2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer and the all-new 2026 Nissan Murano often boils down to power versus practicality. If you crave acceleration, the Explorer dominates with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the Murano's 241 hp. However, budget-minded drivers will notice the Explorer starts slightly lower at $40,050 compared to the Murano's $41,670 MSRP. Fuel economy is closely matched, with the Explorer achieving a combined 24 MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG. For sheer utility, the Murano surprises with nearly double the accessible cargo space at 32.9 cu ft compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft behind the third row. The Explorer also boasts a longer 198.8-inch frame, suggesting more overall cabin real estate, but the Murano emphasizes a smaller footprint overall.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers better fuel efficiency at 29 MPG highway compared to the Murano's 27 MPG highway.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano provides substantially more usable space with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer appeals more to driving enthusiasts thanks to its impressive 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins on base power output per dollar, starting at $40,050 for 300 horsepower.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize sheer engine performance, as the Explorer offers 300 hp.
- You need a slightly larger vehicle, evidenced by its 198.8-inch length.
- You prefer the stability and traction dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive based platform.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Maximum cargo utilization is essential, given the 32.9 cu ft capacity.
- You value the enhanced grip provided by the standard all-wheel-drive system.
- You prefer a slightly more compact profile, measuring 192.9 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 192.9" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.0" |
| Height | 69.9" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 310 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 | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 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 | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How does the power difference between the Explorer and Murano affect daily driving?
The 2025 Ford Explorer holds a significant advantage with 300 hp compared to the Murano's 241 hp, meaning the Explorer will feel noticeably quicker during highway merging or passing maneuvers. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the Explorer's extra 59 horsepower translates directly into better straight-line acceleration.
Is the 2026 Nissan Murano more practical for hauling gear than the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Yes, based on the provided data, the Murano is much more accommodating for cargo, boasting 32.9 cu ft of capacity, almost double the Explorer’s 18.2 cu ft. This suggests the Murano prioritizes cargo access behind the third row, which is crucial for larger families or frequent haulers.
Which crossover saves more money at the pump over a year?
The Explorer is slightly thriftier on fuel, achieving a combined 24 MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined, leading to minor savings over high-mileage driving. However, the Explorer’s drivetrain is RWD, which can sometimes be less efficient than the Murano’s AWD setup in certain conditions, despite the provided MPG ratings.
Is the Murano's standard AWD worth the higher starting price over the Explorer?
The Murano starts at $41,670 with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the Explorer starts at $40,050 and is Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). For drivers frequently facing slick roads, the Murano's guaranteed AWD traction might justify the $1,620 price difference, especially when prioritizing grip over the Explorer's 59 extra horsepower.
What is the difference in size and maneuverability between these two crossovers?
The Explorer is the physically larger vehicle, being 5.9 inches longer (198.8 vs 192.9 inches) and slightly wider. While size can mean more passenger room, the Murano's smaller overall dimensions might translate to easier parking and slightly better agility in tight city environments.
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