Compact crossovers are the new kids on the block. As such, they are the most popular vehicles on the roads right now. From active singles to small families, just about everyone can enjoy a petite SUV model. Today, we will be crunching the numbers in a head-to-head comparison of the 2020 Chevy Blazer vs 2020 Nissan Murano.
Seating and Space
Let’s start with a warm-up round. Both vehicles offer seating for up to five people. However, the differences show up when we begin to look at the cargo space. The 2020 Chevy Equinox proudly presents 30.5 cu ft of room behind the back row, and if you happen to need more space, you can fold that row down to open up the area to 64.2 cu ft. On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Murano is quite a bit smaller. It does offer a bit more room behind the back row with a cargo area measured at 32.1 cu ft, but the maximum total cargo room is much smaller at just 67 cu ft.
Powertrains
One of the best things about compact crossovers is that they can be powered by an array of powertrains, depending on what type of performance you are looking for. The 2020 Chevy Blazer is available in three powertrain options, but the 2020 Nissan Murano is offered in only one. Let’s pop the hoods and see what’s going in underneath!
The standard powertrain for 2020 Chevy Blazer is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. But on all but the base L and 1LT trims, you can opt for all-wheel drive as well. Generating 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, the base engine gets 23 mpg combined (21 city/27 highway).
Next, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is used for the 2LT and 3LT trims. It comes with the same transmission and drivetrain as the base engine, but it produces 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the RS and Premier models are both powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that again uses the same transmission and drivetrain. With a fuel economy set at 22 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway), it pushes out 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Keep in mind that this top-tier powertrain pushes the towing capacity up from 2,000 pounds to 4,500 pounds.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Nissan Murano is only available with a single powertrain. It is a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that uses front-wheel drive, and the Nissan Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). You do have the option for all-wheel drive on this vehicle as well. Making 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, the Murano gets about 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway). Its maximum towing capacity is capped at just 1,500 pounds.
Exterior Styling
While some may say that you should never judge a book by its cover, we know that potential buyers always judge new vehicles by their outward appearance. It could have the coolest features in the world, but it still needs to look appealing. Let’s see what each crossover has to offer on the outside.
The base Chevy Blazer L rolls on 18-inch wheels and features LED lights and heated side mirrors. These characteristics remain the same until you get to the 3LT trim. This model adds a power liftgate and black roof rails. Then, stepping up the RS model will get you darkened features like a black grille, larger 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, and dual-exhaust tips. Finally, the Premier trim comes decked out in chrome.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Nissan Murano is a bit more bland and basic. The base S model rides on 18-inch wheels, and the SV trim gets black roof rails. LED fog lamps have been added to the SL as well as 20-inch wheels, silver roof rails, and a power liftgate. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Platinum trim gets a dual-panel moonroof.
Base Trims
Now, we will break down each trim level to make a side-by-side comparison of the notable interior features. Kicking things off is the Chevy Blazer L, which comes with keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, and four USB ports. The infotainment system is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen an includes OnStar, a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android auto. On the other hand, the Nissan Murano S features a driver’s seat that is adjustable manually 6-ways and automatic emergency braking. The infotainment system is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen that functions with Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Blazer LT is the second trim level and comes with tinted windows, power-adjustable front seats, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker stereo. If you opt for the 2LT, you will also get the aforementioned turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system. This powertrain carries over onto the 3LT as well as other features such as heated/leather seats, rear parking sensors, remote start technology, blindspot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. As for the Murano SV, it gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology package.
Stepping up to the higher trims is much more fun! The Chevy Blazer RS features a heated steering wheel, a household-style power outlet, a restyled instrument panel, and extra USB ports. Ambient lighting throughout the cabin helps to set a mood, and a navigation system has also been installed. Meanwhile, the Nissan Murano SL also gets a navigation system and ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Other upgrades include a heated steering wheel, heated seats throughout, and a Bose 11-speaker stereo.
The top-of-the-line Chevy blazer Premier is the cream of the crop. The heated seats go throughout the cabin, and the front seats have also gained a cooling feature. A Bose stereo with 8-speakers has been installed as well as a wireless charging pad to help keep the cabin clear of clutter. It even comes with some advanced safety systems, including a surround-view parking system, pedestrian detection, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-departure mitigation. Lastly, the Nissan Murano Platinum includes ventilated seats with premium leather upholstery that features diamond-quilted inserts.
Paint Colors
The last thing we will discuss is the paint. First, the 2020 Chevy Blazer is available in eleven unique shades that include some eye-catching hues such as Cayenne Orange, Red Hot, and Summit White. On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Murano is only available in eight paint colors. However, these also include some noteworthy shades like Deep Blue Pearl and Sunset Drift ChromaFlair.
Finding the Perfect Compact Crossover
Now that you are gone in-depth to see the difference with the 2020 Chevy Blazer vs 2020 Nissan Murano, you can make an educated decision regarding which vehicle is best for your driving needs. To take either model out for a spin, you can get in touch with your local dealership. We recommend that you bring along anyone who would regularly ride in the vehicle with you as well.
