2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$40,700 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle for the mid-size crossover crown pits the muscular 2025 Chevrolet Traverse against the sleek, redesigned 2026 Nissan Murano. The Traverse immediately excites with a potent 328 hp turbocharged engine delivering 326 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the Murano's 241 hp output. While both boast a shared 23 MPG combined, the Traverse is the larger beast, measuring 204.5 inches long compared to the Murano's more compact 192.9 inches. However, the new Murano offers significantly more hauling capability, boasting 32.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft, despite the Traverse's larger footprint. The Murano leans into efficiency with a 9-speed automatic compared to the Traverse's 8-speed, aiming for a slightly smoother urban experience, but ultimately, the Traverse brings raw, accessible power to the forefront for performance seekers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Murano

The 2026 Nissan Murano wins for daily commuting due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system and slightly better city MPG rating of 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The 2026 Nissan Murano provides superior utility for families with substantially more cargo capacity at 32.9 cubic feet versus 22.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse dominates enthusiast appeal with an overwhelming 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque advantage over the Murano.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offers significantly more horsepower (328 hp vs 241 hp) for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $40,700.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You prioritize straight-line performance, benefitting from 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You need a massive footprint, as the Traverse is 204.5 inches long, offering a commanding road presence.
You want the lowest entry price point, starting at $40,700, while getting the most power.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Maximum packing ability is crucial, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo space, almost 10 cu ft more than Car 1.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive traction for slippery conditions right out of the box.
You value the refinement of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Traverse's 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Nissan Murano
Length	204.5"	192.9"
Width	79.6"	78.0"
Height	69.6"	67.9"
Wheelbase	121.0"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	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	Chevrolet	Nissan
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	56.9 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	56.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Nissan
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Nissan Murano.

How significant is the performance difference between the Traverse and the Murano?

The difference is dramatic; the 2025 Traverse packs 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, offering 87 more horsepower than the 2026 Murano's 241 hp rating. This suggests the Traverse will have a much faster acceleration feel.

Which crossover is better for hauling gear based on specifications?

The 2026 Nissan Murano is the clear cargo champion, offering 32.9 cubic feet of capacity. In comparison, the larger 2025 Traverse only provides 22.9 cubic feet of storage behind the third row.

Do these crossovers have the same fuel economy?

Surprisingly, yes, both vehicles achieve an identical 23 MPG combined rating, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. The Murano achieves this with 21 city MPG versus the Traverse's 20 city MPG.

Is the base price difference between the two worth the power gap?

The Traverse is marginally cheaper at $40,700 versus the Murano's $41,670 MSRP. For $970 less, the Traverse delivers significantly more power, making it the better value proposition on performance metrics.

What is the primary mechanical difference besides horsepower?

The Traverse utilizes a front-wheel-drive base configuration with an 8-speed transmission, whereas the Murano comes standard with All-Wheel Drive mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Which vehicle is physically larger on the road?

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is substantially larger, measuring 204.5 inches in length and 79.6 inches in width. The 2026 Murano is more compact at 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide.