2021 Venza driving fast through the city

Performance

  • All Venzas have hybrid engines with great fuel economy ratings to go with it.
  • In addition to great mileage, the Venza has standard Sport, ECO, Normal, and EV Modes.
  • The Venza comes standard with AWD while the Murano offers AWD as an option and comes standard with FWD.

Why spend more money on a new vehicle if you're going to spend a ton filling up at the pump? That's why you'll be happy to know that every Venza is powered by a hybrid powertrain.

Fuel Economy

All 2021 Venza trims have an EPA-estimated 40/37/39 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. In comparison, the 2021 Murano models with FWD have an EPA-estimated 20/28/23 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. Current Nissan information makes no mention of a hybrid engine that would boost these lackluster mileage estimates.

Whether you're trying to save gas or want to kick up your drive a notch, the Venza comes standard with Sport, ECO, Normal, and EV Modes to switch between depending on your drive. The Murano specs page makes no mention of having the ability to switch between driving modes.

Plus, standard AWD brings confidence to your drive in the 2021 Venza. The 2021 Murano has front-wheel drive as the standard with all-wheel drive as an option.
Interior of 2021 Venza

Interior

  • Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging comes standard on the Venza. There is no mention of this feature for the Murano.
  • Even with the added Star Gaze™ Fixed Panoramic Roof for the most expensive Venza Limited, its starting MSRP is still cheaper than the high-end 2021 Murano Platinum.
  • The Venza Limited has a larger screen than all Nissan Murano models.

Toyota knows that fuel efficiency is not the only deciding factor. Drivers want more than just mileage. They want a stylish, comfortable interior with the latest multimedia features and connectivity.

Qi-compatible Wireless Smartphone Charging

That's why the 2021 Venza not only comes with four USB charge ports, but it also has standard Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging. The 2021 Murano S comes with two USB ports and two USB-C ports, but makes no mention of a wireless charging option.

For an added touch, you can add a Star Gaze™ Fixed Panoramic Roof to the Venza Limited for an extra $1,400, bringing your total MSRP to $41,200. The Murano Platinum comes standard with a Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, however, it will cost you. The 2021 Murano Platinum FWD starts at $44,060.

To keep any ride you take fun, Toyota has lots of media features to offer. The Venza base trim LE comes with six speakers, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. You also get SiriusXM® with a 3-month All-Access trial subscription. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen standard. The base trim Murano S also comes with an 8" color display, six speakers, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and SiriusXM® Radio with a 3-month subscription included. However, it lacks Amazon Alexa compatibility.

There is another difference in infotainment when it comes to the higher end trims, too. The Venza Limited has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while all models, including the Murano Platinum, only have an 8-inch touchscreen.
VIew of a car in the blind spot of the Venza side mirror

Reliability

  • The ToyotaCare plan comes standard with the Venza. Nissan's scheduled maintenance plan costs extra.
  • Both Toyota and Nissan have Roadside Assistance standard.
  • The Venza's standard Hybrid Battery warranty will help keep your hybrid going longer.

People are keeping vehicles longer than ever. Decades ago cars weren't the reliable steeds they are today. Now drivers want something that will last and hold up against the test of time. That's why Toyota has a scheduled maintenance plan to keep your Venza going.

ToyotaCare

All Venza models come standard with ToyotaCare. This factory-scheduled maintenance plan lasts 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. ToyotaCare also includes Roadside Assistance that lasts 2 years and unlimited mileage. Nissan also has a scheduled maintenance plan. However, it comes at an additional cost. Its cost and what it covers depends on the plan you buy. Nissan Roadside Assistance, on the other hand, is provided for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The ToyotaCare plan isn't the only thing that keeps Toyotas running well. Each 2021 Venza comes with a Hybrid Battery warranty that lasts 10 years or 150,000 miles. The Murano doesn't have a hybrid engine. For a better comparison of warranty information, the Nissan Powertrain Coverage lasts for 60 months/60,000 miles which is the same time frame as the Venza's Powertrain warranty.

Reviewers have also taken notice of the Venza and Murano for their excellence. Kelley Blue Book® awarded Toyota the Best Resale Value Brand award for 2019. For its part, the 2019 Murano was named the Best 2-Row SUV by U.S. News.

Conclusion: Venza vs. Murano

The 2021 Toyota Venza and the Nissan Murano are both fan favorites that have great features and solid safety ratings. However, the Venza has a number of stand-out features that put it ahead in a head-to-head comparison. It takes the lead with its great fuel economy, interior options, and reliability.

  • The Venza comes with a Hybrid Battery warranty that lasts 10 years or 150,000 miles.
  • The all-hybrid Venza lineup delivers impressive fuel economy, while the Murano doesn't offer a hybrid option.
  • The ToyotaCare factory-scheduled maintenance plan comes standard with the Venza, while Nissan's scheduled maintenance is only offered at an extra cost.
  • A larger screen is available on the Venza Limited than you can get on any Nissan Murano model.
  • Even the most expensive Venza, the Limited with the added Star Gaze™ Fixed Panoramic Roof, is cheaper than the high-end 2021 Murano Platinum model.
  • You get more driving options with the Venza and its standard AWD, Sport, ECO, Normal, and EV Modes.