Nissan Murano vs Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional aesthetic by 2021. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were no longer groundbreaking but still appealing. Inside, the Murano maintained a conservative yet functional design, prioritizing comfort over flashiness. This approach ensured that controls were intuitively placed, making the vehicle user-friendly for both commutes and long road trips. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding progressively more features, from basic amenities like dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen to luxury touches like a panoramic moonroof and premium leather in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a blend of Cadillac’s signature design elements with a compact and somewhat awkward profile. Its bold grille and vertical taillights were unmistakably Cadillac, yet the overall look was less cohesive. The XT5 offered distinct styling cues for its Premium Luxury and Sport trims, with chrome accents for the former and darker trims for the latter. The interior, while luxurious, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package to meet luxury standards, offering semi-aniline leather and a heated steering wheel. However, the design lacked a strong thematic identity, unlike its competitors, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a single engine option, a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The V6 provided robust low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano prioritized comfort, delivering a smooth ride that absorbed road imperfections well, making it a great choice for commuting and road trips. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine choices: a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, particularly in the Premium Luxury trim, provided ample power for daily driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, enhancing ride comfort and body control. The steering was responsive, contributing to a nimble feel, while the cabin remained impressively quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While this was less than some competitors, the Murano compensated with user-friendly features like a hands-free power liftgate in higher trims. The interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage options and a focus on two-row seating comfort. Both front and rear passengers enjoyed generous headroom and legroom, with the second-row seats offering partial reclining functionality.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 compared favorably to German luxury crossovers in terms of interior space, offering more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, though less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows, although it fell short of the Lincoln Corsair in front legroom. The seats were comfortable but could have benefited from more cushioning. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some German rivals but not the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the center console featured a small cubbyhole for additional storage.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a straightforward menu layout and physical buttons for ease of use. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While the system was an improvement over previous Cadillac offerings, it still lagged behind competitors in screen size and graphics quality. The array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, were not user-friendly, detracting from the overall experience. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5’s quiet cabin.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor were available as options.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for warnings. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and night vision. The XT5 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some lower scores for headlights and child seat anchor ease of use.