2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between a sporty, efficient crossover and a more powerful, slightly larger option can be tough. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 starts at a highly attractive $30,500, significantly undercutting the 2026 Nissan Murano's $41,670 MSRP—a massive $11,170 price gap. This affordability comes with superior efficiency; the CX-50 boasts a 28 MPG combined rating, easily beating the Murano's 23 MPG combined. However, if highway passing power is your priority, the Murano counters with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. While the Murano offers a bit more space, yielding 32.9 cu ft of cargo compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft, the overall dimensions of the smaller CX-50 (185.8 inches long) might suit tighter parking situations better than the larger Murano.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 28 MPG combined versus the Murano's 23 MPG.
2026 Nissan Murano
Families will likely appreciate the larger 2026 Nissan Murano which offers slightly more cargo room at 32.9 cu ft and more comfortable power for hauling.
2026 Nissan Murano
Enthusiasts will favor the Murano because its 241 horsepower provides significantly better performance than the CX-50's 187 hp.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 provides significantly better value, saving buyers $11,170 upfront while still offering standard all-wheel drive.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Your primary concern is keeping running costs low, as the CX-50 achieves 28 MPG combined.
- You prefer a lower entry price, benefiting from a $11,170 MSRP advantage over the Murano.
- You value nimble handling reflected in the smaller exterior dimensions (185.8 inches long).
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You frequently need higher passing power, thanks to the Murano's 241 horsepower output.
- You can utilize the extra space offered by the Murano's 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the smoother shifting feel associated with the Murano's 9-speed automatic transmission over the CX-50's 6-speed.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 192.9" |
| Width | 75.6" | 78.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How much more power does the 2026 Nissan Murano have over the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
The Murano offers substantially more muscle, producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is 54 more horsepower and 75 more lb-ft of torque than the CX-50’s 187 hp and 185 lb-ft.
Is the Mazda CX-50 significantly more fuel efficient than the Nissan Murano?
Yes, the CX-50 is notably more efficient, achieving a combined 28 MPG using regular unleaded fuel, while the Murano is rated at 23 MPG combined.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Nissan Murano starts at $41,670, meaning it costs $11,170 more than the 2025 Mazda CX-50 which has an MSRP of $30,500.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?
The 2026 Nissan Murano technically wins on paper, offering 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Nissan Murano come equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as a standard feature.
How do the transmissions compare between the two crossovers?
The CX-50 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the more powerful Murano is paired with a more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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