New SUVs seem to come in one of two packages: off-road ready and urban warrior. The 2024 Kia Sorento and 2024 Nissan Murano readily fit those descriptions.
The Sorento is a 7-passenger vehicle that allows you to add more horsepower and even offers a specialized package, the X-Line, that helps beef it up for off-tarmac runs. Meanwhile, the Murano is a 5-passenger SUV with a great interior and robust powerplant that makes daily commutes and errands easy and comfortable. Its stylish exterior doesn’t hurt any, either.
Let’s check out these two SUVs.
2024 Kia Sorento
The 2024 Kia Sorento is between a compact and a midsize, which affords it enough space to include a third row. You may not need it daily, but it’s handy to haul smaller people for shorter runs. Upper trim levels swap captain’s chairs for the second-row bench, cutting down total seating to 6 but increasing the third-row comfort and accessibility.
While the base model comes powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder, you can get another 90 hp for a bit more money. Adding the turbocharger pushes the output to 281 hp, but the average combined fuel economy only drops from 26 to 25 mpg. It’s available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as well.
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including destination charges.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Kia Sorento has class-leading coverage, which gives the driver peace of mind with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. It is standard on all Kia Sorento models.
X-Line: The X-Line models in the Kia Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2024 Nissan Murano
If “really nice” was the lead characteristic for being a top-selling midsize SUV, the 2024 Nissan Murano would be near the top of that list. This “nice” SUV offers buyers attractive contemporary exterior styling, a spacious cabin, and a potent powertrain with good fuel economy.
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 Murano is a “pleasant experience,” and that neatly sums up the whole car.
That assessment also transfers to the interior, which features seating for five with better-than-average legroom in the back seat. The Murano is an SUV that prioritizes serene comfort and hits the mark. Pricing starts at $40,130, including destination charges.
Nissan Murano Highlights
Safety tech: The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite combines desirable driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more.
A bit of luxury: Adults like nice things, and the Murano can be just that with its luxurious Platinum trim level. Nissan loads it with premium features like extra-soft, semi-aniline leather seats with diamond-quilted inserts, climate-controlled front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and stylish 20-inch wheels.
NissanConnect: The brand’s standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Siri Eyes Free. Plus, if you enjoy a good sound system, there is an 11-speaker Bose audio outfit in the SL and Platinum trim levels.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Murano models near you.
Similarities
The Kia Sorento and Nissan Murano are two stylish, spacious SUVs. They feature plenty of technology that makes their passengers safer while allowing them to enjoy many infotainment options—essential traits for almost anyone looking for an SUV.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento carries the day in this one with seating for seven, a lower sticker price, better warranty coverage, and good driving characteristics and capabilities. Even when you upgrade to the turbocharged version of the Kia to get the 281-hp turbocharged engine, the price tag is still cheaper. The Murano isn’t bad, but it’s no match for the more modern and affordable Kia Sorento.
| 2024 Kia Sorento | 2024 Nissan Murano | |
| Starting Price | $33,365 | $40,130 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT/FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 20 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo, plus Hybrid/PHEV | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/R | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 111.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 192.8 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 75.4 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 67.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Volume | 12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet | 32.1/67.0 cubic feet |
