2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Murano

$34,490 · Crossover

$40,470 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary distinction between the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (Car1) and the 2025 Nissan Murano (Car2) is fuel economy, with the Niro achieving a combined 48 MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG, representing a 25 MPG advantage for the Kia. This efficiency comes alongside a significant $5,980 MSRP difference, as the Niro starts at $34,490 compared to the Murano's $40,470. Performance figures favor the Murano, which offers 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Niro's 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. However, the Niro provides 33 miles of all-electric range, making daily commuting potentially gas-free, whereas the Murano lacks an electric mode. Size differences are also notable: the Murano is over 18 inches longer (192.9 vs. 174.0 inches) and offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Niro's 19.4 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV offers 33 miles of electric range and achieves a combined 48 MPG, drastically lowering daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano provides significantly greater physical dimensions, including 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 19.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Murano

The 2025 Nissan Murano delivers superior performance metrics with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, besting the Niro's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Niro commands superior value by saving $5,980 upfront while delivering a 25 MPG fuel efficiency advantage.

Choose the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your budget requires a starting MSRP below $35,000, as the Niro is priced at $34,490.
You prioritize maximum fuel economy, reflected in its 48 combined MPG rating.
Your driving pattern allows you to utilize the full 33 miles of electric range for daily travel.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You require substantial cargo volume, as the Murano offers 32.9 cubic feet compared to 19.4 cu ft.
You need higher power output, provided by the Murano's 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the Niro's 6-speed automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid	Nissan Murano
Length	174.0"	192.9"
Width	71.8"	78.0"
Height	60.8"	67.9"
Wheelbase	107.1"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	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	✓	✓
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	180 hp	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	195 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	Kia	Nissan
Transmission Type	6-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	49/47 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	48 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	480.2/460.6 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	113/102 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	108 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	33 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	31	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.8 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	9.8 gal.	18.7 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	56.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/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	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
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	Kia	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	P255/55R20
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Nissan Murano.

What is the total fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid yields a combined 48 MPG, which is substantially higher than the 2025 Nissan Murano’s 23 MPG combined rating. This 25 MPG variance means the Niro offers significantly lower long-term fuel expenditures.

How does the electric range of the Niro affect ownership versus the Murano?

The Niro PHEV provides 33 miles of all-electric range, potentially covering many daily commutes without gasoline consumption. The Nissan Murano does not offer any electric-only driving capability.

Is the price gap between the two models significant?

Yes, there is a $5,980 difference in their starting MSRPs, with the Kia Niro PHEV positioned at $34,490 and the Nissan Murano at $40,470. This large initial saving is a critical consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Which vehicle offers better acceleration based on horsepower and torque?

The Nissan Murano is the more powerful vehicle, boasting 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This performance edge exceeds the Kia Niro's 180 hp and 195 lb-ft.

Which crossover provides more interior storage space?

The 2025 Nissan Murano offers significantly more utility with 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV is constrained to 19.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.