2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the familiar comfort of the 2025 Nissan Murano and the tech-forward efficiency of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid can be tough. If your primary concern is maximizing miles between fill-ups, the Tucson is the clear winner, boasting a combined MPG of 35, which is a significant 12 MPG better than the Murano’s 23 combined MPG. However, the Murano offers slightly more overall utility space with 32.9 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft. For performance seekers, the Tucson edges out the Murano in raw output, delivering 268 hp versus the Murano’s 241 hp. Despite the similar starting MSRPs—the Murano at $40,470 and the Tucson at $40,075—the daily running costs heavily favor the hybrid for budget-conscious drivers, even if the Murano is a touch larger physically at 192.9 inches long.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 35 and the potential for 32 miles of pure electric driving.
2025 Nissan Murano
Families might prefer the Murano for its slightly larger footprint, evidenced by its 192.9-inch length and marginally superior 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson PHEV offers better on-paper power with 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, beating the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
With nearly identical starting prices around $40,000, the Tucson provides significantly better long-term fuel savings due to its 35 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prefer traditional gasoline operation and don't want to deal with charging infrastructure for the 32-mile electric range.
- You need the absolute maximum non-hybrid cargo space, with 32.9 cu ft available behind the rear seats.
- You appreciate the slightly larger exterior dimensions, measuring 192.9 inches in length, which some drivers find more reassuring.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Tucson achieves a 35 combined MPG, beating the Murano by 12 MPG.
- You value standard All-Wheel Drive, which is included on the Tucson PHEV versus the Murano’s standard FWD.
- You want more horsepower for the price, as the Tucson delivers 268 hp for an MSRP of $40,075.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 182.7" |
| Width | 78.0" | 73.4" |
| Height | 67.9" | 66.3" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 108.5" |
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 | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 271 lb-ft |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 388.5/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 80/73 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 77 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 32 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 44 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 2.0 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 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 | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 54.5 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: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 |
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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more efficient is the 2026 Tucson PHEV compared to the 2025 Murano?
The difference is substantial; the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is rated for 35 combined MPG, whereas the Murano achieves only 23 combined MPG, giving the Hyundai a 12 MPG advantage on fuel efficiency.
Which crossover offers more cargo room for trips?
The 2025 Nissan Murano has a slight edge in pure cargo volume, offering 32.9 cu ft compared to the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV's 31.9 cu ft.
Is the Murano slower than the plug-in Tucson?
Yes, on paper, the Tucson is more powerful, delivering 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, while the Murano offers 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Does the Hyundai Tucson offer electric-only driving capability?
Yes, the 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid provides an EPA-estimated electric range of 32 miles, allowing many short commutes to be completed without using any regular unleaded fuel.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between these two vehicles?
The 2025 Nissan Murano comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, while the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
Are these vehicles similarly priced when new?
They are very close in starting price, with the Murano listed at $40,470 and the Tucson PHEV slightly lower at $40,075, making the Tucson a strong value proposition considering its hybrid tech.
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