The classy, spacious 2022 Nissan Murano and the user-friendly 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer 2-row seating and plenty of style. Here’s how they compare.
2022 Nissan Murano
2022 Nissan Murano Starting Price: $32,910 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Smooth ride; standard active safety features; luxe interior; standard V6.
Below Average: Tows only 1,500 pounds; CVT’s slurred responses; lack of any sporty version; no hybrid option.
Consensus: The 2022 Nissan Murano carries over for this year. It is a plush, comfortable midsize SUV offering distinctive style.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Starting Price: $32,775 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Spacious interior; available V6 power; impressive Digital Cockpit; tows up to 5,000 pounds.
Below Average: Disappointing fuel economy; firm ride; pricey top trims.
Consensus: The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is one of the largest midsize, 2-row SUVs. It offers lots of room and robust towing capability.
Murano vs. Atlas Cross Sport: Value, Space, Features
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is a veteran of the midsize, 2-row/5-passenger SUV class, with the latest version emphasizing luxury and comfort. Unfortunately, it hasn’t had a full update since 2016, though it did get a refresh for 2019. We expect a new Murano for 2023.
The ride is smooth but the handling is not particularly engaging. The sole engine offering is a 260-horsepower V6 lashed to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It does a passable job emulating a conventional gearbox in gentle driving and less so under a determined right foot.
All Murano trims now come standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear auto-braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control is included on all but the base trim, while navigation, a 360-degree-view monitor, and parking sensors are standard on the top two models.
All Muranos boast soft, cushy front seats, and the top Platinum trim gets fancy quilted-stitched leather. The Murano has room for five, but luggage space is merely average.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is not much smaller than the closely related 3-row Atlas. Within its blocky body there’s lots of room for passengers and their gear. Although interior materials are on the simpler side, the available Digital Cockpit on upper trims impresses. The 10-inch display is sharp-looking and highly configurable.
The 8-inch infotainment system has been upgraded this year, while the base model gets a 6.5-inch unit. Forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, while lane-keeping assist and Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane-centering) are included on mid-grade and higher trims.
Buyers can choose a 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder or a 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Both pair with a well-mannered 8-speed automatic transmission in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Either engine is fairly thirsty, with the 2.0-liter averaging 22 mpg and the 3.6-liter managing just 20 mpg with FWD or 19 mpg with AWD.
Both engine choices deliver adequate acceleration, with the V6’s main advantage being its ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Atlas rides firmly, but overly light steering makes it not so sporty to drive.
Similarities
Roomy 2-row/5-passenger cabins; base price; available AWD; 5-Star NHTSA safety ratings.
Nissan Murano Advantages
Standard active-safety features; standard V6 power; smooth ride; upscale interior.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Advantages
Greater cargo space; roomier seating; non-CVT transmission, towing capacity.
Which One is Right for Me?
The 2022 Nissan Murano combines a classy, roomy cabin with a great V6 engine and plenty of standard safety features, with a new Midnight Edition available for 2022.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s roomy 2-row interior includes lots of user-friendly tech, like VW’s Digital Cockpit, and there are two punchy (if thirsty) engines to choose from.
Ready to buy a Nissan Murano or Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport? Shop for one on sale now near you
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 2.0-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 235 hp @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 mpg (20 city/28 hwy) | 22 mpg (21 city/24 hwy) |
| Also Available | AWD | 3.6-liter V6; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 192.8 inches | 195.5 inches |
| Width | 75.4 inches | 78.4 inches |
| Height | 67.8 inches | 67.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 40.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.8 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.5 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.7 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.5 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.9 inches | 60.6 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 108.1 cubic feet | 112.0 cu. ft. |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 32.1/67.0 cubic feet | 40.3/77.8 cu. ft. |
