2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi Q3 sprints onto the scene offering precision German engineering in a compact package, exciting drivers with its standard 228 hp and an accessible starting MSRP of $39,800. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 Nissan Murano brings raw physical presence and power, boasting 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it the larger contender at 192.9 inches long. While both crossovers deliver an identical 23 MPG combined rating and utilize AWD, the Q3 remains nimbler due to its smaller footprint (72.8 inches wide vs. the Murano's 78.0 inches). The Murano offers a massive advantage in utility, providing 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Q3's 23.7 cu ft. For those prioritizing efficient luxury presence, the Q3 is compelling; however, the Murano clearly wins on sheer capability and presence for a marginally higher initial outlay.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3’s smaller exterior dimensions (176.6 inches length) make it significantly easier to maneuver and park in dense urban environments.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano offers substantially more room, boasting 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, which dwarfs the Q3's 23.7 cu ft.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano edges out the Q3 with superior mechanical output, delivering 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque through a newer 9-speed transmission.
2025 Audi Q3
Starting at $39,800, the Audi Q3 provides premium badge appeal and standard AWD for $1,870 less than the base 2026 Nissan Murano.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- You desire the prestige and compact handling associated with the Audi badge, starting at $39,800.
- Your driving requires excellent maneuverability due to its shorter length of 176.6 inches.
- You prefer utilizing regular unleaded fuel while maintaining a respectable 28 MPG highway rating.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Maximum utility is paramount, demonstrated by its segment-leading 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You want greater raw power figures, specifically 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a smoother, potentially more refined shifting experience provided by the 9-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.6" | 192.9" |
| Width | 72.8" | 78.0" |
| Height | 62.9" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.5" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/28 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 318.0/445.2 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Nissan Murano?
The Murano holds a distinct advantage in output, producing 241 horsepower compared to the Q3's 228 hp. While both run on regular unleaded, the Murano's higher torque (260 lb-ft vs. 251 lb-ft) might offer better responsiveness when fully loaded.
Which crossover offers better practicality for hauling large items?
The 2026 Nissan Murano is the clear winner for cargo, offering 32.9 cubic feet of storage space. The 2025 Audi Q3 lags considerably behind with only 23.7 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.
Do these vehicles have the same fuel economy despite their differences?
Surprisingly, both vehicles achieve an identical 23 MPG combined rating. The Q3 edges out slightly on the highway at 28 MPG versus the Murano's 27 MPG, even with the Murano's larger body.
Is the 2025 Audi Q3 much smaller than the Murano in everyday driving?
Yes, the dimensions are quite different; the Q3 measures 176.6 inches long, making it over 16 inches shorter than the Murano's 192.9-inch length, resulting in a more compact feel.
What is the main advantage of the Audi Q3 regarding its starting price?
The 2025 Audi Q3 boasts a lower MSRP starting at $39,800, undercutting the 2026 Nissan Murano's base price by $1,870, making entry into the luxury brand more accessible.
How does the AWD system deployment differ between the two models?
Both cars feature all-wheel drive, but the Q3 uses an 8-speed automatic, while the Murano steps up to a 9-speed automatic transmission, which may offer finer ratio adjustments for managing its slightly higher power delivery.
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