your vehicle before hopping inside. Anyone who lives where temps spike upward in summer or plummet below freezing in winter will enjoy this standard feature.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Blazer models near you.
2024 Nissan Murano
Having lost the S model, the 2024 Murano is now offered in four trims: SV, SL, Midnight Edition, and Platinum. Pricing starts at $39,580, including destination fee.
Since the SV model is the new entry point, features are plentiful and consist of heated and power-adjustable front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and ambient interior lighting. Under the hood is a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission. Like the Chevrolet Blazer, front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional.
Nissan Murano Highlights
Smooth operator: If you want a calm and quiet driving experience, the Murano continues to rank among the best. It’s not the fastest or sharpest-handling SUV, though we think many people will enjoy its relaxing dynamics that help take stressors out of day-to-day driving.
Space-inspired seating: Fitted to the Murano are what Nissan calls its Zero Gravity seating. Their design was inspired by seating tech engineered by NASA for comfy and supportive space travel. Yes, you’re free to make the joke about your Murano’s seating being “out of this world.”
Aging gracefully: Despite this generation of Murano dating all the way back to the 2018 model year, we think its exterior is aging well. The curved shape and expressive lighting still make this Nissan stand out in a crowd.
Luxurious Platinum model: The Murano Platinum is a luxury SUV minus the luxury badge. It’s not cheap, starting at around $46,000, though it comes with everything from leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats to an 11-speaker Bose audio system, a surround-view parking camera, and handsome 20-inch wheels.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Murano models near you.
Similarities
The Chevrolet Blazer and Nissan Murano have look-at-me designs, yet they’re more than capable of tackling all sorts of driving demands. Each comes with a nice roster of standard tech and safety items, not to mention sought-after extras like AWD, heated/ventilated seats, and power-operated tailgates.
Conclusion
This is a tough one to call because the Chevrolet Blazer and Nissan Murano each have definite strengths, along with a few weaknesses. We enjoy the Chevy’s racy exterior, sharp steering, optional V6 engine, and excellent infotainment system. Some cheap cabin trim lets the game down, however.
The Murano costs more and, to be honest isn’t as entertaining to drive. Yet its supple ride and whisper-quiet interior are big selling points, as is its classy cabin. Get behind the wheel of each to better decide which has more of what you’re after in a 5-passenger SUV.
| 2024 Chevrolet Blazer | 2024 Nissan Murano | |
| Starting Price | $36,795 | $39,580 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 4,400 rpm | 240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel economy | 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/ 25 mpg combined | 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 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 | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 inches | 111.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 191.8 inches | 192.8 inches |
| Width | 76.7 inches | 75.4 inches |
| Height | 67.0 inches | 67.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.6 inches | 58.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 30.5 cubic feet | 32.1 cubic feet |
