When it comes to finding the ideal SUV for your family in St. Joseph, Missouri, Nissan offers two compelling options: the versatile Nissan Rogue and the sophisticated Nissan Murano. Both deliver Nissan’s renowned reliability and innovative features, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
At Rolling Hills Nissan, we understand that choosing the right SUV is a big decision. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Size and Space: How Much Room Do You Need?
The most immediate difference between the Rogue and the Murano is their size.
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue is a compact SUV, perfect for navigating city streets in St. Joseph with ease while still offering surprising interior space. It comfortably seats five passengers and provides ample cargo room for groceries, sports gear, or weekend adventures. If you appreciate nimble handling and easier parking, the Rogue’s dimensions are a major plus.
- Nissan Murano: Stepping up to the Murano, you enter the mid-size SUV segment. While also seating five, the Murano offers a more expansive and luxurious cabin, particularly for rear-seat passengers. Its larger footprint translates to more legroom, shoulder room, and overall passenger comfort, making it ideal for families with older children or those who frequently travel with adult passengers.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Smooth Ride or Spirited Efficiency?
Both SUVs deliver a comfortable driving experience, but their powertrains offer different characteristics.
- Nissan Rogue: Typically powered by a fuel-efficient engine (often a turbocharged 3-cylinder in recent models), the Rogue offers peppy acceleration perfect for daily commuting and highway driving. It prioritizes fuel economy without sacrificing responsiveness, making it a great choice for those mindful of gas consumption around St. Joseph. Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive provides confident traction.
- Nissan Murano: The Murano comes with a more powerful V6 engine, delivering smoother and more robust acceleration. This makes it feel more effortless when merging onto highways or tackling steeper inclines. If a refined, quiet ride and a bit more power are higher on your list, the Murano excels. It also offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for enhanced control.
Interior Features & Technology: Comfort Meets Connectivity
Nissan is known for its user-friendly technology and comfortable interiors, and both the Rogue and Murano live up to this reputation.
- Nissan Rogue: Features a modern and practical interior with available amenities like a panoramic moonroof, digital dashboard, and ProPILOT Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Its intuitive infotainment system keeps you connected on the go.
- Nissan Murano: Boasts a more upscale and premium cabin design, often with more soft-touch materials and sophisticated styling cues. It shares many of Nissan’s advanced technology features, including a responsive touchscreen, NissanConnect® services, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
Safety: Prioritizing Peace of Mind
Both the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Murano come standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a comprehensive suite of six driver-assist features designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe on every journey. This includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
Higher trims on both models may offer even more advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies.
Which Nissan SUV is Right for YOUR Family?
- Choose the Nissan Rogue if:
- You prefer a compact SUV for city driving and easier parking.
- Fuel efficiency is a top priority.
- You need versatile cargo space and comfortable seating for five.
- You’re looking for a great value in a highly capable SUV.
- Choose the Nissan Murano if:
- You desire a more spacious and luxurious cabin, especially for adult passengers.
- A smoother, more powerful V6 engine is appealing.
- You prioritize a premium interior feel and refined ride quality.
- You frequently take longer road trips with passengers.
Test Drive Both at Rolling Hills Nissan in St. Joseph, MO!
The best way to decide between the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Murano is to experience them firsthand. Visit us at Rolling Hills Nissan in St. Joseph, Missouri. Our knowledgeable team can walk you through the features of each model, answer all your questions, and help you compare them side-by-side.
We serve drivers from St. Joseph, Savannah, Atchison, and throughout the surrounding areas. Come discover your perfect Nissan SUV today!


