Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 40 advantages that the Volvo XC60 AWD has over the Nissan Murano AWD.
| MSRP Range | |
| Volvo XC60 AWD | |
| Nissan Murano AWD | |
Engine
The standard engine in the XC60 AWD 3.0L I6 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Murano AWD 3.5L V6, 300 HP vs. 260 HP.
The XC60 AWD's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Murano AWD's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| RPM's to Peak Torque | RPM's to Peak HP | |||||
| XC60 AWD | 2100 | 5600 | ||||
| Murano AWD | 4400 | 6000 | ||||
With 325 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in XC60 AWD 3.0L I6 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Murano AWD 3.5L V6, which has 240 lb-ft of torque.
The XC60 AWD, with it's standard engine, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Murano AWD with it's standard engine, 14.1 to 15.6. Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle.
Transmission
The XC60 AWD has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Not Available in the Murano AWD.
WarrantyBasic Warranty
Volvo's basic warranty provides better coverage than Nissan's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).
| Basic Warranty Months | Basic Warranty Miles | |||||
| XC60 AWD | 48 | 50000 | ||||
| Murano AWD | 36 | 36000 | ||||
Corrosion Warranty
Volvo's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Nissan's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| Corrosion Warranty Months | ||||
| XC60 AWD | 120 | |||
| Murano AWD | 60 | |||
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the XC60 AWD is less than the base MSRP on the Murano AWD as shown in the table below.
| Base Price MSRP | ||||
| XC60 AWD T6 | 39,450 | |||
| Murano AWD LE | 40,310 | |||
Airbags
Both the XC60 AWD and the Murano AWD feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
Restraints
The XC60 AWD features a Optional child safety seat(s) which meet specific federal standards designed to protect a child in the event of an accident. This feature is Not Available in the Murano AWD.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The XC60 AWD is heavier than the Murano AWD, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| Curb Weight AT | ||||
| XC60 AWD | 4,225 lbs. | |||
| Murano AWD S | 3,980 lbs. | |||
| Murano AWD SV | 4,085 lbs. | |||
| Murano AWD SL | 4,132 lbs. | |||
| Murano AWD LE | 4,163 lbs. | |||
The XC60 AWD is equipped with Standard AWD.
Cornering lights are activated with the vehicle's turn signal and provide additional lighting in the direction the vehicle is turning. These supplemental lights are more more commonly found on the XC60 AWD than the Murano AWD, as shown below:
| Cornering Lights | ||||
| XC60 AWD T6 | Optional | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 Platinum | Optional | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 Premier Plus | Optional | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design | Standard | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum | Standard | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus | Standard | |||
| Murano AWD | Not Available | |||
Fog lights are Standard on the XC60 AWD but they are Not Available on the Murano AWD S. Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.
The XC60 AWD features Optional headlight washers which keep headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are Not Available on the Murano AWD.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights offer several advantages over standard headlights - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use. HID headlights are more common on the XC60 AWD than the Murano AWD, as shown below:
| High Intensity Discharge Headlights | ||||
| XC60 AWD T6 | Optional | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 Platinum | Optional | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 Premier Plus | Optional | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design | Standard | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum | Standard | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus | Standard | |||
| Murano AWD | Not Available | |||
The XC60 AWD has Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Murano AWD (S, SV).
CapacitiesInterior Space
The XC60 AWD has more interior space than the Murano AWD in the following areas:
| Leg Room, Rear | ||||
| XC60 AWD | 36.4 in. | |||
| Murano AWD | 36.3 in. | |||
General Suspension
The XC60 AWD (T6, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) features a Optional adaptive variable suspension that can electronically sense and adapt to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. This type of suspension is Not Available in the Murano AWD.
Chassis
The XC60 AWD, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 9.1 in. vs. 7.4 in., is more capable than the Murano AWD of traversing rough terrain without problems.
The XC60 AWD is shorter than the Murano AWD , 182.2 in. vs. 189.9 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.
The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the XC60 AWD is greater than that of the Murano AWD. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.
| Track, Front | ||||
| XC60 AWD | 64.3 in. | |||
| Murano AWD | 63.4 in. | |||
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the XC60 AWD may provide better handling capability than those on the Murano AWD. Details below:
| Tire Aspect Ratio | ||||
| XC60 AWD T6 | 60 | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 Platinum | 60 | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 Premier Plus | 60 | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design | 45 | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum | 45 | |||
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus | 45 | |||
| Murano AWD LE | 55 | |||
| Murano AWD S | 65 | |||
| Murano AWD SL | 65 | |||
| Murano AWD SV | 65 | |||
Additional Features
With a Standard multi-adjustable power driver seat, the XC60 AWD lets drivers customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is Not Available in the Murano AWD S.
The Standard multi-adjustable power passenger seat in the XC60 AWD allows the front seat passenger to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. Multi-adjustable power passenger seats are Not Available in the Murano AWD S.
The XC60 AWD has a Standard front power memory seat. This feature allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. A front power memory seat is Not Available in the Murano AWD (S, SV).
A heated front seat is Optional in the XC60 AWD, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Murano AWD (S, SV).
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the XC60 AWD but is Not Available in the Murano AWD (S, SV).
The XC60 AWD (T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus, T6 R-Design Platinum, T6 R-Design Premier Plus) features a Standard built-in universal remote control system that is able to learn the codes for other remote controlled devices such as garage door openers, gate openers, etc., then allow you to control them from your vehicle with the touch of one button. This type of universal control system is Not Available in the Murano AWD (S, SV).
A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the XC60 AWD than the Murano AWD, as shown below.
| Navigational Aid | ||||
| XC60 AWD | Standard | |||
| Murano AWD LE | Optional | |||
| Murano AWD S | Not Available | |||
| Murano AWD SL | Optional | |||
| Murano AWD SV | Not Available | |||
The XC60 AWD (T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus, T6 R-Design Platinum, T6 R-Design Premier Plus) has a Standard compass that helps drivers determine their geographic direction. A compass is Not Available in the Murano AWD (S, SV).
The Optional intelligent cruise control system in the XC60 AWD allows it to keep moving at a set speed, without using the gas pedal, while automatically maintaining a set interval from the vehicle traveling in front. Intelligent cruise control is Not Available in the Murano AWD.
The XC60 AWD (T6, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) features Optional genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the Murano AWD.
With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all XC60 AWD owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Murano AWD S as a power sunroof is Not Available.
The XC60 AWD (T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus, T6 R-Design Platinum, T6 R-Design Premier Plus) offers a Standard power trunk lid as a convenience. A power trunk lid is Not Available on the Murano AWD (S, SV).
Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the XC60 AWD, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Murano AWD (S, SV).