2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$40,470 · Crossover

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sleek 2025 Nissan Murano and the newly redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Traverse often comes down to prioritizing immediate performance versus overall footprint. While both crossovers hover around the $40,000 mark, starting at $40,470 for the Murano and $40,800 for the Traverse, the power dynamic is significantly different. The Traverse boasts a robust 328 hp, which dwarfs the Murano's 241 hp, offering a substantial 87 hp advantage for spirited driving. However, in terms of efficiency, both land at a combined 23 MPG, though the Murano offers slightly better city mileage at 21 MPG versus the Traverse's 20 MPG. Dimensionally, the Traverse is significantly larger at 204.5 inches long compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches, a key factor when considering parking ease, though this larger size doesn't translate to more usable cargo space, as the Murano provides 32.9 cu ft versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano's slightly smaller dimensions (192.9 inches long) and better city fuel economy (21 MPG) make it marginally easier to manage in stop-and-go traffic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Despite the smaller listed cargo space, the Traverse’s significantly larger exterior dimensions (204.5 inches long) suggest a more accommodating interior volume overall, especially if a third row is assumed.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Traverse holds a clear performance edge with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano offers comparable combined fuel economy (23 MPG) at a slightly lower starting MSRP of $40,470.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You value easier maneuvering and parking due to its shorter length of 192.9 inches.
You prefer the Murano's 32.9 cu ft of cargo space over the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft in this direct measurement.
You are looking to save approximately $330 initially, with an MSRP of $40,470.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You prioritize maximum acceleration, benefiting from 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You require the larger exterior footprint, measuring 204.5 inches long and 79.6 inches wide.
You desire the slightly higher maximum highway fuel economy rating of 27 MPG, matching Car 1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	192.9"	204.5"
Width	78.0"	79.6"
Height	67.9"	69.6"
Wheelbase	111.2"	121.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
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	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	17.7 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	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	62.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	58.7 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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	62.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
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	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Chevrolet
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.

How does the horsepower difference affect daily driving between the Murano and the Traverse?

The 2026 Traverse’s 328 hp gives it a substantial performance edge over the Murano’s 241 hp, meaning the Traverse will feel much quicker when accelerating onto highways or passing. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the Traverse’s extra 87 hp will be noticeable during spirited moments.

Which vehicle is genuinely better for cargo storage?

Based on the specified numbers, the 2025 Murano wins the direct cargo measurement with 32.9 cu ft versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft. However, the Traverse is significantly larger overall, suggesting its total interior volume might be greater, possibly indicating that the Murano measurement is behind the second row while the Traverse measurement is limited by its likely three-row configuration.

Are there significant fuel economy trade-offs for the Traverse's extra power?

Surprisingly, no significant trade-off is evident in the EPA estimates; both vehicles achieve a combined 23 MPG. Both achieve 27 MPG on the highway, though the Murano slightly edges out the Traverse in the city, achieving 21 MPG versus 20 MPG.

Is the starting price difference between the two models meaningful?

The price difference is minimal, with the Murano starting at $40,470 and the Traverse at $40,800. This small difference of $330 is likely negligible compared to the performance gap of 87 horsepower.

How much bigger is the 2026 Traverse physically compared to the 2025 Murano?

The Traverse is considerably larger, measuring 204.5 inches in length compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches—a difference of over 11 inches. It is also wider and taller, which impacts maneuverability.

Do either of these crossovers offer All-Wheel Drive based on the specs provided?

Based solely on the provided data, both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse are listed with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as their standard configuration. Information regarding optional AWD availability is not present here.