2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Nissan Murano (Car 1) and the 2026 Kia Sorento (Car 2) lies in their Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), where the Sorento undercuts the Murano by a substantial $8,280, starting at $32,190 versus the Murano's $40,470. This price gap is coupled with a 50-horsepower difference; the Murano delivers 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Sorento, achieving a combined 26 MPG compared to the Murano's 23 MPG. While the Murano is physically larger at 192.9 inches long, the Sorento offers notably less cargo space at 12.6 cu ft versus the Murano's 32.9 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel and offer FWD powertrains, but the Murano employs a 9-speed automatic transmission, slightly more advanced than the Sorento's 8-speed unit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, offering 26 combined MPG compared to the Murano's 23 combined MPG.
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano is the better choice for families due to its substantially larger cargo capacity of 32.9 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano appeals more to driving enthusiasts by producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento provides superior value by saving buyers $8,280 in upfront cost while still achieving higher fuel economy.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Maximum utility is required, as evidenced by its 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Higher performance is prioritized, indicated by its 241 hp output.
- A more refined drivetrain is desired, utilizing a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Initial purchase price is a primary concern, given the $32,190 starting MSRP.
- Operating costs are minimized, reflected in the higher 26 combined MPG rating.
- A more compact footprint is beneficial, as the Sorento is 3.3 inches shorter in length than the Murano.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 189.6" |
| Width | 78.0" | 74.8" |
| Height | 67.9" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 181 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.6 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: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 100000 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 Kia Sorento.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Murano and the 2026 Sorento?
The 2025 Nissan Murano has a clear power advantage, delivering 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento is rated at 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, making the Murano significantly stronger in acceleration tests.
How does the difference in MSRP impact the overall value proposition?
The Kia Sorento offers exceptional upfront value, starting $8,280 cheaper than the Murano. While the Murano provides more horsepower and cargo volume, the Sorento's lower entry price makes it more accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Which crossover is better for maximizing storage space?
The 2025 Nissan Murano is the superior choice for storage, boasting 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Kia Sorento trails considerably with only 12.6 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Is there a significant fuel economy advantage between these two FWD crossovers?
Yes, the Sorento has an edge in efficiency, achieving a 26 combined MPG rating compared to the Murano’s 23 combined MPG. This 3 MPG difference translates to lower long-term operating costs for the Sorento.
Are the transmissions substantially different between the two models?
The Murano utilizes a more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, potentially offering smoother gear transitions and better utilization of its 260 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento is equipped with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
How do the exterior dimensions compare, especially for parking?
The Murano is wider and longer, measuring 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide. The Sorento is marginally easier to maneuver in tight spots due to its narrower 74.8-inch width and shorter 189.6-inch length.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool