2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$40,470 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the established comfort of the 2025 Nissan Murano and the value-packed, redesigned 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe? This decision often comes down to balancing initial cost versus proven refinement. The Murano starts significantly higher at $40,470 compared to the Santa Fe's $34,800, a difference of $5,670 right off the bat. Despite the higher price, the Murano only offers 241 hp and a combined 23 MPG, relying on a 9-speed automatic. Conversely, the Santa Fe packs a punch with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, slightly beating the Murano's 260 lb-ft, while achieving a slightly better 24 MPG combined. Although the Murano is a bit longer at 192.9 inches, the Santa Fe offers more modern efficiency and superior power figures for a lower investment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano wins for commuters due to its slightly higher 27 MPG highway rating and potentially smoother ride dynamics associated with its platform.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers a much lower entry price point, saving families $5,670 upfront, which is a significant budgetary win.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe appeals more to enthusiasts with its robust 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Murano's 241 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe provides superior power output and slightly better fuel economy for nearly $5,700 less than the Murano.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prioritize the slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.
You prefer the Murano's larger exterior dimensions, measuring 192.9 inches in length.
You value the consistency of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Santa Fe's 8-speed unit.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Your budget demands savings, as the Santa Fe undercuts the Murano's MSRP by $5,670.
You want more immediate acceleration thanks to 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
You need a vehicle that is physically smaller and easier to maneuver, measuring 74.8 inches in width versus the Murano's 78.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	192.9"	190.2"
Width	78.0"	74.8"
Height	67.9"	67.7"
Wheelbase	111.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	Hyundai
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	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	311 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	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	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	235/60R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Santa Fe compared to the 2025 Murano?

The Santa Fe offers a noticeable advantage in performance, generating 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This stacks up against the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving the Hyundai a clear edge in raw power figures.

Is the difference in cargo space significant between these two crossovers?

Yes, there is a major difference; the 2025 Murano boasts 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2026 Santa Fe only offers 14.6 cubic feet, meaning the Murano provides more than double the dedicated storage space behind the rear seats.

Which car is better for saving money at the pump, considering their MPG?

The Santa Fe holds a slight edge with a combined MPG of 24 versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined, though both use regular unleaded fuel. On the highway, the Santa Fe hits 29 MPG while the Murano achieves 27 MPG.

Is the 2025 Murano much larger on the road than the 2026 Santa Fe?

The Murano is dimensionally bigger, measuring 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide. The Santa Fe is more compact, coming in at 190.2 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, making the Murano slightly bulkier for parking.

Why is the Santa Fe priced substantially lower despite having more horsepower?

The primary reason for the lower entry price is that the 2026 Santa Fe starts at $34,800, which is $5,670 less than the 2025 Murano's $40,470 MSRP, representing a major initial cost savings for the buyer.

Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?

No, although both use shiftable automatics, the Murano features a 9-speed unit while the redesigned Santa Fe is equipped with an 8-speed transmission.