Just because a vehicle sells well doesn’t mean that it is necessarily the best option available. Although the Honda Passport is a popular choice that can be found on many lots, this SUV actually didn’t rank particularly well in testing done by Consumer Reports. If you’d like a similar SUV with better test scores, the 2021 Nissan Murano is an excellent choice. It also has one significant advantage over the Passport: a better infotainment system.

The 2021 Nissan Murano’s superior infotainment system

Although the Honda passport is a popular vehicle, it received an overall score of just 64 from Consumer Reports. One of the areas to receive critique is the infotainment system, which Consumer Reports calls “slow to respond.”

The Nissan Murano, on the other hand, has a much more intuitive infotainment system, according to Consumer Reports. In particular, test drivers praise the fact that this system features analog volume and tuning knobs rather than depending solely on a touchscreen, which can be difficult to operate while driving.

The Murano’s infotainment system also features a row of buttons on the screen. Consumer Reports found that this made it significantly easier to navigate the system and find the desired function.

Other areas where the 2021 Murano beats the Honda Passport

While the Honda Passport only has an overall score of 64 from Consumer Reports, the Nissan Murano has a significantly higher score of 79. Consumer Reports praises the fact that the Murano comes standard with forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.

Although the Passport does come standard with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning is only available as an option.

The Murano also has the Passport beat when it comes to predicted reliability. While the Passport has a predicted reliability rating of just 2/5, the Murano has a rating of 4/5. Finally, Consumer Reports praises the comfortable interior of the Murano, particularly noting the fact that it provides easy cabin access.

It is worth noting that the Passport and the Murano both have subpar predicted owner satisfaction ratings. Consumer Reports also takes points away from the Murano due to its low towing capacity, lack of agility, and poor rear and side visibility.

However, the Murano scores better than the Passport overall, and Consumer Reports found that it offers a superior driving experience.

Specs and additional features of the Nissan Murano

The 2021 Nissan Murano starts at $32,610. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The Murano gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon.

Standard convenience features include push-button start, cruise control, and high beam assist. Without the optional moonroof, this SUV has 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up, and 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded down.

Test drivers at Consumer Reports call the Murano’s ride “steady and absorbent,” stating that it performs well on highways and city streets. Inside the cabin, they praise the comfortable seats and generous amounts of rear legroom, even stating that the rear seat is roomy enough to be comfortable for adults.

Overall, while the Honda Passport sells well and isn’t necessarily a bad SUV, testing from Consumer Reports indicates that the Nissan Murano is likely to be the preferable choice for many buyers. If you’re on the hunt for a reliable, comfortable SUV that offers a significant amount of legroom and a very intuitive infotainment system, consider opting for the Murano.