2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Nissan Murano is power output, with the Explorer delivering 300 hp versus the Murano's 241 hp, a gap of 59 horsepower. This performance edge extends to torque, where the Explorer leads with 310 lb-ft compared to the Murano's 260 lb-ft. However, the Murano maintains a slight efficiency advantage, achieving 23 MPG combined against the Explorer's 24 MPG combined, although the Explorer's 29 MPG highway rating slightly surpasses the Murano's 27 MPG highway. Priced at $38,330, the Explorer undercuts the Murano's $40,470 MSRP. Dimensionally, the Explorer is longer at 198.8 inches and offers a taller stance at 69.9 inches, yet the Murano provides double the usable storage with 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft. The choice hinges on prioritizing 59 horsepower or substantial cargo volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano's superior 23 MPG combined fuel economy and slightly smaller footprint make it marginally better suited for daily commuting efficiency.
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano offers substantially more utility with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the 16.3 cu ft in the Explorer.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Explorer's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque provide a definitive advantage in dynamic performance over the Murano.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers significantly more horsepower (300 hp vs 241 hp) for a lower starting MSRP of $38,330 compared to $40,470.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You require maximum interior utility, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prioritize a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG.
- You prefer a front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- High engine output is critical, as the Explorer delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Your budget is tighter, with the Explorer starting $2,140 less at $38,330 MSRP.
- You prefer the geometry of a rear-wheel-drive platform and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.9" |
| Height | 67.9" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 119.1" |
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 | 2 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 310 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-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 | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Ford Explorer.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Ford Explorer than the 2025 Nissan Murano?
The 2026 Ford Explorer boasts 300 horsepower, which is 59 hp more than the 2025 Nissan Murano's 241 horsepower. The Explorer also generates 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 260 lb-ft.
Which crossover is better for long highway commutes based on MPG figures?
The Ford Explorer achieves a slightly better highway MPG rating of 29 MPG, while the Nissan Murano is rated for 27 MPG highway. However, the Murano leads in combined efficiency at 23 MPG versus the Explorer's 24 MPG, though this difference is negligible.
Does the difference in cargo capacity significantly affect family hauling?
Yes, the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo space, which is nearly double the 16.3 cu ft available in the Ford Explorer. For carrying large amounts of gear or luggage, the Murano is significantly more accommodating.
What is the price difference between the base models of these two vehicles?
The 2026 Ford Explorer has a lower starting MSRP of $38,330, undercutting the 2025 Nissan Murano's MSRP of $40,470 by $2,140.
What are the primary drivetrain differences noted between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Nissan Murano utilizes front-wheel drive with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Explorer is specified with a rear-wheel-drive configuration paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Are there significant dimensional differences between the two crossovers?
The Ford Explorer is physically larger, being 198.8 inches long compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches, and taller at 69.9 inches versus 67.9 inches. Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel.
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