2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Murano launches with muscular ambition, boasting 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering a decidedly punchier drive than the 2026 Ford Escape's 180 hp baseline. While the Murano commands a significant premium, starting at $40,470 versus the Escape's appealing $30,350, it aims at buyers prioritizing performance swagger. The smaller Escape counters with superior frugality, achieving 30 MPG combined, significantly better than the Murano's 23 MPG combined rating, signaling a practical lean. This contest boils down to power versus price and thrift; the Murano is notably larger at 192.9 inches long, while the Escape offers more utility with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft. The $10,120 price gap is the most jarring separation point.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG.
2026 Ford Escape
Families will benefit from the Ford Escape’s larger cargo capacity of 37.5 cu ft, even though it is the shorter vehicle.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano provides substantially more kinetic excitement with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers significantly better value, undercutting the Murano's starting MSRP by a commanding $10,120.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You desire effortless highway merging, leveraging the Murano's potent 241 horsepower output.
- You prefer the commanding presence of a larger crossover, evidenced by its 192.9-inch length.
- You appreciate the sophisticated feel that often accompanies a higher starting MSRP of $40,470.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Saving money is paramount, given the Escape's $30,350 starting price.
- Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, thanks to its class-leading 34 MPG highway rating.
- You need maximum packing flexibility, utilizing the Escape's 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 180.1" |
| Width | 78.0" | 74.1" |
| Height | 67.9" | 66.0" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 106.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 399.6/503.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 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: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 225/65R H |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Ford Escape.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Murano than the 2026 Escape?
The Nissan Murano has a significant power advantage, producing 241 horsepower compared to the Ford Escape's 180 horsepower. This 61 hp difference means the Murano accelerates with noticeably more urgency than its smaller counterpart.
Which crossover is better for hauling gear between the two?
The 2026 Ford Escape offers superior storage volume, providing 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the 2025 Nissan Murano's 32.9 cubic feet. Despite being physically smaller overall, the Escape maximizes interior utility.
What is the real-world fuel economy difference for city driving?
The 2026 Ford Escape excels in city efficiency, achieving 27 MPG, while the 2025 Nissan Murano lags behind with only 21 MPG in urban settings. This 6 MPG gap translates directly to fewer trips to the gas station for Escape owners.
Is the massive price difference between the two vehicles justified by the Murano's features?
The 2025 Nissan Murano costs $10,120 more than the 2026 Ford Escape, suggesting the higher cost reflects increased power (241 hp vs 180 hp) and potentially premium interior appointments not detailed here. Value definitely leans toward the less expensive Escape.
Do both vehicles use similar automatic transmissions?
No, they utilize different setups; the Murano employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Escape is equipped with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. The Murano’s extra gear offers potentially smoother cruising ratios.
Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Ford Escape are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for optimal performance.
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