2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (Car1) and the 2026 Nissan Murano (Car2) is fuel economy, with the Niro achieving a combined 48 MPG versus the Murano’s 23 MPG, resulting in a substantial 25 MPG advantage for the Kia. The Murano counters with superior raw performance, boasting 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the Niro’s 180 hp. Price is another major divergence, with Car1 starting at $34,490 against Car2’s $41,670 MSRP, a $7,180 spread. The larger Murano offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo space, eclipsing the Niro’s 19.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the Niro provides 33 miles of pure electric range, a metric the Murano completely lacks, favoring long-term commuter savings over the Murano's AWD capability and larger chassis dimensions (192.9 inches length vs. 174.0 inches).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid wins due to its segment-leading combined 48 MPG rating and 33 miles of all-electric range for short daily drives.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano offers substantially more physical space, including 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity and a larger overall footprint compared to the Niro.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano delivers 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque along with standard All-Wheel Drive, significantly outperforming the Niro’s 180 hp output.
2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Niro commands better overall value by costing $7,180 less MSRP and delivering an exceptional 48 MPG combined efficiency.
Choose the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing annual fuel expenditure, leveraging the 48 MPG combined rating.
- You require a usable electric-only buffer, as the Niro offers a certified 33 miles of EV range.
- Budget is a firm constraint, considering the $34,490 starting MSRP is significantly lower than the competition.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prioritize maximum power, benefiting from the 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- You frequently navigate adverse weather, as the Murano includes All-Wheel Drive.
- Maximum utility is necessary, utilizing the 32.9 cu ft of cargo space, which dwarfs the Niro's 19.4 cu ft.
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 | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Nissan Murano.
What is the actual fuel cost savings difference between these two crossovers?
The difference in fuel efficiency is stark: the Niro achieves 48 MPG combined while the Murano achieves 23 MPG combined. This 25 MPG gap means the Niro driver will consume fuel at less than half the rate of the Murano driver over equivalent distances.
How does the electric-only capability of the Niro impact commuting?
The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers 33 miles of electric range. If your daily round-trip commute is less than 33 miles, you may operate nearly exclusively on electricity, bypassing gasoline purchases entirely for those drives.
Is the increased size of the 2026 Nissan Murano justified by its price increase?
The Murano is physically larger (192.9 inches long vs. 174.0 inches) and offers 13.5 cubic feet more cargo volume (32.9 vs. 19.4 cu ft). This increase in utility is balanced against a $7,180 higher MSRP.
Which vehicle offers a better driving experience for spirited driving?
The 2026 Nissan Murano is superior for performance enthusiasts, delivering 61 more horsepower (241 hp vs. 180 hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
Does the transmission type significantly affect drivability between the two models?
Yes, the Niro utilizes a 6-speed automated manual focused on efficiency, whereas the larger Murano employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission which is generally better suited for handling its higher torque output of 260 lb-ft.
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