2025 Nissan Murano vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano arrives boasting a sleek redesign and an engaging 241 hp engine paired with a modern 9-speed automatic transmission, aiming for stylish, comfortable cruising. However, the segment veteran, the 2025 Toyota Highlander, counters with superior raw output, delivering 265 hp and a robust 310 lb-ft of torque from its powertrain. While both midsize crossovers hover near the $40,470 MSRP mark for the Murano and $40,320 for the Highlander, efficiency paints a clear picture: the Highlander achieves 25 MPG combined compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined. The Murano does offer significantly more utility, boasting 32.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Highlander's tighter 16 cu ft, yet the Highlander is slightly longer at 194.9 inches for potential better ride stability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined, making daily driving less expensive.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers dramatically more utility for hauling gear and groceries with 32.9 cu ft of cargo space.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander provides superior grunt, putting down 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque for a more spirited feel.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander carries a slightly lower MSRP of $40,320 and delivers better performance metrics for the cost.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prioritize maximum utility, as the Murano offers a substantial 32.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the smoother shifting feel of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Highlander's 8-speed.
- You value a slightly shorter overall length (192.9 inches) for easier maneuvering in tight city spots.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You demand superior immediate acceleration backed by 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the best efficiency, realizing 29 MPG on the highway versus the Murano's 27 MPG.
- You seek the lowest initial entry point with an MSRP of $40,320.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 194.9" |
| Width | 78.0" | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 57.2 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Toyota Highlander.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Murano and 2025 Highlander?
The Highlander holds a notable advantage, producing 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Murano offers 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; this 24 hp difference translates to snappier passing power in the Toyota.
Which crossover is better for long road trips regarding fuel stops?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the preferred choice for reducing fuel stops, achieving a combined 25 MPG compared to the Murano’s 23 MPG combined rating.
Why does the Murano have so much more cargo room?
The Murano prioritizes utility in its dimensions, offering 32.9 cu ft behind the rear seats, which is nearly double the 16 cu ft provided by the sleeker-packaged 2025 Highlander.
Are the transmissions vastly different between these two FWD crossovers?
Yes, the Murano utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, potentially offering a smoother or more direct feel during gear changes, while the Highlander employs a traditional 8-speed unit.
How close are the MSRPs for the base models?
The starting prices are extremely close, with the Highlander listed at $40,320 and the Murano at $40,470, meaning the decision will likely hinge on features rather than the initial sticker shock.
Do either of these models require premium fuel?
Fortunately for both cost-conscious buyers, both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are specified to run optimally on regular unleaded fuel.
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