The crossover SUV market is raging on with no sign of slowing down. Both Honda and Nissan have their fair share of offerings to the market. Among them are the Murano and the Passport. When it comes to the 2021 Nissan Murano vs. 2021 Honda Passport, the more practical choice is clear.

While the 2021 Nissan Murano looks great and it’s not a bad SUV. However, there are some reasons the updated Murano doesn’t cut it in terms of practicality. Especially when pitted against the 2021 Honda Passport it’s pretty obvious which crossover SUV is more practical.

The 2021 Nissan Murano vs. the 2021 Honda Passport

When it comes to the 2021 Nissan Murano vs. 2021 Honda Passport debate, we can start with what’s under the hood. The 2021 Nissan Murano has a 3.5-liter V6 that generates up to 260 horsepower. The 2021 Honda Passport employs a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine––the same one found in the larger three-row Honda Pilot.

Each of these crossover SUV options has the option to add all-wheel drive. According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Honda Passport starts at $33,710. Starting prices for the 2021 Nissan Murano begin at $33,605. However, the Nissan Murano is a little older and more dated. While the interior is nice, it’s not quite as modern as the much newer Honda Passport.

One of the places where the Nissan Murano actually does outdo the Honda Passport on the practical side of things is highway fuel economy. The 2021 Nissan Murano gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway––according to Car and Driver’s real-world test.

The Passport isn’t far behind but still falls a bit short. The 2021 Honda Passport gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Still, the Honda engine is a little stronger. Overall when we look at the 2021 Nissan Murano vs. the 2021 Honda Passport it’s a close call. But even Edmunds agrees that the 2021 Murano is showing it’s age. You won’t lose much going with a 2020 model instead.

The more practical choice is clear

One of the primary reasons people opt for a crossover SUV is for the practical ability to load a hefty portion of extra cargo in their vehicle. While both the 2021 Honda Passport and the 2021 Nissan Murano both carry more than a Maxima or a Civic, the Passport holds a lot more.

In fact, the Murano crossover SUV came in last place in this Car and Driver comparison, largely due to its inadequate cargo hold. It’s comfy and smooth. But the 2021 Nissan Murano is not going to pack much gear and it’s more cramped for passengers than others.

The Murano is larger and still has vastly smaller cargo capability. In fact, the 2021 Honda Passport boasts 6-8 feet more cubic feet of passenger space. Plus, the new Passport also has 10 more cubic feet of cargo space.

Is the 2021 Honda Passport a good crossover SUV?

Yes, it’s a good crossover. It serves every purpose a Honda Pilot does––just without the third row and for a little less money. However, this isn’t to say the Murano isn’t a good crossover SUV as well.

It’s just that with the added cargo and passenger space the 2021 Honda Passport provides it gives so much more bang for your buck in terms of practicality. For the 2021 Nissan Murano vs. 2021 Honda Passport debate, the practical choice is clear in the newer and more spacious Passport.