2025 Nissan Murano vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$40,470 · Crossover

$46,820 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the standard 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid often comes down to a classic trade-off: upfront cost versus long-term running expenses. If you are focused strictly on the initial purchase, the Murano starts significantly lower at $40,470 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820, a difference of $6,350. However, the fuel efficiency story flips the script dramatically. The Murano manages only 23 MPG combined on regular unleaded with its 241 hp engine, whereas the Highlander Hybrid offers an outstanding 35 MPG combined, promising massive savings over time despite having nearly identical horsepower at 243 hp. While the Murano is slightly shorter in length at 192.9 inches, the Highlander Hybrid provides its efficiency boost while delivering All-Wheel Drive standard, making the initial sticker shock a point of serious consideration against the daily running cost savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid's superior 35 MPG combined efficiency makes it the clear winner for daily, high-mileage commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano offers substantially more usable storage, boasting 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander Hybrid's restrictive 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Despite nearly identical horsepower (243 hp vs 241 hp), the Highlander Hybrid includes standard All-Wheel Drive, offering better dynamic capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

While the initial $6,350 price gap is large, the significant 12 MPG fuel economy advantage will recoup the cost quickly for most drivers.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Your budget requires the lowest possible starting MSRP, which is $40,470.
You prioritize maximum cargo space, needing the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.
You prefer the slightly punchier feel of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Saving money on gas is paramount, thanks to the 35 MPG combined rating.
You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied road conditions.
You are comfortable with the slightly tighter cabin space in exchange for major long-term fuel savings.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	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	Nissan	Toyota
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	17.1 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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.6 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	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

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.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	P235/65R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Highlander Hybrid compared to the Murano?

The difference is quite significant; the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves an impressive 35 MPG combined, while the 2025 Nissan Murano is rated for only 23 MPG combined. This 12 MPG difference translates to fewer stops at the pump for the Highlander owner.

Which vehicle is better for hauling gear or luggage?

The 2025 Nissan Murano is the far better choice for cargo capacity, offering 32.9 cu ft behind the rear seats. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid only provides 16 cu ft in the same configuration.

Is the performance significantly different between these two crossovers?

Performance is very similar on paper; the Murano has 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp but lower torque figure. The real difference is in delivery, with the Murano using a traditional 9-speed automatic and the Toyota using a CVT.

What is the initial purchase price difference between the two models?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid carries an MSRP of $46,820, making it $6,350 more expensive than the 2025 Nissan Murano, which starts at $40,470.

Do I get AWD standard on either model?

Yes, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Nissan Murano is listed with Front Wheel Drive as its standard setup.

Are both cars designed for the same size footprint on the road?

They are very close in size, but the Highlander Hybrid is slightly larger overall at 194.9 inches long compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches. Interestingly, the Murano is wider by 2.0 inches.