The market for 2-row midsize SUVs has some great options. One particularly strong segment is car-like SUVs that aren’t meant to be off-roaders but pavement princesses.
The 2024 Ford Edge and 2024 Nissan Murano are two such examples and offer plenty of interior space, loads of driver assistance and convenience technologies, as well as good performance. Let’s find out more about these 5-passenger SUVs.
2024 Ford Edge
The Ford Edge should be on any list of 2-row, 5-passenger SUVs. It offers a roomy, comfortable interior, good powertrain options, and a clean exterior, adding to a fine family vehicle.
The Edge’s ability to carry five people and a bunch of their stuff while offering an elevated seating spot for the driver puts it on plenty of shoppers’ lists. There are no significant updates for the 2024 model, as it’s the last year for the Edge. No replacement has been announced. It delivers excellent ride and handling with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder putting out 250 hp, which is less than the Murano’s standard V6.
However, moving up to the ST model gets you a 2.7-liter turbo V6 developing 335 hp. This makes for a quick, sporty vehicle that handles curvy roads surprisingly well. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) helps with that experience. Pricing on the Ford Edge begins at $39,960, including destination charges.
Ford Edge Highlights
Safety tech: An advanced driver assistance system, Ford’s Co-Pilot360, includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. The upgrade to Co-Pilot360 Assist includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and navigation with real-time traffic updates.
AWD standard: The Ford Edge offers a choice of two engines, but no matter which one you choose, AWD is standard equipment. It’s a $1,700 add-on for the Murano.
Clear view: Every new Edge comes with a big 12-inch infotainment touchscreen to control its user-friendly system. Wi-Fi and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration are standard.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Edge models near you.
2024 Nissan Murano
The 2024 Nissan Murano attracts attention. If “really nice” was the lead characteristic for being a top recommendation, the Murano would be at or near the top of that list. However, it gives more than that, including contemporary exterior styling, a spacious cabin, and a potent powertrain.
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 260 hp, it provides acceleration to navigate city traffic while handling freeway runs with aplomb. Our reviewer says driving the Nissan Murano is a “pleasant experience.” That assessment also transfers to the interior, which features seating for five with better-than-average legroom in the back seat. Pricing starts at $39,580. Note that the current Nissan Murano also appears to be in its last year, ahead of an all-new version for 2025.
Nissan Murano Highlights
A bit of luxury: Adults like nice things, and the Murano can be just that with its luxurious Platinum trim level. It’s loaded with premium features like extra-soft, semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-quilted inserts, heated and cooled front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and stylish 20-inch wheels.
Safety tech: The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite combines desirable driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more.
Great seats: The Zero Gravity front seats used in the Nissan Murano reduce driver fatigue on long drives, and several of our testers find them more comfortable than the seats in the Ford Edge. That gets even better on the higher-end trim levels.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Murano models near you.
Similarities
These two have been around for a while now and retain the qualities that have made them popular with buyers: attractive exterior styling, strong powertrains, a spacious cabin, and good technology.
Conclusion
The Ford Edge is the sportier and roomier of these two SUVs. However, the fashionable Nissan Murano has a more interesting aesthetic and a more upscale interior with super comfortable front seats. In this rivalry, it’s something of a toss-up between two good choices. We suggest you test them both to see which one best meets your preferences for a 2-row midsize SUV.
| 2024 Ford Edge | 2024 Nissan Murano | |
| Starting Price | $39,960 | $39,580 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic/AWD | CVT/FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg | 20 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.7-liter turbo 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-Stars | 5-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 111.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 188.8 inches | 192.8 inches |
| Width | 75.9 inches | 75.4 inches |
| Height | 68.3 inches | 67.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.3 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.3 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 40.6 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.3 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.5 inches | 58.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.2 cubic feet | 32.1 cubic feet |
