2025 Nissan Murano vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$40,470 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Murano leaps forward with a refined aesthetic, boasting 241 hp and a spirited 260 lb-ft of torque managed by a responsive 9-speed automatic, aiming for smoother on-road composure while achieving 23 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Ascent hits the pavement ready for adventure, packing a punch with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, standard with robust All-Wheel Drive. While the Ascent is taller at 71.6 inches compared to the Murano's 67.9 inches, the Murano offers significantly more usable space, featuring 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, despite the Ascent's longer 196.8-inch frame. The Murano’s MSRP starts slightly higher at $40,470, but its FWD focus prioritizes daily efficiency, whereas the Ascent’s capability justifies its $39,995 starting price for drivers needing year-round traction.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, achieving 23 combined MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano is better suited for most families needing daily utility, offering a massive 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

Enthusiasts will favor the Ascent for its standard AWD and marginally higher power output, generating 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers more standard capability (AWD, more power) at a lower starting MSRP of $39,995 compared to the Murano's $40,470.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prioritize accessible cargo hauling, as the Murano offers an impressive 32.9 cubic feet of storage.
You prefer the predictability and smoother operation of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Your driving is primarily city and highway commuting where 21 MPG in the city is a priority.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

All-weather capability is mandatory, as the Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
You need maximum power in this segment, utilizing the Ascent's 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
You are looking for the absolute lowest entry price, with the Ascent starting at $39,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Subaru Ascent
Length	192.9"	196.8"
Width	78.0"	76.0"
Height	67.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	111.2"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Nissan	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	245/60R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

How much more cargo space does the Murano offer over the Ascent?

The 2025 Nissan Murano provides substantially more storage with 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is significantly greater than the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet, making the Murano better for hauling bulkier items.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between the two crossovers?

The difference is slight, but the Ascent technically leads with 260 horsepower compared to the Murano's 241 horsepower. Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for long highway commutes?

The Murano holds a slight edge for efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 27 MPG on the highway with its FWD configuration. The Ascent, due to standard AWD, is rated for 26 MPG highway.

Does the 2025 Murano or Ascent come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, while the 2025 Nissan Murano features a Front Wheel Drive configuration.

What is the difference in size and height between these two models?

The Ascent is the taller vehicle, measuring 71.6 inches high compared to the Murano's 67.9 inches, though the Murano is slightly longer at 192.9 inches versus the Ascent's 196.8 inches.

How does the transmission type affect the driving feel?

The Murano utilizes a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic, often providing distinct gear changes. In contrast, the Ascent uses a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT), which delivers smoother, gearless acceleration.