If you are in the market for a mid-size SUV, the 2016 incarnations of both the Nissan Murano and the Ford Edge should be on your list. Both have a lot to offer shoppers looking for space, style and performance.

To help you decide, here is a closer look at each model.

2016 Nissan Murano

The newest Murano has rightfully been called a head-turner, with its elegant styling. Officially considered a mid-size crossover, it is a sporty, comfortable utility vehicle with a luxury feel, but still has plenty of room for five passengers.

The engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 with a double-overhead-cam, delivering 260 horsepower with 240 pound-feet of torque. Though not in the trailblazing class, that’s plenty of power, and Nissan has made considerable strides in improving the engines efficiency. In the Murano, it comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission and is available in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Its rated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

But the Murano is known for comfort and style amongst its other traits. Its good looks start with the V-motion grille, and what is called “boomerang-style” headlights. From the outside, the vehicle has a distinctive look, especially with the blacked out pillars that make the roof seem to float.

The inside is roomy for driver and passengers, with a moderate amount of cargo area. The seats are contoured with plenty of space for adults of all sizes. The cab is especially quiet, making conversation and music easy to hear. The 2016 Murano’s pricing starts in the low $30Ks.

2016 Ford Edge

Officially called a five-passenger crossover SUV, the newest Ford Edge has undergone a major redesign for 2016. It offers drivers and passengers convenience and crisp styling. The 2016 Edge has a starting price of about $1,000 than the Murano.

The Edge comes with a choice of engines. The standard engine is the fuel efficient Ford 2.0-liter EcoBoost, offering 245 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, from a powerful, compact turbocharged engine. Upgrades include either the V-6 with 280 horsepower, or the 2.7-liter V-6, called the Edge Sport, with 315 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque.

The Edge comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive. Fuel ratings for the basic engine, the EcoBoost, are 21 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. For the more powerful Edge Sport, it’s 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.

The Edge’s exterior is sporty, with alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The interior is roomy, made for the comfort of driver and passengers. The cargo room is adequate. Passengers in back appreciate the amount of legroom. Active noise cancellation technology keeps the cab quiet. The seats in front are high, giving the driver an excellent view over the hood.

Conclusion

Both the 2016 Nissan Murano and Ford Edge delivers strong performance and good fuel economy for their class. In both models, the emphasis in design is on comfort and looks, not ruggedness for the off-road trail or hauling heavy loads.

For a historical comparison, see how these two models measured up in the 2015 model year.

Which 2016 model do you prefer? Take our poll and let us know.

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