Nissan Murano vs. Chevy Blazer: Which Midsize SUV Should You Drive Home?

If you're comparing the Nissan Murano and the Chevy Blazer, you're already looking at two solid midsize SUV options. But once you dig into the specs, the Murano pulls ahead in comfort, tech, and overall driving experience. 

Let's break it all down so you can walk into Keating Nissan in Conroe knowing exactly what you want.

Meet the Contenders

The Nissan Murano is a two-row crossover that blends premium styling with everyday practicality. 

The Chevy Blazer is a two-row midsize SUV with sporty looks borrowed from the Camaro. Both have their fans, but they're built for very different priorities.

Powertrain and Performance

This is where the two vehicles take very different paths.

Nissan Murano:

  • 3.5-liter V6 engine

  • 260 horsepower

  • 240 lb-ft of torque

  • Continuously variable automatic transmission

  • Available front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Chevy Blazer:

  • Base: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 hp)

  • Available: 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp)

  • Available AWD and FWD

  • 9-speed automatic transmission

The Blazer's V6 does edge out the Murano on peak horsepower. But the Murano's smooth powertrain delivery makes it feel polished and confident on everyday Conroe roads. The Chevy's turbocharged four-cylinder base engine is noticeably less satisfying to drive, especially at highway speeds.

Fuel Economy: MPG Breakdown

Nobody wants to live at the gas pump.

Nissan Murano (FWD):

  • EPA-estimated 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway

Chevy Blazer (4-cylinder engine, FWD):

  • EPA-estimated 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway

Chevy Blazer (3.6-liter V6, AWD):

  • EPA-estimated 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway

The Blazer's base 4-cylinder engine edges ahead on fuel efficiency in the city. But step up to the V6 and the fuel economy drops significantly. The Murano keeps its mpg consistent and predictable no matter which trim you choose, which makes long road trips easier to plan.

Interior Space: Legroom, Headroom, and Cargo

You spend a lot of time inside your SUV. Here's how these two compare on passenger space.

Nissan Murano:

  • Front seats headroom: 40.5 inches

  • Rear seats legroom: 38.7 inches

  • Cargo volume behind rear seats: 32.1 cu ft

  • Max cargo space: 67.0 cubic feet

Chevy Blazer:

  • Front headroom: 40.9 inches

  • Rear legroom: 35.7 inches

  • Cargo space behind rear seats: 30.5 cu ft

  • Max cargo volume: 64.2 cubic feet

The Murano wins on rear seats legroom and total cargo space. If you're hauling kids, groceries, or gear from Academy Sports, that extra room adds up fast. The Blazer is tighter in the back seat, which passengers notice on longer drives.

Towing Capacity

Both are two-row crossovers, so neither is a dedicated towing machine. But here's the breakdown:

  • Nissan Murano towing capacity: Up to 1,500 lbs

  • Chevy Blazer towing capacity: Up to 4,500 lbs (V6 with tow package)

The Blazer has a significant edge here if towing is a priority for you. If you need to pull a small boat or trailer regularly, the Blazer's V6 setup is worth considering. For most Conroe families who don't tow often, the Murano's other advantages more than make up for it.

Tech Features and Infotainment

Both vehicles deliver solid infotainment systems, but the Murano feels more premium from the moment you sit down.

Nissan Murano:

  • Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard)

  • Wireless smartphone connectivity on higher trims

  • Wi-Fi hotspot capability

  • NissanConnect with over-the-air updates

Chevy Blazer:

  • Standard 8-inch touchscreen (upgrades to 10.2-inch)

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard

  • Wireless smartphone connectivity available

  • Wi-Fi hotspot available

The Murano's large touchscreen is a genuine standout. It's intuitive, responsive, and gives you everything you need without fumbling through menus. The Blazer's base 8-inch screen feels small by today's standards, and you'll need to spend more to get the larger display.

Safety Features: Safety Shield vs. Chevy's Suite

Both vehicles take safety seriously. Here's how they stack up on standard safety features.

Nissan Murano - Safety Shield 360 (standard):

  • Automatic emergency braking

  • Blind-spot monitoring

  • Rear cross traffic alert

  • Lane departure warning

  • Lane keep assist

  • Adaptive cruise control

  • Rear automatic braking

Chevy Blazer (standard on most trims):

  • Forward collision alert

  • Automatic emergency braking

  • Lane keep assist

  • Lane departure warning

  • Blind-spot monitoring (available, not always standard)

  • Rear cross traffic alert (available)

This is a big one. The Nissan Murano comes with Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment across trims. That means blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control without paying extra. 

On the Blazer, some of those features are optional depending on the trim level. You may end up spending more to get the same level of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nissan Murano better than the Chevy Blazer?

For most buyers, yes. The Murano offers more rear seat legroom, a larger standard touchscreen, and more standard safety features. The Blazer has a towing capacity advantage with its V6, but the Murano wins on overall comfort and value.

What engine does the Nissan Murano have?

The Murano uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Does the Nissan Murano have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. The Murano comes standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add wireless smartphone connectivity so you don't need a cable.

What is the Nissan Murano's fuel economy?

The EPA rates the Murano at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. AWD models come in at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Does the Murano come with blind-spot monitoring?

Yes. Blind-spot monitoring is included in Nissan's Safety Shield 360 package, which comes standard on the Nissan Murano across trims. It also includes rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Does the Nissan Murano have a panoramic moonroof?

Yes! A panoramic moonroof is available on multiple Murano trims and is one of the features that gives the cabin that open, airy feel passengers love.

Come Experience the Murano at Keating Nissan in Conroe!

We would love to show you what the Nissan Murano is all about. Stop by Keating Nissan in Conroe and take one for a test drive. See the spacious interior, explore the tech, and feel the difference firsthand.

Our team is here to help you find the right trim, walk through financing options, and make the whole process easy and enjoyable. Browse our current Murano inventory online, we can't wait to meet you!