Blazer vs Murano
Rivals in the midsize suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Blazer and the Murano are no exception. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Blazer is ahead in 2 of 4, led by a clear margin in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Murano wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Blazer wins
- Space & Practicality Murano wins
- Off-road & Towing Blazer wins
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
- Space & Practicality3.4
- Off-road & Towing7.6
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range1.2
- Space & Practicality4.2
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Blazer has 3,000 lb more towing capacity
A clear win for the Blazer: 4,500 lb against 1,500 lb. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The Blazer has better fuel economy
The Murano comes close with 23 mpg; the Blazer does slightly better with 25 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Murano has 7.9% more cargo space
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 32.9 cu ft for the Murano, 30.5 cu ft for the Blazer. The Murano’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Murano has 13 hp more power
On paper, the Murano is a touch ahead here, listing 241 hp against 228 hp. The Murano’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Blazer has better highway fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Blazer: 29 mpg compared with 27 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
- Blazer 191.8 in × 76.7 in × 67 in
- Murano 192.9 in × 78 in × 67.9 in
Physically, these two aren’t the same size: the Murano is larger in overall dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.8 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.7 in | 78 in |
| Height | 67 in | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,193 lb |
Engine & Performance
Murano leads
A modest lead on engine & performance belongs to the Murano. The Murano wins here with 13 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the Murano gets the nod.
Total system output
Blazer: 228 hp Murano: 241 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Blazer leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Blazer is comfortably ahead. Choose the Blazer and you get better fuel economy. The Blazer uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Blazer comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Blazer: 25 mpg Murano: 23 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Blazer: 29 mpg Murano: 27 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Murano leads
The Blazer keeps it close on space & practicality, yet the Murano holds a small lead. The Murano pulls ahead with 7.9% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Murano has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Blazer: 30.5 cu ft Murano: 32.9 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Blazer leads
The off-road & towing comparison is one-sided. The Blazer leads where it counts. On the Blazer, you get 3,000 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the Blazer.
Max towing
Blazer: 4,500 lb Murano: 1,500 lb If you tow regularly, the Blazer’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Blazer and the Murano each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 228 hp | 241 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 30.5 cu ft | 32.9 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.2 cu ft | 63.5 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 36.30 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.30 in |
| Max towing | 4,500 lb (winner) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.8 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.7 in | 78 in |
| Height | 67 in | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,193 lb |
Price
| Spec | Blazer | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,600 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Blazer if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (4,500 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (25 mpg vs 23 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 27 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Murano if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (32.9 cu ft vs 30.5 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (241 hp vs 228 hp)
- you prefer a larger car and have the room for it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Blazer or the Murano?
The Blazer wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless your top priority is 7.9% more cargo space.
Which is larger, the Blazer or the Murano?
The Murano is the larger of the two. It measures 192.9 × 78 × 67.9 in, compared with 191.8 × 76.7 × 67 in for the Blazer.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Blazer and the Murano chase the same buyer. In the details, Chevrolet and Nissan made different calls. It’s hard to argue with 3,000 lb more towing capacity, which is exactly what the Blazer brings. A second reason: the Blazer comes with better fuel economy. The Murano isn’t without merit: 7.9% more cargo space is a real advantage.
If fuel economy & range is your thing, the Blazer fits. If engine & performance matters more, the Murano makes more sense.
My pick: the Blazer. I’d only go for the Murano if you need 7.9% more cargo space, which only the Murano offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.