While the average American family has two kids, there are many bigger families who need more space—not only for kids, but for grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. Trunk space is also needed for the multitude of activities each family participates in, whether they’re hauling sports equipment, camping gear, picnic supplies, or musical instruments. This is why comparing the 2022 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Chevy Blazer can help you make your next family vehicle purchase.
These both allow for five passengers, ample trunk space, and roomier accommodations for every passenger. There are some key differences, though, so depending on what your family’s particular needs are, one or the other will fit you better.
My family has three kids, including a toddler who doesn’t like to be cramped while traveling. He needs space for a comfortable and safe car seat, as well as room for activities like watching videos, playing with toys, and eating snacks. Something larger like the Murano or Blazer would be better than the older, subcompact SUV we have now, which has a medium-sized trunk but not enough space for passengers to move around or find a comfortable seating position.
Updates & Upgrades for 2022
The 2022 Nissan Murano isn’t that much different from its predecessor, but it has added a few perks. The SV trim level now comes with faux leather upholstery and heated front seats, and the vehicle is now available with the Midnight Edition package, adding black exterior accents and wheels—as well as illuminated protectors for the door sills.
On the other hand, the 2022 Chevy Blazer has had a whole host of changes since the last model year. The regular four-cylinder engine has been done away with, replaced by the turbo-charged four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive also comes with the Chevy Trailering package, though the front-wheel drive model is still offered sans-trailering equipment. Two trim levels (the L and 1LT) have disappeared, leaving the trimline as follows: 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. The Premier also has an additional change, now offering the Enhanced Convenience package. Surface-level changes include two additional exterior paint colors and a contrasting roof for most models—meaning you have more choices to customize your Blazer.
Safety Features
With small children afoot, a range of excellent safety features are top considerations when purchasing a new family vehicle. There are several types of safety features, like driver assistance technology, as well as airbags, lighting, and mirrors. All of these are vital, but which ones matter most to you?
Impressively, the 2022 Nissan Murano was awarded with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award. All trim levels come standard with features like lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring.
With seven airbags and a host of standard driver assist features, the 2022 Chevy Blazer has much offer in this area. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and rear park assist with cross traffic alert are just some of the standard safety features included in every trim level.
Optional safety features include HD surround vision, a highway safety kit and first aid kit, as well as the safety alert seat. The latter uses pulsing notifications to identify the direction of a possible collision.
Space to Spread Out
The second most important thing apart from safety for smaller passengers is space. Long rides in the car can lead to cranky behavior at worst, quietly playing or sleeping at best. Without ample space, there is no way to play or sleep comfortably, and that almost guarantees a dull or frustrating ride for everyone.
The seats in the Murano are just soft enough and offer excellent back support, providing comfortable accommodations for all. Though the back seats are a bench instead of captain’s seats, the row is still wide enough to accommodate a bit of play, plus room enough to stretch or work out that crick in the neck from naptime. A total 55.2” of hip room and 38.7” of leg room offer plenty of space for quarrelsome siblings to spread out.
There are also multiple storage areas, including a massive glove box that can hold an array of snacks, tissues, toys, important documents, and chargers. There’s also enough trunk space to pack a suitcase or duffel for every family member. If you’re going solo or on a couple-only trip, folding the seats down will give you the advantage of massive additional space. With a 67.0 cu.ft. overall storage capacity, the 2022 Nissan Murano can easily accommodate any commute or vacation.
The 2022 Chevy Blazer offers a smaller driver and front passenger area, but a larger area in the back to accommodate growing kids. The Blazer has more trunk space, though its glovebox, console, and other storage areas are smaller. Plus, its maximum cargo capacity of 64.2 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded down offers slightly less space than the Murano. Thankfully, there are a variety of luxuries available for this model, including ambient lighting and heated seats for everyone, even the back row.
If you need more trunk space to hold groceries, library books, or sports equipment and want to take the car through some rougher terrain while on vacation, the Blazer is probably the best option. However, smaller families willing to fold down seats will gain more from the Murano. Plus, if you want everyone to have a bit of space to themselves and a more comfortable ride, the Murano is more likely to suit you.
21st-Century Conveniences
Before the inclusion of modern technology in vehicles, our entertainment choices were limited: the radio, conversation, reading, or staring out the window. Now, however, we can all join in a party game on our phones or get lost in a podcast, audiobook, or game while we travel—though of course, family karaoke time isn’t out of the question.
The 2022 Murano offers an 8” infotainment center that is compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones. It also features USB-A and USB-C ports in front and back, meaning that everyone can charge their phones or tablets at the same time. This is all standard in every trim level, and the technology suite also includes SiriusXM Travel Link for getting news and updates on traffic and weather, as well as the Nissan navigation system.
The 2022 Blazer features an 8” infotainment center as well, also compatible with both Apple and Android products, and USB ports in front and back for everyone to keep their electronics at full power. The Blazer also has an optional 120-volt outlet for faster phone and tablet charging; powering air mattresses pumps; compatible sports equipment; or even a small electric appliance—for outdoor cooking.
Other optional additions include a Bose stereo system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless charging for phones. The latter means no more fighting for power cords, space near the charging station, or screen time.
Which Vehicle Fits Your Family Just Right?
Depending on what your family does for work, education, activities, and vacation, you might be drawn to one model over the other. Are there aspects of the Nissan Murano you like? How does the Chevy Blazer’s design appeal to you (or not)? Take notes, make comparisons, and discuss each of them with family and friends. One of these models will eventually stand out to you as the most suitable new vehicle for you and your family.
However, each SUV is a certain fit for families on the go. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from a sedan or make a lateral move from another SUV, both the Murano and the Blazer are worth checking out and admiring for their updated features, solid design, and standard safety features.
